Arizona residents wondering how to sign up for Section 8 housing in Arizona should start by locating and enlisting the assistance of their local housing authority. There they can obtain an HUD Section 8 application in person. For those who are computer savvy, there is a downloadable online application for low income housing which can be used to file for housing benefits. All Section 8 programs in AZ have waiting lists for those who have submitted their HUD Section 8 application, and new applications are accepted only when the waiting list is declared open. Those new to the program are urged to register for Section 8 housing programs with several housing authorities since waiting lists can often last months or even years. A great deal of personal information will be required in order to fill out the HUD Section 8 application, not only for the applicant, but for all household members.

Learn How to Apply for Section 8 Housing in Arizona

In order to register for Section 8 housing programs in Arizona, applicants should gather all documentation and sources of information ahead of time. For those who plan to use the online application for low income housing, this is particularly true. Arizona Section 8 housing is a federal program, but is managed at the local level by housing authorities, which provide the HUD Section 8 applications, as well as offer assistance for completing them accurately. The housing authority agents can also advise the new applicant as to their possibility for qualifying, and can answer any questions about the HUD Section 8 application process. Most housing authorities, and the HUD Section 8 applications submitted to their county, give preferential listing on the waiting lists to the elderly, veterans and persons with disabilities.

The HUD Section 8 application will ask about an individual’s income or a family’s combined income. Only those applicants whose median income is less than the average salary in their county will qualify to apply. Some HUD Section 8 applications may be granted varying income thresholds if the household has extensive medical bills, or other extenuating circumstances. In these instances, the applicant should meet in person to with a housing authority representative to discuss his or her situation.

All HUD Section 8 application applicants must be U.S. citizens, must reside in the county where they are on the waiting list, and must provide a personal background history. Personal histories that include criminal convictions for serious or violent crimes can result in a HUD Section 8 application rejection. Those who are on the sexual offender registry, or those who have been convicted of distributing or making illegal or controlled substances, are immediately disqualified.

Learn How to Submit the HUD Section 8 Application in Arizona

To register for Section 8 housing programs in Arizona, applications can be submitted in several different ways. The easiest way to submit an HUD Section 8 application is by using the online application for low income housing, but applicants should be aware that they will have to attach all documentation when submitting, so all documents must be provided in digital format. Applicants can also submit the AZ HUD Section 8 application by regular mail, by fax (at some housing authorities), and in person. All applicants must be over the age of 18 to apply.

Learn How to Check Status for Section 8 Applications in Arizona

The HUD Section 8 application in AZ can take a few weeks to process. Applicant will not be able to check their status for Section 8 application during this time. However, after two to four weeks have passed, the applicant may check the status of an application if they have received a client confirmation number. This number is a unique code that allows applicants to check their status for Section 8 applications and to locate their standing on their county’s waiting list. Documentation submitted alongside an application is not generally reviewed until the applicant’s name has moved toward the top of the waiting list. Once this happens the entire HUD Section 8 application will be reviewed once more with the verifying documentation. If the application includes discrepancies or errors–within the form or the corresponding documentation-the applicant will be issued a denial letter.