Arkansas Section 8 Housing
/Introduction
Arkansas Section 8 housing is a federal housing assistance program that helps low-income families, seniors, and disabled individuals afford safe and decent housing. The program is administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and provides rental assistance to eligible households, with the goal of helping them achieve housing stability and self-sufficiency.
In Arkansas, the Section 8 housing program provides critical support for low-income households who may struggle to afford housing. According to the National Low Income Housing Coalition, the average renter in Arkansas must earn $15.29 per hour to afford a two-bedroom rental home without being cost-burdened, meaning they spend more than 30% of their income on housing. This is far above the state's minimum wage of $11 per hour, making it difficult for many families to make ends meet.
Section 8 housing vouchers can help bridge this gap by providing rental assistance to eligible households. By allowing low-income families to afford decent, safe housing, Section 8 vouchers help reduce homelessness, improve health outcomes, and increase economic stability for households in Arkansas.
This article will provide information and resources on Section 8 housing in Arkansas. It will cover eligibility requirements for the program, how to apply for Section 8 housing in Arkansas, the maximum amount of assistance provided by the program, the typical timeline for approval, income limits for Section 8 housing in Arkansas, fair market rents for Section 8 housing in Arkansas, and related search topics such as emergency housing assistance in Arkansas and the Section 8 housing waiting list in Utah. By the end of the article, readers should have a better understanding of the Section 8 housing program in Arkansas and the resources available to them if they are eligible for assistance.
Who Qualifies for Section 8 Housing in Arkansas?
To qualify for Section 8 housing in Arkansas, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements. These include:
Demonstrating financial need: Applicants must demonstrate that they are low-income or very low-income households, as defined by HUD. Generally, this means that the household's income is at or below 50% of the median income for the area.
Residency status: Applicants must be U.S. citizens, non-citizen nationals, or have eligible immigration status.
Background check: Applicants and household members over the age of 18 must pass a criminal background check.
Rental history: Applicants must have a satisfactory rental history, with no outstanding debts or evictions.
In Arkansas, income limits for Section 8 housing are determined by HUD based on the area's median income. For example, in Little Rock, the 2021 income limit for a family of four is $56,300 for very low-income households and $90,100 for low-income households. In Fayetteville, the same income limits are $51,500 and $82,400, respectively.
In addition to income and residency requirements, other eligibility factors may be considered when determining eligibility for Section 8 housing in Arkansas. These may include the size of the household, the age and disability status of household members, and the availability of suitable housing in the area. Applicants should consult with their local public housing agency to determine their eligibility and to learn more about the application process.
What is the Most Section 8 Will Pay?
The maximum amount of assistance provided by the Section 8 program in Arkansas varies depending on the household's income, the size of the household, and the area's fair market rents (FMRs). In general, the program covers the difference between 30% of the household's income and the FMR for the area, up to a maximum amount set by HUD. For example, in Little Rock in 2021, the maximum monthly subsidy for a two-bedroom apartment is $882.
Several factors can affect the amount of assistance provided by the Section 8 program in Arkansas, including:
Household income: As household income increases, the amount of assistance provided by the program decreases.
Family size: Larger families may be eligible for higher subsidies than smaller families.
Fair market rents: The amount of assistance provided is based on the area's fair market rents, which can vary from region to region.
Other factors: The amount of assistance may also be affected by utility costs, the age of the household head, and the availability of accessible housing.
To calculate the amount of Section 8 assistance you may be eligible for in Arkansas, you can use an online calculator or consult with your local PHA. Generally, the formula for calculating Section 8 assistance is:
(30% of household income) - (tenant payment) = monthly subsidy
The tenant payment is generally calculated as 30% of the household's adjusted income. The monthly subsidy is then based on the area's FMR and the size of the unit.
By understanding the factors that affect the amount of assistance provided by the Section 8 program and using the appropriate resources, applicants can better estimate the amount of assistance they may be eligible for and make informed decisions about their housing options.
Income Limits for Section 8 Housing in Arkansas
Income limits for Section 8 housing in Arkansas are determined by HUD and vary based on the area's median income. In general, eligibility for the program is based on the household's income level, which must be at or below 50% of the area's median income to qualify for very low-income households and 80% for low-income households. In Little Rock in 2021, for example, the income limit for a family of four is $28,150 for very low-income households and $45,050 for low-income households.
Income limits for Section 8 housing in Arkansas are calculated annually by HUD based on the area's median income. HUD takes into account the size of the household, the area's median income, and other factors to determine the income limits for each area.
Income limits have a significant impact on eligibility for Section 8 housing in Arkansas. To be eligible for the program, households must meet income requirements based on the area's median income. This means that households with incomes above the income limit may not be eligible for the program. Additionally, income limits may affect the amount of assistance provided by the program, as households with lower incomes are generally eligible for higher subsidies. The following table shows current income limits for Arkansas.
Fair Market Rents for Section 8 Housing in Arkansas
Fair market rents (FMRs) are used by the Section 8 program in Arkansas to determine the maximum amount of assistance that can be provided to eligible households. FMRs represent the estimated cost of rent, including utilities, for a given area and unit size. FMRs are determined annually by HUD and are based on a survey of rental prices in the area.
HUD calculates FMRs for Section 8 housing in Arkansas based on the average rental prices for the area. HUD collects data on rental prices for different unit sizes and types and calculates the median rental price for each area. FMRs are then set at 40% of the median rental price for the area.
Fair market rents have a significant impact on the availability of Section 8 housing in Arkansas. Because the amount of assistance provided by the program is based on FMRs, households may struggle to find affordable housing if the FMR is set too low for the area. Additionally, the availability of Section 8 housing may be limited if there are not enough landlords willing to accept the program's rental rates.
In some cases, the Section 8 program in Arkansas may offer higher FMRs for certain areas or unit sizes to address these challenges. However, the availability of affordable housing remains a significant challenge for low-income households in Arkansas, and addressing this issue is critical to improving housing stability and economic security for these families. The following table shows current Fair Market Rents for Arkansas.
How Do I Apply for Section 8 Housing in Arkansas?
To apply for Section 8 housing in Arkansas, applicants must first contact their local public housing agency (PHA). The PHA will provide an application and guide applicants through the process. Applicants will need to provide information about their household size, income, and rental history, as well as pass a background check.
When applying for Section 8 housing in Arkansas, applicants must provide several documents to support their application. These may include:
Proof of income: Applicants must provide documentation of their income, including pay stubs, tax returns, and other financial statements.
Proof of residency: Applicants must provide documentation of their residency status, such as a birth certificate or passport.
Rental history: Applicants must provide documentation of their rental history, including previous landlords and rental agreements.
Background check: Applicants must authorize a criminal background check as part of the application process.
Completing the Section 8 housing application in Arkansas can be a complex process, but there are several tips that can help applicants navigate the process successfully. These include:
Starting early: The application process for Section 8 housing in Arkansas can take several weeks or even months, so it's important to start the process as early as possible.
Following instructions carefully: Applicants should carefully review the instructions provided by their local PHA and follow them closely to avoid delays or complications.
Providing accurate information: Applicants should ensure that all information provided on the application is accurate and up-to-date to avoid potential issues during the approval process.
Following up: After submitting the application, applicants should follow up with their PHA regularly to check on the status of their application and provide any additional information or documentation as needed.
By following these tips and working closely with their local PHA, applicants can increase their chances of success in applying for Section 8 housing in Arkansas. The following table is a list of Public Housing Authorities in Arkansas along with the contact information.
| Housing Authority | Address & Contact Information | Website |
|---|---|---|
| Arkansas Delta Housing Development Corporation | 109 S. 14th St., Suite A, Paragould, AR 72450 (870) 239-8210 |
Visit Website |
| Central Arkansas Development Council | 707 Robins Street, Suite 118, Conway, AR 72034 (501) 329-3891 |
Visit Website |
| Conway Housing Authority | 440 Ingram St, Conway, AR 72034 (501) 329-5151 |
N/A |
| East Arkansas Regional Housing Authority | 2144 State Hwy 163, Cherry Valley, AR 72324 (870) 588-4585 |
Visit Website |
| Fort Smith Housing Authority | 2100 N 31st St, Fort Smith, AR 72904 (479) 785-2303 |
Visit Website |
| Hot Springs Housing Authority | 100 Werner St, Hot Springs, AR 71913 (501) 624-4411 |
Visit Website |
| Jonesboro Urban Renewal & Housing Authority | 100 N. Union Street, Jonesboro, AR 72401 (870) 935-4811 |
Visit Website |
| Northwest Regional Housing Authority | 702 SE Plaza Ave, Bentonville, AR 72712 (479) 636-7301 |
Visit Website |
| Pine Bluff Housing Authority | 1700 S. Blake St., Pine Bluff, AR 71603 (870) 536-4155 |
Not Available |
| West Memphis Housing Authority | 501 W Broadway St, West Memphis, AR 72301 (870) 735-5500 |
Visit Website |
How Long Does it Take to Get Approved for Section 8 in Arkansas?
The timeline for approval of Section 8 housing applications in Arkansas can vary depending on the individual case and the workload of the local PHA. Generally, the process can take several weeks or even months to complete. Once an application is submitted, the PHA will typically conduct a background check and verify the applicant's income and rental history. If approved, the applicant will be placed on a waiting list until a voucher becomes available.
Several factors can affect the timeline for Section 8 housing approval in Arkansas, including:
Workload of the PHA: If the local PHA is understaffed or has a high volume of applications, the approval process may be delayed.
Completeness of the application: If the application is incomplete or missing required documents, the approval process may be delayed while the applicant provides additional information.
Background checks: Background checks can take several weeks to complete, depending on the complexity of the case.
While the approval process for Section 8 housing in Arkansas can be lengthy, there are several tips that can help applicants expedite the process. These include:
Ensuring the application is complete: Applicants should carefully review the application instructions and ensure that all required documents and information are included with their application.
Following up regularly: Applicants should follow up with their local PHA regularly to check on the status of their application and provide any additional information or documentation as needed.
Being proactive: Applicants should be proactive in providing information and responding to requests from the PHA to expedite the approval process.
Exploring other resources: While waiting for Section 8 housing approval, applicants should explore other resources such as emergency housing assistance or low-income rental housing programs to ensure they have safe and stable housing in the meantime.
By following these tips and working closely with their local PHA, applicants can increase their chances of a timely approval for Section 8 housing in Arkansas.
Waiting Lists for Section 8 Housing in Arkansas
Section 8 housing assistance is in high demand in Arkansas, and many housing authorities may have waiting lists for assistance. Waiting lists are generally managed on a first-come, first-served basis, with priority given to families or individuals with the greatest housing needs.
It's important to note that waiting times for Section 8 housing assistance can vary greatly depending on the location, the availability of housing, and the number of applicants on the waiting list. Some waiting lists may be closed due to overwhelming demand, while others may open and close periodically as vacancies become available.
To determine if a waiting list is open in your area, you can contact your local housing authority or visit their website. You may also be able to sign up for waiting lists online, depending on the housing authority.
If you are currently on a waiting list for Section 8 housing assistance in Arkansas, it's important to keep your contact information up to date with the housing authority. This will ensure that you receive notification when your name comes up on the waiting list, and that you don't lose your place in line.
While waiting for Section 8 housing assistance, you may also want to explore other affordable housing options, such as public housing, subsidized housing, or low-income housing tax credit properties. Additionally, some housing authorities may offer emergency housing assistance to families or individuals experiencing homelessness or other crises. The following table shows currently open waiting lists in Arkansas.
| Housing Authority | Waiting List Status |
|---|---|
| Clarendon Housing Authority | Open |
| Desha County Residential Housing Facilities Board | Open |
| Fort Smith Housing Authority | Open |
| Franklin County Public Housing Agency | Open |
| Hope Housing Authority | Open |
| Hot Springs Housing Authority | Open |
| Jonesboro Urban Renewal Housing Authority | Open |
| Lonoke County Housing Authority | Open |
| Paragould Housing Authority | Open |
| Pine Bluff Housing Authority | Open |
| Pope County Public Facilities Board | Open |
| Stuttgart Housing Authority | Open |
| White River Regional Housing Authority | Open |
| Wynne Housing Authority | Open |
| Yell County Public Facilities Board | Open |
Conclusion
The Section 8 housing program in Arkansas is a critical resource for low-income families and individuals seeking affordable housing. The program provides rental assistance to eligible households, allowing them to access safe and stable housing in their communities.
Seeking out information and resources on Section 8 housing in Arkansas is critical to understanding eligibility requirements, application processes, and available resources. By educating themselves on these topics, applicants can increase their chances of success in applying for the program and accessing the support they need.
For those who are eligible for Section 8 housing in Arkansas, it's important to take action and explore further resources to ensure they can access safe and stable housing. This may include reaching out to local PHAs for application assistance, exploring other rental assistance programs, or seeking out emergency housing assistance if needed.
Overall, the Section 8 housing program in Arkansas offers critical support for low-income households seeking affordable housing. By understanding eligibility requirements, application processes, income limits, fair market rents, and other key factors, applicants can make informed decisions about their housing options and access the support they need to achieve housing stability and economic security.
