How to Apply for North Carolina Section 8

North Carolina Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program offers rental subsidy to very low-income families residing in the state of Carolina. The program extends its benefits to families with annual income up to 50% of the median income level but 75% vouchers are given to families with 30% or below (very low income) families only.

North Carolina Section 8 participants will be able to find a housing unit of their own choice in the public housing market. They can choose a single-family unit or a family house depending on size of their family. Participants can also choose a Section 8 Project-Based unit. These units are available at a cheaper rental rate compared to the market. You can search for these apartments here. North Carolina Section 8 will pay a part of rent while the family will need to pay remaining cost of rent and utilities.

North Carolina Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program is funded by U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and it’s administered by local Public Housing Authorities (PHA). These local PHAs will distribute rental assistance vouchers after determining eligibility of the applicants. Each PHA maintains a waiting list that is sorted according to the date of application. Some applicants may also receive priority due to certain circumstances.

When a participant has received housing choice voucher, he/she can find a house that meets family requirements. However, a PHA representative will inspect the house to ensure that it meets HUD’s safety and sanitary standards. One the housing unit has received approval from PHA and the owner is willing to rent it, Section 8 participant will be able to sign a contract of lease with the landlord. The PHA will also sign a contract with the owner. All the payments from the PHA will go directly to the house owner.

Who can Qualify for Section 8?

Applicants will need to meet various eligibility requirements in order to receive North Carolina Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program.

• Income limits: Applicants will need to meet income limits set for the program. 75% vouchers are given to families with income below 30% of the median income level while the remaining vouchers will be distributed to families that are below 50% of the median income level. PHA will determine your income eligibility after verifying your income proof.

• Family: A family will need to meet the definition of a family in order to receive Section 8 voucher assistance. Family can include individuals as well as people living together as a group.

• Citizenship: North Carolina Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program requires applicants to be either U.S citizens or a legal immigrants with necessary documents. A household should have at least once member that meets citizenship requirements to receive Section 8 voucher.

• No drug-related criminal background: If an applicant has been evicted from a public housing in the past on drug-related activity, then he/she remains disqualified for North Carolina Section 8 program for up to three years.

How to Apply

In order to apply for North Carolina Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program, you will need to apply for the program. Follow these simple steps to file application easily.

1. Contact your PHA (call or visit in person) and ask about the waiting list. Waiting list may not be open and applications may not be able to file an application when the waiting list is closed. Use this link (http://www.hud.gov/offices/pih/pha/contacts/states/nc.cfm) to find name, phone number, and address for PHAs in your area.

2. Fill pre-application form or complete application depending on the requirements of the PHA. A PHA agent will determine your eligibility for the program and put you on the waiting list if you qualify.

3. When your name comes up on the waiting list, you will be informed by your PHA. You will be given a date for interview. You will need to take all the necessary documents (such as income related, residence related, and citizenship related documents) with you when going for the internet. A PHA representative will verify all the documents to ensure you meet eligibility criteria for the program.