The Rhode Island Section 8 housing program, also called Housing Choice Voucher Program, was established to provide aid to those who are having trouble obtaining or paying for adequate housing in their county. The local housing authority, along with HUD, offer several programs to assist low income, or very low income applicants to secure decent and safe housing for their families. Low income housing in RI is based not only on a person’s income, but also on several stringent criteria, which all household members must meet in order to be declared eligible for the program.
Section 8 offers low income housing rentals through the local PHA (housing authorities) who make sure that the housing which is offered by private owners and individuals meets the standards, as set forth by the state of Rhode Island. The Section 8 program is discussed further in the following topics:
- Section 8 eligibility in Rhode Island
- How to apply for Section 8 housing in Rhode Island
- Information about Section 8 waiting lists in Rhode Island
- Section 8 denials in Rhode Island
Learn About Section 8 Requirements in Rhode Island
Section 8 eligibility is dependent on several deciding criteria. The candidate should study the list of required procedures, as well as the documentation that will be required and make a determination as to his or her own qualifications before starting the process. What are the qualifications for low income housing in RI? An applicant’s income, and the income of the other adults living in the family will be considered as part of the submission package. Typically, those with incomes that fall at least 50-80 percent below the poverty level, or the median income for the area, will qualify with regards to the income standard. However, income is not the only factor considered.
What are the requirements for Section 8? In addition to qualifying through income verification, at least one household member must be a U.S. citizen, either naturally born, or naturalized. Proof of residency in the area in which the applicant is applying will be required. This can come in the form of a utility bill or other official mail with an address on it. A voter registration card may also suffice. Each individual county housing authority will have a specific list as to the documents they will accept to prove residency.
With all of the requirements for Section 8 applications, most will ask, “Do I qualify for Section 8 housing?” or “What do I need to apply for Section 8 in Rhode Island? To qualify for Section 8 housing, the applicant must meet income and citizenship requirements, but they must also pass a very stringent background check. Candidates who have a criminal record, have been arrested for drug violations or those who have been registered as a sexual offender, will not be granted benefits, even if they qualify in the other categories. Additionally, applicants who have negative reports from past landlords (especially if those landlords or managers managed a public housing complex), will likely be disqualified. This is especially true if the applicant or a member the household has a history of damage to property, a history of delinquency or has defaulted on rental payments.
Learn How to Apply for Section 8 Housing in Rhode Island
Eligible candidates need to fill out the RI HUD Section 8 application and make certain to fill it out correctly. Mistakes on the Section 8 housing application can be costly, as applications that are rejected will require the applicant to wait for a full year before reapplying. Petitioners unsure of how to sign up for Section 8 housing can obtain assistance from the local housing authority offices, HUD, or can access the online application for low income housing via the internet. Either way, candidates can register for Section 8 housing program benefits according to their preference. Likewise, an applicant can check status for Section 8 application submissions online, or by calling the office where the form was submitted, approximately two weeks after submission.
Learn About Section 8 Waiting Lists in Rhode Island
Approved applicants are placed on a Section 8 housing program application waiting list when there are currently no housings available. An opening on the low income housing waiting list will trigger a notification response to the waiting applicant through various media, as well as by official mail.
When will the Section 8 waiting lists open? The Section 8 house waiting list 2016 in Rhode Island is currently open in several counties. To determine whether the waiting list is open in the applicant’s county, he or she can go online, or call the PHA to obtain an updated list. Currently, there are 25 housing authorities, with nine being currently closed, and 16 having at least some openings.
Before they check waiting list status for Section 8, applicants are urged to wait at least two weeks after the application was submitted. Petitioners can subsequently obtain information about Section 8 waiting lists by calling the office, going online or visiting the PHA office in person.
Learn About Section 8 Denials in Rhode Island
Have you found yourself asking “What are the reasons for Section 8 denial of benefits in Rhode Island?” Many applicants are subject to a Section 8 housing disqualification because the income of the combined household is too high to qualify. Other applicants will have their application rejected because of simple clerical mistakes, like not filling out the forms completely or correctly, or neglecting to sign them in all of the designated areas.
Section 8 denial letters are sent to applicants after a few weeks, and outline specifically what to do if the Section 8 application was denied. For those who would like to know how to appeal Section 8 denial verdicts, this is the time to read the denial letter closely and contact the agency. Set up a hearing for a review board to reconsider. Rhode Island Section 8 denial appeals have to take place within a 15 day window after receiving the denial letter, otherwise the review board is under no obligation to attend the meeting.
Website: Local Offices.
State: Rhode Island
Contact Information
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Office Name/Address
33 Broad Street
4th Floor
Providence, RI 02903
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Manager
NANCY SMITH GREER
Field Office Director
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Phone/Fax
(401) 277-8300
Fax
(401) 277-8398
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Region/Regional Office
Region I
Boston MA
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