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When an applicant is considering Section 8 eligibility in West Virginia, he or she may have a few important questions. “What are the qualifications for low income housing in West Virginia?” many Section 8 candidates ask. Eligibility for Section 8 housing is comprised of three main criteria: the income minimum, residency requirements and a qualifying background check. Candidates who fail to meet all three WV Section 8 eligibility requirements will not be eligible for low income housing. Additionally, some local housing authorities may have unique requirements for Section 8 housing.

Who meets the requirements for Section 8 housing in West Virginia?

The initial Section 8 eligibility guideline is the minimum income requirement. A household meets WV Section 8 eligibility requirements for household income if it makes 30 percent of the county’s annual median income level. In some areas, households with higher incomes may also qualify for housing assistance. Median income levels will vary depending on the county in which the applicant resides. In certain counties, it is easier to meet West Virginia Section 8 eligibility requirements than in others. If a household’s family income falls below 30 percent of the area’s median income, the household will receive Section 8 priority. Additionally, a household may receive priority over others if the household contains young children, members who are disabled or elderly members.

“In terms of residency, what are the requirements for Section 8 in West Virginia?” many housing candidates ask. In the state of West Virginia, Section 8 eligibility guidelines require a housing petitioner to be a United States Citizen or a qualifying non-citizen. The applicant must also be a resident of West Virginia. However, this state residency requirement does not extend to the other members of the household. If an applicant is moving from out of state and previously qualified for Section 8 eligibility in his or her previous state, he or she may be able to maintain eligibility in WV by providing the appropriate documentation to the housing authorities.

The last WV section 8 eligibility requirement that candidates must pass is the rental history background check. Any history of evictions, late payments, failures to pay or history of damage to the property may be grounds for a rejection of the section 8 application.

Some candidates may wonder, “Do I qualify for Section 8 housing in West Virginia if I have a criminal record?” Section 8 requirements in West Virginia do not prevent past felons from applying; however, a past felon’s chances of receiving aid may be affected. Past felons stand a higher chance of rejection for Section 8 eligibility than non-felon parties. If the applicant has a criminal record, but the criminal activity occurred in the distant past and there have been no further instances, he or she may be approved for WV Section 8 eligibility. The severity of the crime will decide if a housing candidate is ultimately accepted or rejected. Lifetime sexual offenders and methamphetamine manufacturers will be automatically ineligible for Section 8 housing assistance. The local housing agency decides any other issues on a case-by-case basis.

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

To meet West Virginia section 8 eligibility guidelines, candidates must have all the documentation on hand before filling out the application. The leading causes of Section 8 denial letters are incomplete applications and missing documentation. The local housing authority uses the requested documentation to verify that the statements on the application are true. The documentation is what decides if an applicant will qualify for benefits. Until the petitioner submits all section 8 eligibility documentation, the verification process will not begin. The types of documentation applicants will need to have on hand include:

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

Learn About Additional Requirements for Section 8 in West Virginia

Section 8 eligibility in West Virginia may involve additional requirements and documentation. The list above only covers general documentation, and any additional required documents should be noted by the public housing authority. Once everything is in order, the housing petitioner may contact the local housing agency to discuss the Section 8 application process. If an applicant fails to respond to any messages sent from the public housing authority, he or she may be denied Section 8 assistance despite having completed and submitted everything correctly.