Learn About Section 8 Housing in Wisconsin

Section 8 housing in Wisconsin is provided by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The housing authority is also responsible for running Wisconsin’s low income housing program. The programs are similar and people often confuse them with one another. However, they two programs have different requirements, including a different payment structure for low income house rentals in Wisconsin. Applicants should look over both programs to see which one best suits their needs. More information about Section 8 housing in Wisconsin is provided below:

• Eligibility requirements for Section 8 housing in Wisconsin
• Applying for Section 8 housing in Wisconsin
• Getting on the Section 8 waiting list in Wisconsin
• What to do if Your Wisconsin Section 8 application was denied

Learn About Section 8 Requirements in Wisconsin

If you’ve wondered “What are the requirements for Section 8?” there are several criteria which must be met. To determine if an individual is eligible for Section 8 housing in Wisconsin , HUD focuses on four different areas:

• The applicant’s family status
• Household income
• Individual citizenship status
• The eviction history

Each group has different criteria associated with it. An applicant’s income level is very important in determining whether or not they will qualify for Section 8 housing. Every year, the HUD sets income limits for the area. Income limits are calculated based on the median income level in the area. Extremely low income is for applicants that make 30 percent of the median income. Very low income is 50 percent, and low income is 80 percent. Income limits will change depending on the size of the family. A married applicant will have a higher income limit because they can share income with their spouse. “But do I qualify for Section 8 housing?” Section 8 housing is most often awarded to applicants with “extremely low” or “very low” income as defined above.

If you fall into the extremely low or very low income brackets, you might ask “what do I need to apply for section 8?” You can read more on that in the next section.

What are the qualifications for low income housing in Wisconsin?

Low income housing uses the same median income levels. Both very low income and extremely low income applicants are eligible. Landlords who participate in WI Section 8 can offer their units for low income families. In exchange, they receive a small tax break. Low income houses typically do not have waiting periods as long as Section 8, but the tenants have to pay for the rent. Even with discounted prices, most of the tenant’s income will go into rent, making it very challenging to save up enough to get out of low income housing.

With Section 8, beneficiaries receive vouchers that cover a large cost, or the entirety of the rent. If an applicant is approved for Section 8 housing, they typically have a selection of more homes in better communities compared to low income housing.

Learn About Section 8 Waiting Lists in Wisconsin

Every year there are thousands of applicants for Section 8 homes in Wisconsin. Individuals who do not immediately get into the program but meet all the eligibility requirements are put on the Section 8 housing waiting list for that year.

When will the Section 8 waiting lists open?

The WI section 8 housing program application waiting list is only open at specific times, and typically lasts for a week. Keeping track of the Section 8 waiting list is a little harder than the low income housing waiting list for a few reasons. Not only is the Section 8 waiting list 2016 is only opened for a limited time in Wisconsin, but applicants spend much longer on that list compared to low income housing. Applicants that apply during the approved waiting period will be entered into a lottery. If their name is drawn, they get into the program. Applicants are able to check waiting list status for section 8 online, or by contacting HUD. Applicants can also check to see when the next waiting list period will open up. Getting onto the waiting list does not have any fees.

What Are the Reasons for Section 8 Denial in Wisconsin?

Any applicants that are denied Section 8 will be notified in writing, citing the exact reason why they were refused. Section 8 housing disqualifications can come as a result of the applicant being involved in a crime, drugs or poses a threat to the landlord or other tenants.

Learn What to Do If Section 8 Application Was Denied in Wisconsin

Several applications result in Section 8 housing disqualifications. The WI Section 8 denial letter will explain how to appeal Section 8 denial decisions. Applicants have 14 days to respond either in writing or verbally to get a meeting to discuss their rejection. The meeting has to be with someone who was not responsible for previously rejecting the applicant. After the meeting, a new decision has to be reached within the next five days. If the applicant does not get their section 8 denial appeal, they are unable to make additional appeal requests. If you are not clear on what are the reasons for section 8 denial in WI, refer to the section above.

Website: Local Offices.

State:Wisconsin