Louisiana Section 8 eligibility begins with the applicant meeting a set of guidelines established by U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), administered by local public housing authorities and adjusted by each county in the state. Most housing petitioners ask, “What do I need to apply for Section 8 in Louisiana?” when applying for housing assistance. The factors that make up what are the requirements for Section 8 in Louisiana are largely dependent on where the applicant is residing within the state as well as other factors such as income and personal history. HUD and the local authorities at the Louisiana Housing Authority (LHA) determine Section 8 eligibility in LA from the answers presented on the application and whether they are verifiable or not.

What Are the Louisiana Section 8 Requirements?

“Do I qualify for Section 8 housing in Louisiana?” is one of the first questions asked when the process begins. Applicants must meet Section 8 eligibility criteria in order to apply for benefits. What are the requirements for Section 8? One of the first requirements for Louisiana Section 8 eligibility is household income threshold. LHA considers the annual earnings of the entire family. For example, if the applicant has a spouse, both incomes combined make up the household income. Likewise, if anyone else in the family works, their income adds to the household earnings. Section 8 eligibility in LA is also dependent on where the applicant lives within the state. Federal and state guidelines stipulate that an applicant’s combined total yearly income must fall below 80 percent of what residents make in their area. LHA considers very low income for Section 8 eligibility as 30 to 50 percent of the median salary of the area. To date, the average household in Louisiana spends $764 per month on rent, which ranks LA 28th for the highest median rent. To learn what the median salary range is for a particular parish in Louisiana, simply go online and search using the keywords. Once determining the median income range, then LHA can conclude Section 8 eligibility based on the applicant’s yearly income.

There are other criteria in addition to Section 8 eligibility requirements on income. In Louisiana, Section 8 eligibility will also examine an applicant’s background, both personal and financial. LHA will require anyone petitioning for Section 8 eligibility, to provide certain personal documentation such as driver’s licenses, birth certificates, Social Security cards and full names of everyone living in the household. Section 8 eligibility in Louisiana will give higher priority to those households that have disabled or elderly members and young children.

What are the qualifications for low income housing in Louisiana?

What are the requirements for Section 8 besides income and personal identification? Louisiana Section 8 eligibility requires applicant to be a U.S. citizen. This Section 8 eligibility requirement does not pertain to others in the household. However, all family members will have their rental history as well as any criminal activity reviewed. Section 8 eligibility in Louisiana requires that those receiving benefits not currently be engaged, nor anyone in their household, in criminal activity which would pose a threat to their neighbors or the residence. If someone in an applicant’s household has a conviction but has remained out of trouble for at least two to three years, then LHA may still accept the application. Applicants must be ready to provide documentation to back up everything stated in the Section 8 eligibility application provided and make certain to keep this documentation updated as needed. For those wondering, “what do I need to apply for Section 8,” the documentation required includes:

• Social Security Numbers or cards for everyone in the household
• Tax returns, proof of income or unemployment papers
• Disability paperwork (if applicable)
• Any additional government assistance paperwork (SNAP, TANFF, Medicaid)
• Birth certificates for all household members
• A list of current debts and assets
• Proof of residency within the parish (utility bills)

What are the qualifications for low income housing when selecting a home? Rental units must meet Section 8 eligibility guidelines to be eligible for housing assistance in Louisiana. Section 8 eligibility requires a proposed home to meet quality standards as well as a reasonable rental fee. Once LHA approves the unit, officials will work on the renter’s behalf to make rent payments directly to the rental property. Under Section 8 eligibility requirements in LA, tenants will still be responsible for utilities, the rental deposit and any associated connection fees. Beneficiaries can insure continued Section 8 eligibility by making payments on time, keeping the unit in good condition and refraining from illegal activities. In Louisiana, renters who continue to default on payments, engage in illegal activities or cause destruction to rental property become ineligible for the Section 8 eligibility program and must wait at least one to three years before applying for Section 8 in Louisiana again. The ruling pertains to not only for the applicant, but also for the entire household living in the rental unit.