If your family’s income is below certain income limits, you may be eligible for the Section 8 housing program in Austin—which means that only 30% to 40% of your income will have to go towards rent each month.
Austin’s
Section 8 housing program helps many families get ahead financially, but navigating the application process makes it tough for those in need to get the help they deserve. Between a laundry list of documentation, waitlists, and overstretched systems, getting Section 8 housing vouchers can be very difficult. That’s why car
and renters insurance super app Jerry
is here to help. We’ve created a complete guide on everything you need to know about applying for Section 8 housing in Austin, Texas
, including eligibility, the application process, and how to find housing. What is Section 8 housing?
Section 8 is a federal affordable housing program that helps low-income families, elderly people, and people living with a disability to pay their rent.
Participants are only required to pay 40% of their monthly rent and the government subsidizes the remaining cost. The program’s name comes from Section 8 of the 1974 Housing and Community Development Act, which established the housing voucher program.
Here’s how Section 8 works:
Eligible tenants can apply to their local housing authority for housing choice vouchers or project-based vouchers to receive financial assistance.
Housing choice vouchers let tenants live in an apartment that adheres to the specifications on their voucher.
Project-based vouchers are tied to individual properties and allow landlords to designate certain units as low-income housing.
Based on family size and composition, the housing authority provides vouchers for a specified number of bedrooms.
Tenants who search for housing with a housing choice voucher cannot be asked to pay more than 40% of their income in rent; the remainder is covered by the government.
Section 8 obligations
The Section 8 housing program outlines certain responsibilities for tenants who participate in the program, landlords who provide housing to participants, and the local housing authorities.
Here’s what each party is responsible for:
| | |
|---|
Provide accurate and complete documentation | | Determine applicants’ eligibility and issue vouchers |
Find suitable housing and complete all required paperwork before the voucher expires | Comply with fair housing laws | Approve units, rental amounts, and leases |
Pay rent promptly and attend all required appointments | Complete all necessary repairs and maintenance | Inspect subsidized units annually |
Notify the housing authority of any changes in income or family composition | Provide housing authority with documentation of any notices to tenants, including eviction notices | Ensure that both tenants and landlords comply with program rules |
Key Takeaway The government will cover a large portion of your rent if you qualify for Section 8 housing, but the qualification process can be long and complicated.
What are the requirements for Section 8 housing in Austin?
Section 8 housing is managed by the Housing Authority of the City of Austin
(HACA). Qualifying for Austin’s Section 8 program means that you must be an adult or a legally emancipated minor and you can’t be currently receiving assistance through Austin’s Housing Choice Voucher program. Your family must meet the following requirements to be considered for Austin’s Section 8 housing program:
Your family meets HACA’s definition of a family.
The total gross household income is below the current income limits for the program.
You and your family members meet citizenship or eligible immigrant requirements.
All family members have provided Social Security numbers and signed consent forms.
All adult family members have passed a criminal background check.
No adult family member is on any registered sex offender list.
Your family hasn’t been evicted from federally assisted housing within the last five years.
To qualify, your income must not exceed 50% of the median income in your area. HUD includes the following in income calculations:
Alimony and child support
As of 2020, the median income in Austin, Texas is $75,752. Your family’s income limit will depend on your gross household income in accordance with how many family members there are.
Here’s a table that breaks down qualifying income levels based on family size in Austin:
Once you apply, your application has to be selected from a lottery to be placed on the Austin Housing Choice Voucher program waiting list. Your eligibility will be assessed once your name reaches the top of this list instead of your application submission date. The waiting list for Austin’s Section 8 program can last anywhere from six months to over three years.
How to apply for Section 8 housing in Austin
To apply for Section 8 housing in Austin, you need to fill out an application via HACA’s online portal.
Once you’ve submitted your online application, you may be placed on the waitlist if your application proves you’re eligible. Eligible applicants who are placed on the waitlist can use the online portal to check their place on the list, update contact information and family composition, receive information about what they’ll need for their in-person interview, and more.
Families placed on the waiting list initially move forward if they have an applicable preference or need that other families don’t have, and all families without preferences are then listed in order by their lottery number.
HACA has the following preferences for their Section 8 HCV program:
Elderly Preference: If the head of household, co-head, or spouse is 62 or older, the family qualifies for this preference.
Disabled Preference: If the head of household, co-head, or spouse is disabled, according to the HUD definition of disability, the family qualifies for this preference.
Families With Minor Children: If the family has minor children in the household, the family qualifies for this preference.
Involuntarily Displaced: If the family has been involuntarily displaced by a natural disaster or government action within the past 6 months, the family qualifies for this preference.
Homeless: If the family meets the HUD definition of homeless and has a referral from a homeless service provider, the family qualifies for this preference.
Residency: If the family lives within the five-county Central Texas area (Travis, Williamson, Hays, Bastrop, and Caldwell), the family qualifies for this preference.
Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) Choice Mobility Preference: HACA gives a Choice-Mobility option to residents of covered RAD projects in accordance with policies outlined in the HCV Administrative Plan. Families who remain in the same RAD property for two years will be placed on the Housing Choice Voucher waitlist that allows them to find housing in the private rental market.
Once your name reaches the top of the waiting list, you’ll be selected for an eligibility interview to assess whether you’re a viable candidate for Austin’s Section 8 HCV program.
If you’re deemed eligible, you’ll receive your voucher and paperwork to request approval for whatever rental property you apply for.
How to find Section 8 housing in Austin
Once you have your HCV voucher, you have 90 days to find a rental unit and turn in your Request for Tenancy Approval (RFTA) packet with the possibility of a 30 day extension if you need more time. Families with certain preferences may receive an extension past 120 days.
Once the RFTA packet is submitted, HACA assesses the unit for affordability and makes sure the unit is up to HACA’s living standards. If HACA approves the unit, your family can move into your new home once the lease is signed and your portion of the rent for that month is paid.
Finding affordable housing can be tough. Two great places to start are HACA’s map of HACA-owned properties
that accept HCV vouchers and AffordableHousing.com
. How to save money on car and renters insurance in Austin
Applying for Section 8 housing through Austin’s
HCV program can be difficult, but finding the right car
and renters insurance while saving money doesn’t have to be with help from insurance super app Jerry
. Unlike Austin’s HCV program, Jerry doesn’t require endless paperwork, in-person interviews, or inspections. You can just download the app, answer a few easy questions, and get customized quotes from the top insurance companies in 45 seconds. Our expert team will work with you to get your new policy approved in record time, and we’ll even help you cancel your old policy so you’re not overpaying!
Jerry doesn’t just handle car insurance—while you’re at it, you can enroll in renters insurance
to protect you and your unit from financial risk. “This app is all about savings! Jerry
just saved me $193/month on my car insurance. They literally found me the cheapest policies out there and with better coverage! Seriously, just sit back and watch Jerry work its magic.” —Rachel B.
RECOMMENDEDThis app is great, but the customer service is even better! Not to mention convenient! My husband and I got the lowest rate (much lower than the rates I was finding online through my own searches), quickly, and pretty much all through text message! Thank you so much for a hassle free experience👍
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