Section 8 housing in North Carolina was developed decades ago to help underprivileged state residents pay for adequate housing. Low income housing programs in NC are funded in large part by the federal government. HUD (Housing and Urban Development) is responsible for overseeing distribution of aid funds to the local housing authority, who are in turn accountable for verifying information and qualifying candidates for benefits.

The low income house rentals program in NC uses public housing authorities (PHA) to govern the program at the local level. The PHA distributes vouchers to qualified applicants who can then use the vouchers to pay a percentage of their rent and utility costs. NC Section 8 qualifying requirements are based on several factors, such as income, number and ages of household members, and citizenship status. Find out more about NC Section 8 by reviewing the topics below:

• Section 8 eligibility in North Carolina
• How to apply for Section 8 housing in North Carolina
• Information about Section 8 waiting lists in North Carolina
• Section 8 denials in North Carolina

Learn About Section 8 Requirements in North Carolina

“Do I qualify for Section 8 housing?” is one of the most common questions that new applicants ask. North Carolina maintains a list of required qualifications which petitioners are encouraged to check. Section 8 eligibility is largely dependent upon the joint income of all adult household members.

So, what are the qualifications for low income housing in NC? To meet the income requirement, applicants must earn less than 30 percent of the median level of income for the state. The local PHA is the agency responsible for verifying the information provided in the application. To get detailed information about what are the requirements for Section 8 housing, applicants can visit the local PHA branch.

After determining Section 8 qualification, the next question is, “What do I need to apply for Section 8?” Section 8 applicants must provide documented proof of income, citizenship status and criminal history.

Section 8 petitioners in North Carolina are required to be in-state residents and US citizens or naturalized alien residents. In the state of NC, only one member of the household must be a US citizen in order for citizenship requirements to be met.

Section 8 eligibility will not be met if the applicant or any of the household members has a criminal, drug, or sexual offence charge. Anyone evicted from Section 8 housing in the past may only reapply to the program after three years.

Learn How to Apply for Section 8 Housing in North Carolina

Knowing how to sign up for Section 8 housing and making sure to do it correctly is crucial. Low income housing applicants must fill out the HUD Section 8 application clearly, correctly and honestly, providing any and all required documentation. Some counties offer an online application for low income housing, but in most instances, the applicant must either print out the form or pick one up from a local PHA office and then submit it in person.

Generally, in order to register for Section 8 housing program assistance in NC, the applicant must complete a pre-application form, though some counties have applicants submit the Section 8 form directly. The PHA agent is in charge of determining eligibility. Once the forms have been submitted, an applicant should wait at least two weeks before inquiring about its status. Within two weeks, the petitioner should receive a letter in the mail either confirming or denying their Section 8 eligibility. To check status for Section 8 applications, the applicant can speak with a PHA agent, visit the local HUD office, or in some counties, inquire online. If an applicant has been admitted to the program, then their name will go on the waiting list.

Learn About Section 8 Waiting Lists in North Carolina

In North Carolina, Section 8 applicants will need to contact a PHA agent in person or by phone to ask about the waiting list status. Most waiting lists only open for a certain number of days each year. The Section 8 housing waiting list covers all 100 counties in NC, but availability varies by county. Petitioners wondering “When will the Section 8 waiting lists open up?” can continue to check back with their PHA branch on a weekly basis. Waiting lists are updated every few days as vacancies become available. Certain PHAs will not accept applications when the Section 8 housing program application waiting list is closed, even if an applicant is qualified.

Applicants are advised to place their name on other programs’ low income housing waiting lists or to check waiting list status for Section 8 housing regularly. Apartment complexes that accept the housing choice vouchers are privately owned, and the landlord reserves the right to deny a potential tenant, as long as no discrimination laws are violated, even if an applicant is qualified.

Learn About Section 8 Denials in North Carolina

A Section 8 denial letter is sent to petitioners who have been rejected for the low income housing program. However, filing a Section 8 denial appeal is within the petitioner’s right if he or she feels that the rejection has been unjustified. What are the reasons for Section 8 denial? A Section 8 application can be declined for many reasons. Some of the main reasons for aid denial include incomplete applications, or disqualifying factors that were discovered during the verification process. The Section 8 denial letter must list out the exact reason for the petitioner’s ineligibility so that the applicant can refute the denial, if her or she chooses to do so.

Most applicants do not know what to do if Section 8 application was denied, and do not bother to appeal the ruling. However, the appeal is a formal request for a meeting for the application to be reviewed by a PHA agent and any other responsible parties. During this meeting, the decision can be reconsidered and the Section 8 housing disqualifications can be discussed and refuted, if applicable. To learn how to appeal Section 8 denial, the petitioner should read the letter carefully, then review the required list of qualifications stipulated by North Carolina and the US government. If all qualifications have been met, then the applicant may have grounds for winning their appeal.

Website: Local Offices.

State: North Carolina