Housing is a common problem among felons. Felony convicts<\/a> are always on the search for suitable housing schemes. Among other housing schemes, the Section 8 Voucher<\/strong> seems to be the most popular.<\/p>\n\n\n
Also referred to as the Housing Choice Voucher Program (source<\/a>), section 8 Voucher is a rental assistance scheme present across all states in the US. The federally funded program provides a discounted rental package for eligible persons \u2013 or families. The plan allows participating landlords to offer their homes to felons at up to 60% to 70% discount.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Recommended: housing grants for convicted felons<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n
Federal Regulations automatically disqualify two classes of felonies from the federal government-subsidized housing scheme. They include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
These rules do not only ruin an individual’s Section 8 eligibility status – it destroys the chances of the entire family.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Besides federal guidelines, each state has its independent eligibility regulations that may further reduce the hope of felons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Since the early 90s, many strict guidelines have emerged from different states and federal housing bodies. These rules are in a bid to curb crime rates among residents in low-budget housing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
These regulations have, over the years, posed as a significant housing barrier for many ex-convicts.<\/p>\n\n\n
Here are some rules of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD<\/a>) that determine whether or not felony convicts are qualified for public housing benefits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There’s an exception though \u2013 the authorities may accept your application before the fifth year, after a successful rehabilitation program, and have obtained a compliance certificate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here are conditions that can disqualify you from section 8 benefits. Record(s) of conviction for:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
If any of these records appear on your criminal history, visit your local PHA office or call to confirm your eligibility status.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Visit your local housing authority to find out the specific eligibility guidelines applicable to your area before you begin your application.<\/p>\n\n\n
Here\u2019s a tip \u2013 send applications to several local housing schemes. The more you submit, the higher your chances. Sometimes, the waiting list may be closed for applications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Find out when the list will be up for application again and apply it when it does.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Typically, the application process requires loads of paperwork and documents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, the authority will run a thorough criminal background check. If you have a stain on your criminal record, no use lying about your status on the application \u2013 you would be caught, most likely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here are relevant documents you may be required to submit with your application. Noteworthy \u2013 this list may slightly vary among programs, checkup HUD application guidelines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We recommend that you give accurate and fair responses to every query. Resist the temptation to leave out a neighbor you had regular scuffles with at your former residence. Leaving out some details, if found, may render you ineligible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It is needful to check out the application deadline and complete your application early enough to avoid missing the deadline. After the listing closes, it may take up to between 6 to 12 months before it reopens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Following a successful application, you may have to take a separate interview with staff at the housing authority. Here, you have an opportunity to present your case and sound convincing enough that you will make a good tenant and not breach any term stipulated in the guidelines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You should also admit to be a felon and relate the conscious efforts you’ve made so far to become a law-abiding citizen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Your local Housing Authority may go as far as contacting your past landlords to confirm your claims while in their houses. You may increase your chances by referencing previous landlords you trust would make kind remarks about you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the paperwork, do well to make photocopies of your application and all submitted documents. You may also decide to keep a log of the place you applied, the time of application, follow-up calls, etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are cases where the agencies may misplace your submitted paperwork. Keeping records will help you produce the copies fast if such ever occurs.<\/p>\n\n\n
Most ex-convicts have another common problem \u2013 getting legal employment. Interestingly, you can still qualify for the Section 8 voucher even without a job or a source of livelihood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, you might be wondering: Can Section 8 find out if you\u2019re working?<\/a> Yes, they do. They have mechanisms in place to verify the employment status of applicants and beneficiaries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
After confirming your eligibility, here are some conditions that may help increase your chances of a Section 8 Voucher. These factors not only give your application higher priority but also reduces your wait time to as short as a month – or two.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Your application may get prioritized if;<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What happens when a member of a family is a felon? Will this affect their application?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In this case, the same rule that applies to a felony convict who is the actual applicant would apply here too. Dealers of methamphetamine drugs and registered sex offenders have an automatic life ban from public housing schemes. Other forms of conviction may be considered for review by local PHAs, based on the gravity of the crime committed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That said, where a felony convict wants to squat with someone who already stays in Section 8 housing arrangement, or if a Section 8 tenant is getting married to a felon, the original tenant should, by law, relate this development to their local PHA.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The authority reserves the right \u2013 based on the above criteria \u2013 to allow or deny such felon permission to live with the Section 8 tenant. Understanding the Section 8 rules on getting married to a felon<\/a> is crucial as it significantly impacts the living arrangements and the eligibility of continuing in the Section 8 housing scheme.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Section 8 regulations have made adequate provision for cases where a felony-convict family member or friend wants you to accommodate them for a brief period. Failure to abide by these rules may affect your subsidized housing arrangement. See what the guideline says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You must first report to your landlord and the housing authority, that your guest is a felony convict<\/a>. In some cases, based on their criminal charges \u2013 may be granted a stay permit. Anything contrary may be treated as fraud.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The number of people that apply for subsidized housing usually leads to a long wait, particularly in big cities. Section 8 wait timeframe<\/a> in such large cities can linger for as long as between two to four years. In less populated localities, applicants may wait for between 6 to 12 months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It’s simple \u2013 as soon as you get the housing voucher, begin your search for an apartment<\/a> owned by a participating section 8 landlord.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Of course, they will most likely ask for references.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You will sign a one-year lease with the landlord.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you decide to move \u2013 and still have your voucher intact \u2013 you can use it again at your new apartment<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n
Sometimes, searching and application procedures for section 8 vouchers can be a whole lot daunting \u2013 and complicated. Thankfully, you may seek support from these places –<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lastly, if your family is currently homeless \u2013 or is threatened to be \u2013 visit your local Department of Transitional Assistance center (DTA) and discuss your family\u2019s condition. They assist people in their search for suitable housing plans and aid in completing the application process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Read Also: List of Felon-Friendly US States<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Housing is a common problem among felons. Felony convicts are always on the search for suitable housing schemes. Among other housing schemes, the Section 8 Voucher seems to be the most popular. What is a Section 8 Voucher? Also referred to as the Housing Choice Voucher Program (source), section 8 Voucher is a rental assistance … Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":574,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"\n