When learning how to apply for Section 8 housing in Virginia, first time applicants may have some questions. Even one mistake can disqualify a candidate’s U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Section 8 application. It is important to be thorough with the HUD Section 8 application process to avoid unnecessary problems. To start the application process, an applicant can pick up a HUD Section 8 application from his or her local Public Housing Agency (PHA). If a petitioner feels comfortable using a VA online application for low income housing, then he or she can go online and download the form.

Learn How to Apply for Section 8 Housing in Virginia

When first going to sign up for Section 8 in Virginia, an applicant should always speak with a PHA representative. The representative will advise applicants about the best ways to fill out the application, often providing suggestions to make the HUD Section 8 application process easier. On average, petitioners who have their HUD Section 8 applications looked over by a representative are less likely to receive Section 8 denial letters.

The first step to completing Virginia’s HUD Section 8 application process is to determine if an applicant qualifies for housing assistance in his or her area. To be able to register for Section 8 housing programs in VA, all candidates must meet federal, state and local requirements for income, residency and background checks. If an applicant qualifies with a very low income status, his or her HUD Section 8 application will be placed higher on the Section 8 low income waiting lists.

Any Virginia HUD Section 8 application candidates must also submit a wide range of documentation. Documentation will be used to verify the information on the application. If a HUD Section 8 application cannot be verified with the amount of documentation provided, it may be rejected. Important HUD Section 8 application documentation includes personal information like birth certificates, criminal records, documents of medical conditions and proof of household statistics. Any HUD Section 8 application that has a household with young children, a disabled member, an elderly member or a member who is currently pregnant will be marked as a higher priority.

Previous criminal activity must be noted on the HUD Section 8 application in VA before it is submitted. Criminal history does not automatically disqualify an applicant from signing up for low income housing, but it does affect standing. Each VA HUD Section 8 application with criminal activity is evaluated on a case-by-case basis, as each PHA reserves the right to accept or deny HUD Section 8 applications based on criminal records. Poor rental history may also lead to the rejection of a HUD Section 8 application, especially if there are documented cases of failure to pay or eviction.

Learn How to Sign Up for Section 8 in Virginia

Of the two ways to register for Section 8 housing programs in Virginia, the online application for low income housing is by far the more popular option. The VA online application for low income housing can be completed and submitted quickly online. If a petitioner prefers to submit his or her HUD Section 8 application in person, he or she can print the online application for low income housing and physically turn it into the PHA. However, Virginia’s online application for low income housing requires the same amount of paperwork to be uploaded before it can be submitted. Online applications are also only advised for applicants who do not have complicated applications. Candidates can make sure that all the required HUD Section 8 application documents are attached before submitting the application. If the PHA cannot verify the application due to missing or incomplete documentation, the application will be rejected. While this is not a complete list, some types of required Section 8 documentation required include:

• Proof of family income.
• Personal identification for everyone in the household.
• Social security cards for everyone in the household.
• Rental history.
• List of assets and debts.

Learn How to Check the Status of Section 8 Applications in Virginia

Once the Virginia HUD Section 8 application has been submitted, a two-week verification period will begin. While the application is being processed, the applicant must simply wait for their confirmation letter. If no letter has arrived within the two-week period, the petitioner is encouraged to check the application’s status by contacting the HUD office. If the applicant chose to fill out the online application for low income housing in Virginia, he or she can go online to submit an inquiry.