How Can I Check My Section 8 Status?

Learn how to check your Section 8 status with our step-by-step guide. Get the information you need to stay updated on your application.

Waiting can be the hardest part of trying to find affordable housing. Applications can take weeks or even months to process, so how do you know your Section 8 status? Stay on top of your application and check on your status by contacting your local housing offices or Public Housing Authority (PHA). Section 8, also known as the Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCV), helps low-income families, people with disabilities, and seniors find the right accommodations through vouchers.

The demand for affordable housing is greater than the government can fund in some areas of the US. With the housing and economic challenges, there's been a rise in Section 8 applications each year, leading to longer waiting lists. For some, it could take several years for the PHA to approve an application.

Once you've successfully submitted your Section 8 application, you'll join others on a waiting list. It’s important to respond promptly if you receive an "Update Contact Info" letter from the PHA to avoid being removed, resetting your waitlist status, and having to start all over again.

How Can I Check My Section 8 Status?

Navigating the world of housing assistance can be daunting—especially when your Section 8 status is stuck in “pending” and you’re waiting for that Housing Choice Voucher to be approved.

So you've submitted your application, but you're probably left wondering, "How can I check my Section 8 status?"

Section 8 Search can answer your questions and guide you through the process, step by step.

Learn how to check your status online and what your options are. You’re not alone! We're here to make the process easier and remove the stress.

Step-by-Step Guide to Checking Your Section 8 Status

Keeping an eye on your application status can help you act promptly when your PHA gets back to you. Like we mentioned earlier, some PHAs might send you "Update Contact Info" letters after you've been on the waiting list for a while (around one year) to confirm your address and interest in Section 8 housing. Make sure to respond to these letters and follow any included instructions. Stay on top of your section 8 waitlist status by following these steps:

Keep in touch with the PHA where you submitted your application—make sure to contact the same office where you applied. If you need their contact information or are just starting your application, use our search tool to find your nearest PHA office.
Call, visit the PHA website, or visit the office in person to inquire about your application status.

Note: If you’re already on a waitlist, you can use a service like Waitlistcheck.com, log in with your birth year, and enter the password provided by your PHA. Keep in mind that different housing authorities have varying ways of updating your section 8 waitlist status. Some may not disclose your exact position on the waiting list but can inform you if you're on it or not.

Waiting List Confirmation Letter: Must Respond

The process is a little different between PHAs sometimes, but after you submit your application for the Section 8 waitlist, here’s what you can usually expect:

You’ll receive a confirmation letter or postcard letting you know that the Housing Authority has received your pre-application.

If you apply online, you'll get a confirmation number right away. If you don't get a letter or postcard within a few weeks, make sure to call your PHA to check your Section 8 status.

After a few months or even up to a year, you'll get a letter confirming you're on the waitlist. You'll be assigned a number on the list, so the wait time varies by your position.

The reason it takes so long is that numbers can only be assigned once all pre-applications are processed and the list has closed.

Inform the PHA within 30 days if you move, or you risk being removed from the list.

If you don't respond to letters from the PHA, or if your letters are returned undelivered, the PHA won’t contact you again.

Once you reach the top of the waiting list, the PHA will start checking your eligibility for Section 8 assistance, including your background, income, and criminal record. From here, the wait usually isn’t too long.

As long as you made sure you met all of the listed requirements at the beginning of the process, you should be well prepared!

What Should I Do After I Apply To a Section 8 Waitlist?

After you apply for Section 8 housing and get on the waitlist, here’s what you need to do:

Keep track of important information to help you check your Section 8 status, such as:

Any login details if you applied online
The PHA you applied with (and the date you applied to them)
Your position on the waiting list (if you have it)
Any confirmation number you received

If the PHA can't give you accurate details, ask for their Annual Plan, which includes info about the current number of households on the waitlist and their turnover rate. However, this document might not be easy to access and only provides a rough estimate.

Be persistent! Frequently check your Section 8 waiting list status online or through available options like phone calls or visiting the Housing Office. Keep all of your information updated, including your contact details and any changes in income. If you receive a notice requiring a response, reply as soon as possible to avoid losing your spot. If you applied online, regularly check your email for any messages from the Housing Office.

When your turn on the waitlist comes, you'll have a final in-person interview. Usually, only the applicant needs to attend, but sometimes they might ask for the entire household or just the adults. You must attend on the scheduled date and time or risk being removed from the list altogether.

Finally, once you get your Section 8 Housing voucher, you can start looking for your new home!

How to Get Priority on the Housing Voucher Waitlist

Getting a Section 8 housing voucher is notorious for being a slow process. It can take several years, but you might qualify for priority if you're in one of these situations:

Extremely Low Income: The Section 8 voucher is available for extremely low-income, very low-income, and low-income households. However, those with very low incomes are given preference. You’ll need verify your income along with that of your family.
Being Homeless: If you are currently homeless, you can get priority on the waitlist. Check with your PHA office for specific eligibility requirements for homeless applicants.
Living in Shelters: Section 8 aims to move low-income families off the streets and into safe housing. If you’re living in a shelter, you’re eligible for priority status on the Section 8 waitlist.
Having a Disability: Households with a disabled member get priority, especially if the current housing doesn’t adequately accommodate the disabled person’s needs.
The Elderly: Elderly individuals (over 62 years old) are considered a vulnerable population. There are special resources for senior Section 8 applicants.
Being a US Veteran: US veterans are given priority to help them transition smoothly from military to civilian life. The HUD-VASH program provides housing assistance specifically for Americans of veteran status.

If any of the above apply to you or your household, check your Section 8 application to ensure these special circumstances are considered. You could potentially qualify for emergency housing and avoid being placed on a waiting list.

Additional Resources and Support While Waiting

Try to stay patient and hopeful while you wait. The process isn’t perfect, but there are tools and resources to help you stay on track.

Don't hesitate to seek support. Reach out to social workers, community organizations, or friends and family for emotional support and practical assistance during this time.

While you're waiting for your voucher, there are actions you can take to ensure your readiness.

It's essential to check and know your credit score so that you know you will be approved for housing when the time comes.
Consider reaching out to other housing programs or community services available in your area for temporary relief or alternative housing options.

Regularly check your Section 8 status and plan your budget and relocation accordingly.

Take advantage of our search tool and read our blog for more information about Section 8 housing. Sign up now to save your searches and find all the latest updates on the Housing Choice Voucher Program.