The process of finding affordable housing can be overwhelming, especially for those in need. Section 8 housing, also known as the Housing Choice Voucher Program, is a federal program designed to help low-income families, the elderly, and people with disabilities afford decent, safe, and sanitary housing. In Volusia County, Florida, the Section 8 housing program is administered by the Volusia County Housing Authority (VCHA). In this article, we will delve into the details of the Section 8 housing application process in Volusia County, Florida.
What is Section 8 Housing?
Section 8 housing is a rental assistance program that helps eligible families pay their rent. The program is funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and is administered by local housing authorities, such as the Volusia County Housing Authority. The program provides a voucher to eligible families, which can be used to rent a unit from a participating landlord.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for Section 8 housing in Volusia County, applicants must meet certain requirements. These requirements include:
- Income: The applicant's income must not exceed 50% of the area median income (AMI). The AMI is adjusted annually by HUD.
- Family size: The applicant's family size must be within the limits set by the VCHA.
- Citizenship: The applicant must be a U.S. citizen or have eligible immigration status.
- Disability: The applicant must have a disability or be elderly (62 or older).
Application Process
The application process for Section 8 housing in Volusia County involves several steps:
- Pre-Application: The first step is to submit a pre-application to the VCHA. The pre-application can be submitted online or in person at the VCHA office.
- Waiting List: If the applicant meets the eligibility requirements, they will be placed on the waiting list. The waiting list is typically several years long, and applicants are selected based on their position on the list.
- Application: When the applicant reaches the top of the waiting list, they will be invited to submit a full application. The application will require documentation, such as proof of income, family size, and citizenship.
- Interview: The applicant will be required to attend an interview with a VCHA representative. The interview will be used to verify the information provided on the application.
- Approval: If the applicant is approved, they will receive a voucher that can be used to rent a unit from a participating landlord.
Finding a Section 8 Housing Unit
Once an applicant has been approved for the Section 8 program, they can begin searching for a housing unit. The VCHA provides a list of participating landlords and available units on their website. Applicants can also search for units on their own, but they must ensure that the unit meets the VCHA's housing quality standards.
Section 8 Housing Voucher
The Section 8 housing voucher is a rental assistance subsidy that helps eligible families pay their rent. The voucher is issued by the VCHA and can be used to rent a unit from a participating landlord. The voucher is typically valid for 60 days, and the applicant must find a unit and sign a lease within that timeframe.
Section 8 Housing Income Limits
The income limits for Section 8 housing in Volusia County are adjusted annually by HUD. The income limits are based on the area median income (AMI) and are adjusted for family size.
Section 8 Housing Benefits
The Section 8 housing program provides several benefits to eligible families, including:
- Rental assistance: The program provides a subsidy to help families pay their rent.
- Choice of housing: Families can choose from a variety of housing units, including apartments, houses, and condominiums.
- Portable voucher: The voucher is portable, meaning that families can take it with them if they move to a different location.
Section 8 Housing Application Status
Applicants can check the status of their application by contacting the VCHA or by checking the VCHA website. The VCHA also provides a waiting list status report that shows the current position of applicants on the waiting list.
Section 8 Housing Contact Information
For more information about the Section 8 housing program in Volusia County, applicants can contact the Volusia County Housing Authority:
Volusia County Housing Authority 110 W. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Daytona Beach, FL 32114 Phone: (386) 736-5955 Fax: (386) 671-8252 Email:
Gallery of Section 8 Housing Images
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Section 8 housing?
+Section 8 housing is a rental assistance program that helps low-income families, the elderly, and people with disabilities afford decent, safe, and sanitary housing.
How do I apply for Section 8 housing in Volusia County?
+The application process involves submitting a pre-application to the Volusia County Housing Authority, followed by a full application and interview.
What are the income limits for Section 8 housing in Volusia County?
+The income limits are adjusted annually by HUD and are based on the area median income (AMI).
We hope this article has provided valuable information about the Section 8 housing application process in Volusia County, Florida. If you have any further questions or would like to learn more about the program, please don't hesitate to contact the Volusia County Housing Authority.