Section 8 eligibility in ME is governed by the applicant’s ability to meet federal, state and local guidelines and criteria. Many believe that Maine Section 8 eligibility is only based on income but the yearly income is only one of many factors considered. With this in mind, many wonder, “What are the qualifications for low income housing in Maine?” and “Do I qualify for Section 8 housing at all?”, both of which are very good questions to ask, initially. Section 8 eligibility in Maine is based largely upon where the applicant lives within the state.

What Are the Maine Section 8 Requirements?

Section 8 eligibility in Maine is based on several factors, including household composition. Preferences are given to households who have young children, the disabled and the elderly. Section 8 eligibility awards priority status to households that have such individuals, but even if a family is not comprised of such individuals, they can still apply if they meet other criteria.

ME Section 8 eligibility is also based on a family’s yearly adjusted income. Whether or not a family qualifies depends on the Maine county and the public housing authority’s guidelines. Each county determines their own Section 8 eligibility rules so while one may qualify in one county, in another county they may not. In order to be considered for Section 8 eligibility in any Maine county, the applicant’s total family income must, at the minimum, fall below 80 percent of the median income for their county. Priority will be given for Section 8 eligibility if the family’s income falls 30-50 percent below median income. What is the median income for counties in Maine? They vary from county to county but currently the average is approximately $51,000, though this figure is subject to change. A more detailed listing of Maine Section 8 eligibility income ranges and limits by counties is available online.

What are the requirements for Section 8 in Maine? Currently, ME Section 8 eligibility requires that in addition to family structure and income information, applicants must also meet citizenship standards. Primary applicants must be U.S. citizens but this requirement does not extend to others who may be living in the household. Section 8 eligibility in Maine does allow former felons to apply for benefits, but each applicant who does will be viewed on a case by case basis and will depend on the severity of the crime. To meet Section 8 eligibility requirements, the convicted felon must include information on the circumstances of the crime such as when it occurred and if there is continued criminal activity. If the applicant does not have a criminal history but someone in their household does, it could result in a rejection. Again, the severity of the crime has to be considered. However, according to the Maine Section 8 eligibility rules, if the person who committed the crime no longer lives in the household, then the application will not reflect the connection. Finally, Section 8 eligibility in Maine requires that the applicant have a clean record when it comes to rental history. Failure to pay, late payments or a history of damage to property or grounds could result in a rejection of the application.

What are the Qualifications for Low Income Housing in Maine?

Many low-income residents wonder, “What do I need to apply for Section 8 housing in Maine?” and are often worried that they may not have all of the necessary documentation to apply. Those who are unfamiliar with the Section 8 eligibility process do have some cause to be concerned. Each month denial letters are sent to applicants, due in large part to a failure to provide adequate documentation. The requested documentation is important in the Section 8 eligibility process because it allows the preparer to gauge whether the applicant is qualified for benefits or not. The verification process cannot begin until the Section 8 eligibility documents have been submitted. In general, the typical documentation required by the application includes the following:

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

Learn More About Section 8 Requirements in Maine

Section 8 eligibility in Maine, depending on the county, can have additional requirements as well as required documentation. When trying to determine the answer to the question: “Do I qualify for Section 8 housing in Maine?” it is important to first determine the median salary range for the county where the applicant resides. After determining that the applicant qualifies in this regard, contact the closest housing authority to begin the application process. Keep in mind that Section 8 eligibility in ME gives a higher priority status to the disabled, elderly and homes with young children.

In order to maintain Section 8 eligibility in ME, applicants must respond promptly to any correspondence sent to them from Maine Housing. Incomplete applications will result in automatic Section 8 eligibility denial, and if the application is deemed to have been presented with fraudulent information, severe penalties can be enacted.