The Ohio Section 8 program is an ongoing effort to provide relief and assistance for those who are seeking adequate housing. Benefits of the Section 8 housing program go to those who are considered low to very low income households. The public housing authority (PHA) locally administers aid, however, the federal government oversees operations through HUD, the Housing and Urban Development Agency.

Low income housing in OH is offered to those qualified families whose annual income (for all household members) falls at least thirty percent below that of the average household in the area. Based on this, low income housing rentals are maintained and offered to those who are eligible for Section 8 assistance in their county. The Section 8 program is discussed in further detail in the following topics:

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

Learn About Section 8 Requirements in Ohio

“Do I qualify for Section 8 housing in Ohio?” is one of the first questions applicants should be asking themselves, as well as the local PHA. Another question is “What do I need to apply for Section 8?” Both of these questions are important because eligibility is determined based on an applicant’s answers and evidential documentation provided with the formal application. Section 8 eligibility is based on a household’s income, citizenship status, and is based in large part on a household’s criminal background record. Note that eligibility for Section 8 is based not on an individual’s personal background and income, but on the collective income and background of each adult member living permanently in the home.

What are the qualifications for low income housing in OH? An applicant’s income level is based both on national averages as well as state and local averages. This means that candidates need to know the data and income numbers which may qualify or disqualify them prior to applying. What are the requirements for Section 8? An applicant, in order to be eligible for Section 8 housing, must make at least 30 percent less than the average for his or her area. Those who make 50-80 percent below the median annual income than those in the area are immediately qualified, though the application will still have to be submitted.

It is important to note that qualifying for Section 8 in Ohio only approves an applicant to go on the waiting list for Section 8 due to the fact that current demand exceeds supply for eligible and participating homes and rental units in all counties.

In general, Ohio Section 8 eligibility is not extended to those applicants whose background includes eviction from a prior Section 8 program or facility, a criminal record, or a sexual offender conviction. Petitioners should also note that those who are naturalized citizens are eligible to apply, even if the other members of the household have not yet received citizenship status.

Learn How to Apply for Section 8 Housing in Ohio

For petitioners who need to know how to sign up for Section 8 housingin Ohio, the local housing authority office can assist, as can any of the Department of Children & Families (DCF) offices. An online application for low income housing can be submitted digitally in some counties, though most require the paper forms to be filled out, and either mailed in or hand delivered. Applicants who need to register for Section 8 housing program assistance can either seek guidance from the PHA, HUD, or the local DCF offices.

The OH Section 8 housing application does not initially take very long to complete, as it is comprised of three forms (Cover sheet, Pre-application, and Application form). If a candidate would like to check status for Section 8 applications forms, the best way is to call the office where the forms were submitted, or go in person. Applicants who submitted the HUD Section 8 application online will have received a confirmation number, which can be used to access the status of the submission. It will take approximately 15 days before the applicant will receive any updates.

Information About Section 8 Waiting Lists in Ohio

The Ohio Section 8 housing waiting list contains eligible candidates for whom housing is not currently available. When vacancies become available, the applicants at the top of the list will be notified. Low income housing waiting lists fluctuate, and if an applicant is not vigilant, his or her name may be dropped from this list. It is the responsibility of the applicant to continue to maintain and keep his or her information current each year on the list, and to respond to any correspondence received from the PHA offices.

Applicants should check waiting list status for Section 8 often, because they are closed a majority of the time in many counties. When will the Section 8 waiting lists open in an applicant’s county? Each PHA in individual counties maintains its own lists, and therefore candidates on the OH Section 8 housing program application waiting list must check in with their local housing authority to find out when vouchers are being made available.

Further information about Section 8 waiting lists can be obtained by contacting the local PHA office. Demand for low income house rentals is significant, and priority is given to households whose members include the elderly, the disabled, young children, or pregnant women. Many lists only open for a few days each year, while others have not opened in years.

Learn About Section 8 Denials in Ohio

Ohio Section 8 denial letters are sent to an applicant if his or her application was incomplete. What are the reasons for Section 8 denial? An applicant may have been denied benefits if the background checks revealed something questionable or negative, or if household income levels did not meet the current set standards. Many applicants who receive a denial letter believe that they were denied assistance unjustly, and would like to contest the ruling. HUD allows for a petition to be made in these instances.

Candidates wondering what to do if a Section 8 application was denied should first read the denial letter closely. By law, when a Section 8 application has been rejected, the PHA must outline the specific reasons. Applicants can then figure out how to appeal Section 8 denial verdicts. A Section 8 denial appeal in Ohio can be initiated if the applicant, upon review of the denial letter, still believes that a mistake has been made. Please note, a Section 8 housing disqualification appeal must be filed within specified amount of time after receiving the denial letter. Failure to adhere to these timetables could result in the case being dismissed.

Website: Local Offices.

State: Ohio