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To answer the question “Do I qualify for Section 8 housing in Washington?” an applicant can begin by researching Section 8 eligibility requirements for his or her county. Guidelines for Section 8 eligibility in Washington vary depending on the petitioner’s area. However, all Section 8 petitioners must satisfy eligibility criteria on the local, state and federal levels before they can participate in the Section 8 low income housing program. To satisfy WA Section 8 eligibility requirements, a candidate must qualify in terms of income, residency and background checks. Any applicant who fails one of these three Section 8 eligibility requirements will not be eligible for Section 8 housing. For more information on Washington Section 8 eligibility, select from the following topics:

  • What are the requirements for Section 8 in Washington?
  • What do I need to apply for Section 8 in Washington?
  • Do I qualify for Section 8 housing in Washington?

What are the requirements for Section 8 in Washington?

To determine Section 8 eligibility in Washington, an applicant can first look at his or her household income. In the state of Washington, a candidate’s income must be at or below 50 percent of the median income level of his or her area. Each area will have various median income level amounts. Applicants may check with a local Public Housing Agency (PHA), which will have Section 8 eligibility income lists sorted by county. If a household falls below 30 percent of the median income level, then it will be considered very low income and will receive priority on the Section 8 eligibility application. PHAS may also give Section 8 eligibility to households that have elderly members, members with disabilities, or young children.

What are the qualifications for low income housing in Washington, aside from the income maximum? Some additional WA Section 8 eligibility guidelines for the state of Washington involve residency and rental history. To be considered for Section 8 eligibility in WA, an applicant must be a United States citizen or legal resident as well as a resident of Washington. This does not apply to every member of the household. Only the WA Section 8 eligibility candidate will be required to be a resident of the state. Citizenship and residency guidelines will not affect Section 8 eligibility if the household members are not residents of Washington. In terms of rental history, a candidate’s Section 8 eligibility may be compromised if they have any record of failure to pay, eviction, damage to property or late payments.

The last major Section 8 eligibility requirement for the state of Washington is a criminal background check. Applicants with criminal records are not automatically issued a Section 8 eligibility denial letter. If a housing petitioner does have a criminal record or someone in their household does, the housing authorities will review the criminal charges and when they were committed and then make a decision involving Section 8 eligibility and if the crime warrants a denial letter. The only two exceptions that will warrant automatic Section 8 eligibility denial letters in Washington are sexual offenses and methamphetamine manufacturing. If only one member of the household has a criminal record, then the applicant’s Section 8 eligibility will be evaluated with that offense. If the household member chooses to leave the household, then the applicant will be evaluated without that offense.

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

When applying for Washington Section 8 eligibility, housing petitioners can first gather all necessary documentation. The documentation verifies information included on the Section 8 application, and the process cannot begin until the candidate submits all of the requested documents. Failure to include one of the documents may result in a Section 8 eligibility denial letter. Documentation for Washington Section 8 eligibility may vary depending on the area, but documents that are generally required include the following:

  • Pay stubs and tax returns (three months’ worth if applicable)
  • A listing of current debts and assets
  • Identification for everyone living in the home
  • A listing of any other government benefits
  • Current 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

Who meets the requirements for Section 8 housing in Washington?

When determining Section 8 eligibility in Washington, it is important for the housing petitioner to first find out his or her area’s median annual income along with his or her own annual income. If comparing the two shows that the applicant meets the requirements and meets the other local and state guidelines, then the applicant can contact the housing authorities to begin the application process. WA Section 8 eligibility guidelines have many different components that a housing petitioner must keep track of. If a candidate requires assistance in filling out the Section 8 forms, he or she can contact the local PHA.