The Alabama Section 8 housing program was created in 1974 as part of the Housing and Community Development Act, intended to provide financial relief to struggling families. Section 8 is a federal housing program in which local county housing authority agencies participate. By way of the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), AL Section 8 offers low income housing and low income house rentals to struggling families, the elderly and the disabled. Through the distribution of housing vouchers, eligible families and individuals in Alabama are able to afford quality and sanitary housing.
HUD is responsible for distributing funding for Section 8 housing in Alabama. However, the local housing authority agencies manage and operate those HUD funds, which are dispersed to accepted Section 8 applicants. In order to apply for Section 8, Low income housing applicants in AL must locate their nearest housing authority. Should applicants have issues with their local Alabama housing authority, they can contact the state’s HUD field office in Birmingham.
Section 8 in AL offers two different types of low income housing vouchers for distribution: project-based and tenant-based. Project-based vouchers are available to applicants who are already living in specific, pre-approved Section 8 apartment complexes. Tenant-based vouchers require applicants to choose a unit in an approved area where a Public Housing Agency (PHA) operates a Section 8 program. A PHA is considered a housing authority, and is therefore able to distribute HUD funds and assist Section 8 applicants. PHAs are required to collect and report on their plans and policies, and to make this information publically accessible. In an effort to keep Section 8 housing programs in Alabama as current and effective as possible, the PHA updates their plans annually.
The Section 8 Consolidation Program is an additional option for those seeking housing assistance, though it is a non-government funded entity. On a weekly basis, the program publishes recently listed low income house rentals and awards small assistance grants to applicants. Note that the Section 8 Consolidation Program is a grant program, and as such does not provide housing vouchers.
The purpose of Section 8 housing, by way of HUD and local housing authority agencies, is to offer low income housing to those in need. Approximately 4.8 million applicants receive Section 8 assistance as of 2008.
Learn the Requirements for Section 8 in Alabama
An applicant’s Section 8 eligibility in Alabama is contingent on being able to meet all guidelines and criteria that have been set forth by not only the government and state, but the local housing authority as well. When first looking to apply for Section 8, applicants might wonder, “What are the qualifications for low income housing in Alabama?” or “Do I qualify for Section 8 housing, or am I just wasting my time?” These are valid questions. There are three main requirements that determine Section 8 eligibility in the state of Alabama.
Learn How to Apply for Section 8 in Alabama
HUD Section 8 applications in Alabama must be filled out carefully. It is imperative to know precisely how to apply for Section 8 housing in AL, as any mistakes on an HUD section 8 application can be costly, and most errors are easily avoidable. Before they begin the application process, applicants must visit their nearest HUD office in order to register for Section 8 housing program benefits. Applicants can only complete HUD section 8 applications for programs with open waiting lists.
Learn About Section 8 Waiting Lists in Alabama
Individuals interested in low income housing waiting lists might ask, “When will the Section 8 waiting lists open?” when they are looking to apply for AL Section 8 housing. Information about Section 8 waiting lists is easily located online. While many of the Alabama low income housing waiting lists are typically open and accepting applications, unfortunately, not all Section 8 housing program application waiting lists are on a predictable opening and closing schedule. Some Section 8 waiting lists are open indefinitely while others have been closed for a number of years without any intention of re-opening any time soon. Therefore, it is always a good idea to check waiting list status for Section 8 on a regular basis.
Learn About Section 8 Denial in Alabama
An AL Section 8 denial letter will arrive in the mail in the event that a Section 8 application has been denied. Your Section 8 denial letter should arrive within the two-week waiting period after your application was submitted. What are the reasons for Section 8 denial in AL? The Section 8 denial letter will formally detail what to do if Section 8 application was denied, as well as the reasons for the denial.