Hawaii Section 8 Housing
/Introduction
Hawaii Section 8 Housing, also known as the Housing Choice Voucher program, is a federal assistance program that provides affordable housing to low-income individuals and families in the United States. The program is designed to help eligible households with a portion of their rental payment, making it easier for them to afford decent, safe, and sanitary housing. In Hawaii, where the cost of living is high, the Section 8 housing program plays a vital role in providing affordable housing options for low-income residents.
The importance of Section 8 housing in Hawaii cannot be overstated. With a high cost of living and limited affordable housing options, many low-income families and individuals struggle to find safe and affordable places to live. The Section 8 housing program provides a crucial lifeline for these individuals, helping them secure safe and affordable housing and improve their overall quality of life. In this article, we will explore the details of the Section 8 housing program in Hawaii, including who qualifies, how to apply, and what benefits are available.
Who Qualifies for Section 8 Housing in Hawaii?
The Section 8 housing program in Hawaii is designed to help low-income individuals and families with safe and affordable housing. To qualify for the program, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements, which include:
Income eligibility requirements: Applicants must have a household income that is at or below 50% of the area median income for the county where they are applying. In Hawaii, the income limits vary by county, so it's important to check the specific income limits for your area.
Citizenship or legal residency status: Applicants must be U.S. citizens or have eligible immigration status.
Background checks and other eligibility factors: Applicants must pass a criminal background check and provide references and other documentation to verify their eligibility for the program.
To apply for Section 8 housing in Hawaii, applicants must complete an application and provide documentation to verify their income, residency, and other eligibility factors. Applications can be completed online or in-person at the local Public Housing Authority (PHA).
It's important to note that meeting the eligibility requirements does not guarantee acceptance into the program, as the demand for Section 8 housing in Hawaii often exceeds the availability of vouchers. Applicants may also be placed on a waiting list if no vouchers are currently available.
What is the Most Section 8 Will Pay?
The amount that Section 8 will pay towards a household's rent is determined by a variety of factors, including the household's income, the size of the household, and the fair market rent (FMR) for the area where the household is located. However, there is a maximum payment that Section 8 will provide, known as the payment standard.
The payment standard is the maximum amount that Section 8 will pay towards a household's rent and utilities. In Hawaii, the payment standard varies by county and is based on the fair market rent for that area. For example, in Honolulu County, the payment standard for a one-bedroom apartment in 2021 is $1,791.
To calculate the amount of rent that Section 8 will pay for a household, the payment standard is subtracted from the total rent and utilities for the unit. The household is then responsible for paying the difference between the Section 8 payment and the total rent.
There are several factors that may affect the amount of Section 8 payment, including changes in the household's income or family size, changes in the fair market rent for the area, and changes in the unit's rent and utilities. It's important to notify the local Public Housing Authority (PHA) if any of these changes occur, as they may affect the amount of Section 8 payment that the household is eligible to receive.
Income Limits for Section 8 Housing in Hawaii
To be eligible for Section 8 housing in Hawaii, applicants must meet certain income eligibility requirements. The income limits vary by county and are based on the area median income (AMI) for that county. In Hawaii, the income limits range from 30% to 80% of the AMI, depending on the household size and the county of residence.
The income limits are determined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and are updated annually. The purpose of the income limits is to ensure that the program is providing assistance to those who need it most, while also taking into account the cost of living in each county.
To calculate your household income, you will need to add up the gross income for all members of your household. This includes income from all sources, such as wages, salaries, tips, child support, and social security benefits. It's important to report all sources of income on your application, as failure to do so could result in a loss of eligibility for the program.
If your household income is at or below the income limit for your county, you may be eligible for Section 8 housing in Hawaii. It's important to check the income limits for your county before applying to ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements for the program.
The following table shows current income limits for various islands/counties in Hawaii.
Fair Market Rents for Section 8 Housing in Hawaii
Fair market rents (FMR) are used by the Section 8 housing program to determine the maximum amount of rent that can be paid for a unit in a particular area. In Hawaii, fair market rents are based on the rental market conditions for each county and are determined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
The fair market rents for Section 8 housing in Hawaii vary by county and by the number of bedrooms in the unit. For example, in Honolulu County in 2021, the fair market rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $1,506, while the fair market rent for a three-bedroom apartment is $3,038.
Fair market rents are determined based on a variety of factors, including the rental market conditions, vacancy rates, and the cost of utilities in the area. The purpose of fair market rents is to ensure that the Section 8 program is providing assistance to eligible households without overpaying for rental units.
To find the fair market rent for your area, you can visit the HUD website or contact your local Public Housing Authority (PHA). It's important to note that the fair market rent may change from year to year, so it's important to check the most recent information before applying for Section 8 housing in Hawaii.
How to Apply for Section 8 Housing in Hawaii?
To apply for Section 8 housing in Hawaii, applicants must complete an application and provide documentation to verify their income, residency, and other eligibility factors. Applications can be completed online or in-person at the local Public Housing Authority (PHA).
Gather Required Information: Before starting the application process, gather all the required information such as your Social Security number, contact information, income information, and the names and dates of birth of all household members.
Fill out the Application: You can either fill out the application online or print out a paper application and submit it in-person at the local PHA. Make sure to fill out the application completely and accurately.
Submit Supporting Documents: Once you have completed the application, you will need to submit supporting documents to verify your income, residency, and other eligibility factors. This may include pay stubs, tax returns, birth certificates, and social security cards.
Wait for Notification: After submitting your application and supporting documents, you will be placed on a waiting list if no vouchers are currently available. Once a voucher becomes available, you will be notified and invited to attend an interview.
It's important to note that the waiting list for Section 8 housing in Hawaii can be long, and there may be limited vouchers available. It's also important to keep your contact information up-to-date and notify the PHA of any changes in your household income or family size.
You can apply for Section 8 housing in Hawaii online through the Hawaii Public Housing Authority (HPHA) website or in-person at your local PHA. It's important to follow the instructions carefully and provide all required information and documents to ensure that your application is processed in a timely manner.
The following table contains local Housing Authorties in Hawaii along with their contact information.
| Housing Authority | Contact Information | Website |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaii Public Housing Authority | 1002 N School St, Honolulu, HI 96817 (808) 832-4692 |
Visit Website |
| Hawaii County Office of Housing and Community Development | 1990 Kinoole St, Hilo, HI 96720 (808) 961-8379 |
Visit Website |
| City and County of Honolulu Department of Community Services | 925 Dillingham Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96817 (808) 768-7700 |
Visit Website |
| Kauai County Housing Agency | 4444 Rice St, Suite 330, Lihue, HI 96766 (808) 241-4440 |
Visit Website |
| Maui County Department of Housing and Human Concerns | 35 Lunalilo St, Suite 101, Wailuku, HI 96793 (808) 270-7351 |
Visit Website |
Section 8 Housing Hawaii Waiting List
Due to high demand, there may be a waiting list for Section 8 housing in Hawaii. The length of the waiting list varies by county and can range from several months to several years. Once you have submitted your application, you will be placed on the waiting list and contacted when a voucher becomes available.
You can check your status on the waiting list by contacting your local Public Housing Authority (PHA) or by checking online through the Hawaii Public Housing Authority (HPHA) website. It's important to keep your contact information up-to-date to ensure that you receive notifications about your status on the waiting list.
To stay up-to-date on waiting list information and other Section 8 housing updates in Hawaii, it's recommended to sign up for alerts from the HPHA or your local PHA. You can also check the HPHA website for updates on the waiting list status and other important program information.
The following table shows the current waiting list status for Housing Authorities in Hawaii.
| Housing Authority | Waiting List Status |
|---|---|
| Hawaii Public Housing Authority | Closed |
| Hawaii County Office of Housing and Community Development | Open |
| City and County of Honolulu Department of Community Services | Open |
| Kauai County Housing Agency | Closed |
| Maui County Department of Housing and Human Concerns | Open |
Other Low Income Housing Housing Options in Hawaii
In addition to Section 8 housing and HUD housing, there are other low-income housing options available in Hawaii that may have little or no waiting list. These include:
Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) properties: These properties are privately owned and receive tax credits in exchange for renting units to low-income tenants at below-market rates.
Hawaii Public Housing: Public housing is owned and managed by the Hawaii Public Housing Authority (HPHA) and provides affordable rental housing to low-income families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities.
Project-Based Section 8 housing: This type of housing is owned and managed by private landlords who have agreed to rent units to low-income tenants at below-market rates in exchange for Section 8 vouchers.
Eligibility requirements for these programs vary, but generally, applicants must meet income eligibility requirements and other program-specific requirements. It's important to note that the demand for affordable housing in Hawaii is high, and there may be limited availability for these alternative low-income housing options.
To apply for low-income housing with no waiting list in Hawaii, you can contact your local PHA or the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation (HHFDC) for more information on eligibility and availability.
Conclusion
The Section 8 housing program in Hawaii provides low-income individuals and families with safe and affordable housing. To qualify for the program, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements, including income eligibility requirements and citizenship or legal residency status. The program also provides assistance with rent payments, based on the household's income and the fair market rent for the area.
While the demand for Section 8 housing in Hawaii often exceeds the availability of vouchers, there are alternative low-income housing options available, such as low-income housing tax credit properties, public housing, and project-based Section 8 housing. Eligibility requirements for these programs vary, but generally, applicants must meet income eligibility requirements and other program-specific requirements.
It's important to stay informed about the Section 8 housing program in Hawaii and other affordable housing options. By checking the Hawaii Public Housing Authority website and signing up for alerts, you can stay up-to-date on waiting list information and other program updates. If you have any questions about the Section 8 housing program or other affordable housing options in Hawaii, you can contact your local Public Housing Authority or the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation for more information.
