WELCOME TO THE SECTION 8

HOUSING CHOICE VOUCHER PROGRAM

The Section 8 housing choice voucher program is the federal government's major program for assisting very low-income families, the elderly, and the disabled to afford decent, safe, and sanitary housing in the private market. Since housing assistance is provided on behalf of the family or individual, participants are able to find their own housing, including single-family homes, townhouses and apartments

The participant is free to choose any housing that meets the requirements of the program and is not limited to units located in subsidized housing projects

Housing choice vouchers are administered locally by public housing agencies. The public housing agencies receive federal funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to administer the voucher program. The Springfield Housing Authority administers the housing choice voucher program for Springfield, Illinois and Sangamon County

A family that is issued a housing voucher is responsible for finding a suitable housing unit of the family's choice where the owner agrees to rent under the program. This unit may include the family's present residence. Rental units must meet minimum standards of health and safety, as determined by the PHA

A housing subsidy is paid to the landlord directly by the PHA on behalf of the participating family. The family then pays the difference between the actual rent charged by the landlord and the amount subsidized by the program.

AM I ELIGIBLE?

Eligibility for a housing voucher is determined by the public housing agency based on the total annual gross income and family size and is limited to US citizens and specified categories of non-citizens who have eligible immigration status. In general, the family's income may not exceed 50% of the median income for the county or metropolitan area in which the family chooses to live. By law, a PHA must provide 75 percent of its voucher to applicants whose incomes do not exceed 30 percent of the area median income. Median income levels are published by HUD and vary by location. The Springfield Housing Authority can provide you with the income limits for Sangamon County and your family size.

During the application process, the Springfield Housing Authority will collect information on family income, assets, and family composition. The SHA will verify this information with other local agencies, your employer and bank, and will use the information to determine program eligibility and the amount of the housing assistance payment.

If the SHA determines that your family is eligible, the then your name will be placed on the waiting list, unless it is able to assist you immediately. Once your name is reached on the waiting list, the SHA will contact you regarding additional information which may be required and to have fingerprints completed to screen from criminal history. Once this has taken place, then you will be sent a notice to attend a New Participant Briefing session and upon attendance of this session your voucher for housing assistance will be issued. The Springfield Housing Authority screens applicants based on criminal history. A qualified applicant may not have a misdemeanor for the last 3 years or any felonious activity for the last 10 years.

HOW DO I APPLY?

The Section 8 waiting list is currently closed.

CURRENT VOUCHER HOLDERS

Congratulations on your participation in the housing choice voucher program. As a participant in the program you have certain obligations under the rules of the program

Tenant's Obligations: When a family selects a housing unit, and the PHA approves the unit and lease, the family signs a lease with the landlord for at least one year. The tenant may be required to pay a security deposit to the landlord. After the first year the landlord may initiate a new lease or allow the family to remain in the unit on a month-to-month lease

When the family is settled in a new home, the family is expected to comply with the lease and the program requirements, pay its share of rent on time, maintain the unit in good condition and notify the PHA of any changes in income or family composition. The family must also complete an annual recertification with the Springfield Housing Authority and the assisted unit will be inspected at least annually to ensure housing quality standard compliance.

You may see a list of dates to make changes to your income here. Changes in family composition can be made during any walk-in appointment time.

Walk-in Appointment Hours are are every Monday from 1:30pm to 4:00 pm and every Wednesday from 8:30am to 11:30am and again from 1:30pm to 4:00pm

WHO IS MY SECTION 8 SPECIALIST?

You may check the current case load listing here to determine who your Section 8 Specialist is. Cases are assigned to a specialist based on the last name of the Head of Household. Please contact your specialist with any questions you may have concerning your housing choice voucher and program participation.

LOOKING FOR A NEW UNIT OR HOUSE?

Is it time to move? Looking for another home or unit in a different neighborhood? Check out our property listings here. You can also print your Request for Tenancy Approval for the new landlord. When you turn in the Request for Tenancy Approval, you must also supply a blank, unsigned copy of the lease from the new landlord and your most current income information. For example, your 3 most recent pay stubs from your employer or Social Security Income verification

We have multiple units available that landlords have advised are currently for rent. Please click on the links below to view the listings. Good luck on your search for your new home