applying for section 8 in Rhode Island

How to Apply for Rhode Island Section 8

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Rhode Island Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program, also known as Section 8, offers rental subsidy available to low income families that can't afford safe and sanitary housing without assistance. Federal department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) funds the program while a network of local Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) administer the program at the local level.

Households qualifying for Section 8 rental assistance will be able to choose a housing unit that is safe for dwelling. After a household has chosen its housing unit, PHA will inspect the house to ensure that it meets HUD's requirements, which means it should be a safe and sanitary residence.

Households can also find a house in subsidized apartments. These apartments are specifically available for Section 8 voucher recipients. Rhode Island Housing has over 20,000 such apartments, out of which 15,000 apartments are dedicated for Section 8 voucher program.

PHA will sign a contract with the landlord and pay the subsidy directly to the landlord. This usually covers 70% of the total cost of utilities and rent. Households will need to pay the remaining amount through a contract of tenancy with the landlord.

Rhode Island Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program helps low income families and individuals. Local PHAs will continue to accept applications from low-income families for as long as they have funds.

To apply for rental assistance in Rhode Island, households will need to submit application by visiting their local PHA office. Eligible applicants will be placed on a waiting list. Due to large number of applications, PHAs maintain waiting list. Households can apply with more than one PHAs at the same time to increase their chances of getting the rental assistance earlier.

If a family decides to move from one place to another, it can continue to enjoy rental subsidy once it has informed the PHA in advance. The earlier lease will terminate and the household will have to find a new housing unit that will meet HUD's requirements before PHA starts paying for it.

Who can Qualify for Section 8?

To receive Rhode Island Section 8 assistance, you will need to meet the following eligibility requirements.

  • You must be a US citizen or a qualified alien.

  • You must meet income limits for the program. HUD announces income limits each year. Income limits relate to area median income and that's the reason they are different for different areas. Usually, households at or below 50% of the area median income will qualify for the program. To know the exact income limits for your area, contact PHA in your area. You can locate a PHA office near you using this list of PHA offices in Rhode Island (http://www.rhodeislandhousing.org/sp.cfm?pageid=612). You can also check income limits online (http://www.rhodeislandhousing.org/filelibrary/INCOME%20LIMITS2012.pdf) to see if you qualify for Section 8.

  • You must not have been evicted from a public housing facility/Section 8 for drug related criminal activity or violation of Section 8.

How to Apply

To apply for Rhode Island Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program, you just need to follow these simple steps.

  1. Locate your local PHA office using this list (http://www.rhodeislandhousing.org/sp.cfm?pageid=612).

  2. Contact your PHA and check if it is accepting applications.

  3. If the applications are being accepted, collect all your documents and visit PHA office to submit an application. PHA will assist you with the process after determining your initial eligibility.

  4. PHA will put you on the waiting list if you meet the eligibility criteria. It will inform you when your name comes up closer to the top.

If you've any questions about Rhode Island Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program, you can email HUD (pihirc@firstpic.org) or call at toll-free number (800) 955 2232.