Application Help Center

Everything you need to successfully apply for subsidized housing

📋 Document Checklist

Gather these documents before you apply to speed up the process:

Required for All Adults

  • Photo ID (driver's license, state ID, passport)
  • Social Security card
  • Birth certificate
  • Proof of income (last 4 pay stubs)
  • Tax returns (last 2 years if self-employed)
  • Bank statements (last 3 months)

For Children

  • Birth certificates
  • Social Security cards
  • Proof of child support (if applicable)

If Disabled

  • Disability verification letter (SSA)
  • Doctor's statement (if pending disability)
  • Proof of disability benefits
Check Eligibility First

📝 How to Apply

For Section 8 (HCV)

  1. Check if waitlist is open at your local PHA
  2. Submit pre-application (online or in person)
  3. Wait for voucher (can take months/years)
  4. Find a landlord who accepts vouchers
  5. Pass housing quality inspection
Find Your PHA

For Public Housing

  1. Contact the Housing Authority directly
  2. Complete full application
  3. Provide all required documents
  4. Attend interview with housing staff
  5. Wait for unit availability
Contact PHA

💰 Income Limits (2026)

Income limits are based on Area Median Income (AMI) and household size. You typically need to be at or below 50-80% AMI to qualify.

Household Size 30% AMI (Extremely Low) 50% AMI (Very Low) 80% AMI (Low)
1 Person $18,500 $30,850 $49,350
2 Persons $21,150 $35,250 $56,400
3 Persons $23,800 $39,650 $63,450
4 Persons $26,450 $44,050 $70,500
5+ Persons Add $2,650 per person Add $4,400 per person Add $7,050 per person

* These are approximate figures for Salt Lake City. Limits vary by county. Contact your local PHA for exact limits.

♿ Reasonable Accommodations

If you have a disability, you have the right to request reasonable accommodations to make housing accessible.

How to Request

  1. Submit a written request to your Housing Authority or landlord
  2. Explain your disability and why the accommodation is needed
  3. Provide documentation from a doctor or therapist if requested
  4. Wait for response (they have 10 days to respond)
  5. They cannot charge you for the accommodation

Common Accommodations

  • Reserved parking near unit
  • Service animal exception to pet policies
  • Physical modifications to unit (ramps, grab bars)
  • Transfer to ground-floor unit
  • Extended deadlines for paperwork
  • Interpreter or large-print materials

🚫 Avoiding Scams

Unfortunately, scammers target people seeking housing assistance. Protect yourself.

🚫 Never Do This

  • Pay application fees over $25
  • Wire money or send gift cards
  • Pay before seeing the unit in person
  • Give SSN to unverified people
  • Pay for "guaranteed" vouchers

✅ Always Do This

  • Verify the landlord with the PHA
  • Visit the property in person first
  • Get everything in writing
  • Use checks or money orders (traceable)
  • Report suspicious activity to police

⚠️ Red Flags

  • "Pay me directly, don't tell the PHA"
  • "I can get you to the top of the waitlist for a fee"
  • "Send money to an out-of-state address"
  • "You don't need to verify income"

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply to multiple Housing Authorities?

Yes! You can apply to as many Housing Authorities as you want. Each has their own waitlist and eligibility rules. Applying to multiple increases your chances of getting housing faster.

How long are waitlists?

Wait times vary widely. Some waitlists are closed (not accepting applications). Open waitlists can range from 6 months to 5+ years depending on the area, program, and your preferences. Check with each PHA for current estimates.

What if I have bad credit or a criminal record?

Having bad credit doesn't automatically disqualify you, but some criminal records can. Each PHA has different policies. Violent crimes and drug-related felonies are more likely to cause denial. Contact the PHA to discuss your specific situation.

Can I move with my Section 8 voucher?

Yes! After living in your unit for 12 months, you can port (move) your voucher to another jurisdiction. You'll need to coordinate with both the old and new Housing Authorities. The voucher amount may change based on the new area's rental market.

Do I have to be a U.S. citizen to get housing assistance?

No, but there are rules. U.S. citizens and eligible non-citizens (like lawful permanent residents) can receive assistance. Some non-citizens may receive prorated assistance based on their immigration status. All household members must provide Social Security numbers or sign declarations.

What if my income changes after I get housing?

You must report income changes to your Housing Authority within a set time (usually 10-30 days). Your rent will be recalculated based on your new income. If your income goes up, your rent goes up. If it goes down, your rent goes down. Failure to report can result in termination.