In order to learn about Section 8 eligibility in Virginia, potential applicants may ask themselves a number of questions. Many ask, “Do I qualify for Section 8 housing in Virginia with my income?” Others wonder, “What are the qualifications for low income housing in Virginia if I have a criminal record?” Each application for VA Section 8 eligibility is evaluated on a case-by-case basis. However, VA residents must meet certain Section 8 eligibility requirements in the areas of income, residency and background. In most VA counties, candidates must not exceed 80 percent of the area’s median income or they will not meet the eligibility requirements for the state. For more information on Section 8 eligibility in Virginia, the following topics are available:

• What are the requirements for Section 8 in Virginia?
• What do I need to apply for Section 8 in Virginia?
• Additional Section 8 Eligibility Requirements in Virginia

What are the requirements for Section 8 in Virginia?

VA Section 8 eligibility requirements will differ from one county in Virginia to the next, because counties vary in their median average salary. While an applicant may meet income requirements for Section 8 eligibility in one county, the same applicant may not be qualified to receive benefits in another county. For those who are uncertain of what the median salary is for their area, the U.S. Census Bureau has made this information available online.

Section 8 eligibility in VA will also be determined by the size of a candidate’s household. Homes with more members in them, and especially ones with members under the age of 18, have a greater chance of meeting income Section 8 eligibility requirements than those with no children or other family members. Some counties give priority to Section 8 eligibility applications that are submitted by households with homeless members, members who have disabilities, veterans, and elderly members, because the federal government considers these populations to be underserved in the private sector.

Background checks play a large role in determining someone’s Section 8 eligibility in Virginia. Many new VA Section 8 eligibility applicants worry that this will include a credit history report, but this is not the case in most instances. While future landlords will definitely want to see a decent credit score, it is not utilized to determine Section 8 eligibility. The background check that is done in order to determine Section 8 eligibility will focus on any criminal records that exist for any household member. The Public Housing Agency (PHA) will evaluate these records to determine the nature and timing of the crime. Additionally, the PHA will often request an interview to speak with the household member about his or her incarceration and plans for the future. Those who have formerly been in repayment plans, have defaulted on public housing fees or who are continually in trouble with the law may have their Section 8 eligibility severely affected.

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

VA Section 8 eligibility guidelines require all information placed on the application to be corroborated by accompanying documentation. Section 8 eligibility in Virginia is contingent upon the applicant’s ability to produce documentation that proves the claims made in the application. For example, in order to prove income, the housing candidate should provide tax returns, banking statements or pay stubs. Other documentation generally includes paperwork such as:

• Social Security cards
• Birth certificates
• Identification
• Lists of all current debts and assets
• Lists of government benefits
• Current transcripts
• Proof of residency

The first three Section 8 eligibility documents listed above will be required documentation not only for the applicant, but also for every member of the household. Proof of residency documentation can include a utility bill or letter from a shelter, while pay stubs and tax returns should account for several months of income.

Learn About Additional Section 8 Requirements in Virginia

VA Section 8 eligibility guidelines can vary from county to county in terms of what specific documentation will be required, so new applicants to the Section 8 program should inquire with the regional PHA for a definitive list. Additionally, those who are still struggling with Section 8 eligibility requirements can consider scheduling an appointment with a PHA representative who can fill out the paperwork on a housing petitioner’s behalf and advise the new petitioner on the types of documentation that will be needed. Those submitting their applications using the online platform may first fill out the Section 8 application form manually, and then transfer the information over once it has been confirmed.