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When an applicant first learns about Section 8 eligibility in Hawaii and begins to research the program, he or she may begin to wonder what it takes to qualify in their area. In the state of Hawaii, there are four counties or county equivalents, and the available rentals and eligibility requirements range depending on the county. With a smaller than average Section 8 program, Hawaii applicants may ask questions like, “Do I qualify for Section 8 housing?” and “What are the qualifications for low income housing in Hawaii?” as they look over the numbers. “What do I need to apply for Section 8?” is one of numerous questions that will be pondered once an individual has established that he or she is eligible for Section 8. Fortunately, interested individuals’ questions can all be answered at their local housing authority.

What are the requirements for Section 8 in Hawaii?

What are the requirements for Section 8 in Hawaii? There are numerous different Section 8 eligibility requirements for the state of Hawaii. Eligibility takes into account the need of the applicant and his or her household members. If an applicant who qualifies for Section 8 eligibility has young children, disabled, or elderly people in their household, the family is typically given greater priority. However, this only applies if the applicant also qualifies in the areas of income, residency, and other local requirements.

In the state of Hawaii, Section 8 eligibility requires that an applicant falls at or below 50 percent of his or her residential area’s median income. Since the area dictates the median income level, the number is subject to change depending on where an applicant is applying. Certain areas may have higher median income levels than others, making Section 8 eligibility easier to attain in those areas. Applicants who are uncertain of their median income level are urged to contact the local public housing authority for information. The housing authority can provide updated Section 8 eligibility income range lists sorted by county.

Who qualifies for Section 8 housing in Hawaii?

What are the qualifications for low income housing in Hawaii? Section 8 eligibility for Hawaii residents requires that applicants provide information on their household, income, and residency status. An applicant must be a resident and a United States citizen or equivalent to qualify for Section 8 in Hawaii. However, residency qualifications only apply to the applicant, while household members are only required to be legal US citizens or equivalents. Rental history also plays a part in qualifying for Section 8 eligibility in Hawaii, especially if an applicant’s rental history is out of the ordinary or negative. If applicable, rental history must show no records of late payments, damage to property, or evictions. Any negative rental history may impact Section 8 applications.

Convicted felons may apply for Section 8 eligibility in Hawaii, however, their applications will be impacted by the severity and length of their criminal record. Not all felonies warrant a denial for Section 8 eligibility right away. If it has been some time since the crime was committed and the crime itself was relatively minor, an applicant may be approved for Section 8 eligibility in the state of Hawaii. However, every instance is reviewed on a case by case basis. Certain felonies do warrant automatic Section 8 eligibility denial letters, no matter how long ago the crimes were committed. These types of crimes include sexual offenses and production or distribution of methamphetamines. If an applicant does not have a criminal record but one of his or her household members does, the application will be evaluated as though the infraction were his or her own. If the family member with the criminal background leaves the household, and no other criminal records exist, the applicant’s Section 8 eligibility will be appraised without consequence.

What do I need to apply for Section 8 in Hawaii?

What do I need to apply for Section 8 housing in Hawaii? Documentation is perhaps the most important part of determining eligibility. The public housing authority will reference the documentation submitted to verify that all of the information on the application is correct. More Section 8 eligibility denial letters are sent out for incomplete documentation every few weeks than for any other infraction. The best way to make sure all Section 8 eligibility documentation is accounted for is to visit the public housing authority and request a detailed list of necessary documentation. Most public housing authorities will require documents such as these:

  • Identification for everyone in the household
  • Official birth certificates for everyone in the household
  • A listing of any other government benefits
  • Social Security cards for everyone living in the home
  • Proof of residency in the county (utility bill, or letter from a shelter)
  • Pay stubs and tax returns (three months’ worth if applicable)
  • A listing of current debts and assets
  • Current transcripts (if applicable)

Applicants must note that this list is not definitive. Depending on where an applicant lives, he or she may be required to provide supplemental Section 8 eligibility documentation.

Qualifying for Section 8 eligibility may seem challenging when considering all of the requirements. The first step in determining Section 8 eligibility is to establish an applicant’s median salary range for his or her area and checking the combined household income earnings. If an applicant finds he or she qualifies on income as well as the other requirements set forth by the area, he or she is encouraged to visit the nearest public housing authority to pick up a Section 8 HUD application.