Securing affordable housing can be a significant challenge, but the Kansas Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program provides an essential lifeline. This federal initiative, administered locally by housing authorities, enables low-income families, seniors, and individuals to access safe and affordable housing through rental assistance.

By allowing participants to use vouchers for privately-owned properties, the program supports flexibility and integration within communities.

Who Qualifies for Section 8 Housing in Kansas?

Eligibility for Section 8 housing in Kansas is based on several criteria:

Income Limits: Applicants must have a household income below HUD’s determined limits, which vary by location and household size. Priority is given to those with extremely low incomes.
Citizenship or Eligible Immigration Status: Only U.S. citizens, nationals, or individuals with eligible immigration status qualify.
Criminal Background: Certain criminal convictions, such as violent crimes or drug-related offenses, may disqualify applicants.
Rental History: Applicants should have a positive rental history and no recent evictions from public housing.

Local housing authorities may have additional requirements, so check with the authority in your area for specifics.

What is the Maximum Amount of Rent That Section 8 Will Pay in Kansas?

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) uses a fair market rent system to determine the maximum amount of rent that Section 8 will pay in Kansas. Fair market rents are calculated annually for each geographic area based on the local rental market, and they represent the amount that a moderately-priced rental unit, including utilities, would typically rent for in that area.

The fair market rent system takes into account a variety of factors, including the size of the rental unit, the location of the unit, and the type of unit (i.e. apartment, single-family home). The maximum amount of rent that Section 8 will pay is based on the fair market rent for the particular unit being rented.

It's important to note that while Section 8 will pay up to the fair market rent amount, it does not mean that the unit must be rented for that amount. Landlords are free to charge less than the fair market rent amount, but they cannot charge more than that amount.

In Kansas, fair market rents can vary widely based on location, with larger cities generally having higher fair market rents than smaller rural areas. Applicants can find out the fair market rents for their area by contacting their local housing authority or visiting HUD's website.

Income Limits for Section 8 Housing in Kansas

The income limits for Section 8 housing in Kansas are determined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and are based on the area median income (AMI). HUD sets income limits at either 50% or 80% of the AMI, depending on the size of the household and the specific area where the household is located.

The following table shows current Income Limits in Kansas.

Households with lower incomes are given priority for Section 8 housing, so those with incomes closer to the income limit may have longer wait times for assistance. Additionally, households with incomes below 30% of the AMI may be eligible for even greater rental assistance through other programs.

Fair Market Rents for Section 8 Housing in Kansas

Fair market rents for Section 8 housing in Kansas are calculated annually by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) based on the rental market in the area. The fair market rent represents the average amount that a moderately-priced rental unit, including utilities, would typically rent for in that area.

The following table shows current Fair Market Rents in Kansas.

HUD calculates the above fair market rents based on data collected from rental listings and surveys in each area. Fair market rents are set based on the size and type of the rental unit, as well as the geographic location.

How Do I Apply for Section 8 Housing in Kansas?

Applying for Section 8 housing in Kansas involves the following steps:

Determine Eligibility: Ensure your household meets the income and other program requirements.
Contact a Housing Authority: Locate your local housing authority through the HUD website or Kansas Housing Resources Corporation.
Complete the Application: Provide detailed information about your household size, income, and rental history.
Submit Supporting Documents: Include proof of income, identification, and other required paperwork.
Wait for Processing: Applications may take weeks or months to process. Approved applicants are placed on a waiting list if vouchers are not immediately available.

Some Kansas housing authorities allow online applications, which can streamline the process.

Kansas Housing Authorities

In Kansas, the Section 8 program is administered by local housing authorities throughout the state. These housing authorities are responsible for processing applications, determining eligibility, and providing rental assistance to eligible households. Here are some of the housing authorities that administer the Section 8 program in Kansas:

The following is a list of Housing Authorities in Kansas including their contact information.

Name	Contact Information	Website
Wichita Housing Authority	332 S. Broadway, Suite 500 Wichita, KS 67202 316-462-3700 Email	Visit Website
Johnson County Housing Services	12425 W. 87th Street Parkway, Suite 200 Lenexa, KS 66215 913-715-6600 Email	Visit Website
Lawrence Douglas County Housing Authority	1600 Haskell Avenue, Suite 182 Lawrence, KS 66044 785-842-8110 Email	Visit Website
Topeka Housing Authority	2010 SE California Avenue Topeka, KS 66607 785-357-8842 Email	Visit Website
Wyandotte County Housing Authority	1730 N. 7th Street Trafficway Kansas City, KS 66101 913-281-3300 Email	Visit Website

Contact information for additional housing authorities throughout Kansas can be found on the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) website or by contacting the Kansas State Housing Authority.

Section 8 Housing Kansas Waiting List

Due to high demand, waiting lists for Section 8 housing in Kansas are common. These lists prioritize households based on need, such as those with very low incomes or facing homelessness. To navigate the waiting list process for Section 8 housing in Kansas, here are some tips for applicants:

Apply as early as possible: Given the long waiting lists for Section 8 housing in Kansas, it's important to apply as early as possible to increase your chances of receiving rental assistance.
Keep your contact information up to date: It's important to keep your contact information up to date with your local housing authority to ensure that you receive notification of your eligibility status and any updates on the waiting list.
Stay in touch with your local housing authority: Contact your local housing authority periodically to check on the status of your application and any updates on the waiting list.
Consider other affordable housing options: While waiting for Section 8 rental assistance, consider other affordable housing options, such as public housing or privately-owned subsidized housing.
Be patient: Finally, it's important to be patient and understand that the waiting list process for Section 8 housing in Kansas can be lengthy. Keep in mind that housing authorities prioritize those with the greatest need, such as households with very low incomes or those who are homeless.

The following is a list of current waiting lists in Kansas:

  
        Name
        Open Waiting List?
      
        Wichita Housing Authority
        Yes
      
        Johnson County Housing Services
        No
      
        Lawrence Douglas County Housing Authority
        Yes
      
        Topeka Housing Authority
        No
      
        Wyandotte County Housing Authority
        Yes

How Long Does it Take to Get Approved for Section 8 in Kansas?

The timeline for the Section 8 application process in Kansas can vary depending on the local housing authority and the availability of rental assistance in the area. Generally, the application process can take several weeks to several months, or even longer in some cases.

After submitting an application for Section 8 housing in Kansas, the local housing authority will typically review the application to determine if the applicant meets the eligibility criteria. This review process can take several weeks, and applicants may be required to provide additional documentation or information to support their application.

If the applicant is determined to be eligible for Section 8 housing, they will be placed on a waiting list until rental assistance becomes available. The length of time on the waiting list can vary widely depending on the availability of rental assistance and the demand for affordable housing in the area.

Once rental assistance becomes available, the local housing authority will contact the applicant to begin the process of finding suitable housing and arranging for rental assistance payments. This process can also take several weeks to several months, depending on the availability of suitable housing and the local housing market.

Other Low Income Housing Options in Kansas

In addition to Section 8, Kansas offers other programs to help low-income households:

Public Housing: Affordable rental units owned and managed by housing authorities.
Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC): Provides affordable rental options through private developers.
Kansas Emergency Rental Assistance (KERA): Helps with emergency rent and utility costs.
Habitat for Humanity: Offers affordable homeownership opportunities.

Exploring these options can provide additional resources while waiting for Section 8 assistance.

Accessing Affordable Housing Resources in Kansas

Navigating the Section 8 program and other housing resources in Kansas can seem daunting, but understanding the process and requirements is key to success. Whether through vouchers, public housing, or private programs, Kansas offers several pathways to safe and affordable housing. Contact your local housing authority or visit the HUD website to learn more.