In Hawaii, HUD Section 8 applications are processed by six local housing authorities depending on the area in which the applicant applies. Honolulu has the largest percentage of HUD Section 8 applications submitted annually. Available and legitimate public housing units are only administered through the Hawaii public housing authority. Since competition for these rental units in Hawaii is high, new applicants are urged to learn how to sign up for Section 8 housing by visiting with a local housing authority representative who can answer questions or assist in filling out the application. Hawaii maintains strict guidelines for both the paper HUD Section 8 application and the online application for low income housing, and only accept applications during certain times.
Learn How to Apply for Section 8 Housing in Hawaii
To register for Section 8 housing programs in HI, potential applicants have several options. One of the easiest ways to apply is to use the online application for low income housing, which can be accessed on any computer with an internet connection. The paper HUD Section 8 application is available to applicants who prefer to apply in person at their local housing authority agency. Both applications are typically only accessible during certain times when the waiting lists are open, so inquiring with the local housing authority will help first-time participants better understand what they must do. Preference is given to those who register for Section 8 housing programs that identify as homeless, victims of domestic abuse, or those who have been displaced due to a natural disaster. In Hawaii, the pre-application must be submitted online.
The HUD Section 8 application requires that a great deal of information be provided, not only about the applicant but about all household members. When applicants research how to sign up for Section 8, they must remember that they will be required to provide household member information such as names, ages, and social security numbers. Additionally, before filling out the HUD Section 8 application in HI, the applicant must estimate his or her combined income inclusive of all family members before taxes (minus deductions). This financial income is required in order to register for Section 8 housing programs because eligibility is largely dependent on petitioners meeting income levels determined by the HUD. Applicants who make at least half or less of the average salary in their area are likely to qualify. To find out the average salary for an area, applicants can search online as the information is made public for anyone to view.
When it comes to how to apply for Section 8 housing in HI, the online application for low income housing requires that the applicant be a legal U.S. citizen, though this does not apply to the additional family household members. Any family members listed on the HUD Section 8 application are subject to a thorough investigation of their background.
Learn How to Register for Section 8 Housing Programs in Hawaii
While the online application for low income housing in HI is convenient, the online portals for each housing authority are only open during certain limited times. Filling out the HUD Section 8 application correctly becomes even more important since the lists only open sporadically each year. Documentation is required to supplement the HUD Section 8 application, in order to verify the information submitted. Typical documents required include the following:
- Social security cards
- Rental history (current or old leases)
- Personal ID for all family members
- Proof of family income (Tax returns, pay stubs, etc.)
- Signed consent forms
Learn How to Check Status for Section 8 Applications in Hawaii
If the HUD Section 8 application or online application for low income housing has been submitted correctly, the applicant will receive a registration number, which is automatically generated upon submission. This code must be kept safe because it allows applicants to check status for Section 8 applications after the waiting lists close in the area. With their registration number, applicants can determine their position on the waiting list and whether their application is active. Many new applicants become concerned when they check status for Section 8 applications and do not see their name on the waiting list immediately. However, the HUD Section 8 application takes at least two weeks to process, and in some locations can take up to a month. After this time, if the applicant’s name still does not appear on the list, it is suggested that he or she contacts the public housing authority.