HUD Section 8 applications in Massachusetts are the first step toward receiving affordable housing benefits in the state. There are several options for those applicants in Massachusetts wanting to register for Section 8 housing. Applicants can turn their HUD Section 8 applications in person at the local housing corporation offices, called in over the phone, fax or online. All documents needed for HUD Section 8 applications should be gathered before the pre-application is filled out as they will not allow the applicant to progress forward until the candidate has completed this step. No money is required to apply and if the applicant is being charged money they are strongly urged to report this to the local public housing authority.
Learn How to Apply for Section 8 Housing in Massachusetts
The HUD Section 8 application in Massachusetts is not difficult, but failure to fill out any section completely can result in delays in processing, or worse yet, rejection. The local Massachusetts housing corporation will help with questions on how to apply for Section 8 housing and any other questions that may need answering. Those calling in for help with the HUD Section 8 application will be paired up for the duration of the call with a specialist who will be very knowledgeable about the HUD Section 8 application and its aspects. While on the phone with a HUD Section 8 applications specialist, many people will also learn what qualifies them and disqualifies them. Applicants that call in may actually gain priority by doing so if their case is significant enough. Completing the HUD Section 8 applications in person help to gain approval faster because the applicant can ask questions and gain a better understanding of the actual application.
Upon submission of the MA HUD Section 8 application, it will be screened by the state’s housing corporation for verification. With the HUD Section 8 application in this stage, all the references will be called, employers will be verified and a full background search is instated. Patience is needed as this can take several weeks to complete, fully. All Section 8 pertaining documentation (documents needed to register for Section 8 housing programs) is kept on file until the applicant’s name on the housing list comes to the top.
For Massachusetts applicants wanting to learning how to sign up for Section 8 housing in Massachusetts counties, they will first have to qualify on the most basic of levels with the housing corporation or HUD. Applicants must first be below the poverty line for their area. This means the applicant needs to make below fifty percent of the median income for their area. Median income changes from county to county so an applicant may qualify in one county, but not in another. Luckily there are no standing laws about moving to a county in order to qualify. Thirty percent below the poverty line on the HUD Section 8 application is higher priority as they are considered to have a very low income.
The Massachusetts HUD Section 8 housing application also looks at the number of residents in the house, including seniors and permanently disabled people. All income earning members’ combined income is taken into consideration as this will determine eligibility. HUD Section 8 application in MA specifically mentions that registered sexual predators and narcotics producers on a massive scale will automatically be disqualified. Other disqualifiers include:
- Being under the age of 18
- Having a negative landlord report
- Owning property
- Serious criminal reports
Learn How to Register for Section 8 Housing Program in Massachusetts
New applicants often wonder how to sign up for section 8 in MA and should know that several documents will be requested for verification. These include Social Security cards for all household members, personal identification for all household members, rental history reports (if available) and proof of family income (pay stubs, bank statements or tax returns)
The MA online application for low income housing allows applicants to fill out their application from their own home or wherever applicants have access to a computer and internet connection. On-screen instructions will guide applicants to the end of the document easily.
Learn How to Check Status for Section 8 Application in Massachusetts
To check status for Section 8 application in Massachusetts, one will first have to get their customer code. This code lets the applicants check status for Section 8 application online which allows them see where their name is on the waiting list. In the state of Massachusetts, once the HUD Section 8 application has been accepted, the applicant’s name will appear on the waiting list for his or her county. The code that was issued upon acceptance into the program will only allow the applicant to see the status of their own HUD Section 8 application position on the list. Currently, only a few counties in Massachusetts have open waiting lists but these are subject to change. Those applicants who wish to check status for Section 8 applications but do not wish to use the internet, can request a copy of the list be mailed to them.