With over 16% of Kentucky households spending more than half their income on housing, finding affordable options is a pressing issue. The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program is a critical resource, bridging this gap for low-income families.

Funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and administered by the Kentucky Housing Corporation (KHC) in collaboration with local housing authorities, this program provides essential rental assistance. By covering a portion of rent costs, Section 8 empowers families to achieve housing stability while maintaining their financial health.

Who Qualifies for Section 8 Housing in Kentucky?

To be eligible for Section 8 housing in Kentucky, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements. These requirements include:

Income limits: To qualify for Section 8 housing in Kentucky, an applicant's household income must be at or below 50% of the median income for the area. However, KHC may prioritize applicants with lower incomes.
Citizenship: Applicants must be U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, or non-citizens with eligible immigration status.
Criminal background: KHC conducts a criminal background check on all adult members of the household. Individuals with certain criminal convictions may be ineligible for Section 8 housing in Kentucky.
Rental history: Applicants must have a good rental history, with no outstanding debts to a previous landlord or other housing authority.
Other factors that may determine eligibility for Section 8 housing in Kentucky include the number of people in the household, disability status, and age.

Meeting these requirements does not guarantee immediate assistance, as waiting lists are common. Check with KHC or your local housing authority for more details.

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

The maximum amount of rent that Section 8 will pay in Kentucky is determined by several factors. The maximum amount of rent is generally calculated as a percentage of the fair market rent (FMR) for the area, which is determined by HUD.

In Kentucky, the maximum amount of rent that Section 8 will pay is typically 30% of the household's adjusted gross income, with a minimum payment of $25 per month. However, the exact amount of rent paid by Section 8 may vary depending on the location of the rental unit, the number of bedrooms, and other factors.

In addition, KHC may also consider the condition of the rental unit and the utilities included in the rent when determining the maximum amount of rent that Section 8 will pay. It is important to note that the tenant is responsible for paying any rent that exceeds the maximum amount covered by Section 8.

Income Limits for Section 8 Housing in Kentucky

To qualify for Section 8 housing in Kentucky, applicants must meet certain income limits. These limits are determined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and are based on the area median income (AMI) for the region.

In Kentucky, the income limits for Section 8 housing vary depending on the number of people in the household and the county where the applicant resides. The following table shows current income limits in Kentucky.

KHC may prioritize applicants with lower incomes, and income limits may vary depending on the specific Section 8 program. For example, the income limits for the Section 8 Project-Based Voucher (PBV) program may be different from the income limits for the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program.

Overall, income limits for Section 8 housing in Kentucky are designed to ensure that the program serves those who need it the most. Applicants should consult with KHC or their local housing authority to determine the income limits for the specific Section 8 program they are applying for.

Fair Market Rents for Section 8 Housing in Kentucky

Fair market rents (FMRs) are used to determine the maximum amount of rent that Section 8 will pay for a rental unit in Kentucky. FMRs are determined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and are based on the local housing market.

In Kentucky, FMRs are calculated for each county and are based on the typical rent for a unit in the 40th percentile of the local rental market. FMRs take into account the number of bedrooms in a rental unit and are adjusted annually based on changes in the local housing market.

The following table shows current Fair Market Rents in Kentucky.

FMRs play an important role in ensuring that Section 8 participants in Kentucky are able to access safe and affordable housing in their local housing market. Applicants should consult with KHC or their local housing authority to determine the FMRs for their area.

How Do I Apply for Section 8 Housing in Kentucky?

The process of applying for Section 8 housing includes several important steps:

Locate an Open Waiting List: Visit the Kentucky Housing Corporation website or contact your local housing authority to find open waiting lists.
Complete an Application: Applications can often be submitted online or via a paper form. Provide accurate details about your household size, income, and rental history.
Submit Documentation: Include proof of income, identification, and other required documents to verify eligibility.
Attend an Interview: Applicants may need to attend an in-person or phone interview with KHC or a local housing authority representative.
Wait for Approval: Once approved, applicants are placed on a waiting list until a voucher becomes available.

The waiting time can vary widely depending on the demand in your area.

Kentucky Housing Authorities

Kentucky Housing Authorities play an important role in administering Section 8 housing in the state. These authorities work in partnership with the Kentucky Housing Corporation (KHC) to provide rental assistance to eligible individuals and families.

There are several housing authorities located throughout Kentucky that provide Section 8 housing assistance, including:

Housing Authority	Contact Information	Website
Louisville Metro Housing Authority	420 South 8th Street, Suite 200 Louisville, KY 40203 502-569-3444 Email	Visit Website
Lexington Housing Authority	300 West New Circle Road Lexington, KY 40505 859-281-5060 Email	Visit Website
Housing Authority of Bowling Green	247 Double Springs Road Bowling Green, KY 42101 270-843-6071 Email	Visit Website
Housing Authority of Covington	2300 Madison Avenue Covington, KY 41014 859-581-2533 Email	Visit Website
Housing Authority of Glasgow	500 South Green Street Glasgow, KY 42141 270-651-4663 Email	Visit Website
Housing Authority of Maysville	116 East Third Street Maysville, KY 41056 606-564-3411 Email	Visit Website
Housing Authority of Murray	500 Lowry Lane Murray, KY 42071 270-753-6430 Email	Visit Website
Housing Authority of Paducah	2330 Ohio Street Paducah, KY 42003 270-444-6900 Email	Visit Website
Housing Authority of Richmond	300 N. Madison Avenue Richmond, KY 40475 859-623-1884 Email	Visit Website
Housing Authority of Shelbyville	88 7th Street, Suite 200 Shelbyville, KY 40065 502-633-7009 Email	Visit Website

Each of these housing authorities has its own application process and eligibility requirements for Section 8 housing in Kentucky. Applicants should contact the housing authority in their area or visit their website for more information on how to apply for Section 8 housing.

Section 8 Housing Kentucky Waiting List

Due to the overwhelming need for affordable housing, most Section 8 programs in Kentucky operate on waiting lists that can range from a few months to several years, depending on the region and demand.

These lists prioritize applicants based on urgency, such as those with extremely low incomes, disabilities, or who are experiencing homelessness. For example, in Louisville, the average wait time for a voucher is approximately 18-24 months, while in smaller cities like Bowling Green, the wait may be shorter.

The following list shows the current status of waiting lists in Kentucky.

  
      Housing Authority
      Waiting List Status
    
      Louisville Metro Housing Authority
      Open
    
      Lexington Housing Authority
      Open
    
      Housing Authority of Bowling Green
      Open
    
      Housing Authority of Covington
      Closed
    
      Housing Authority of Glasgow
      Open
    
      Housing Authority of Maysville
      Open
    
      Housing Authority of Murray
      Open
    
      Housing Authority of Paducah
      Closed
    
      Housing Authority of Richmond
      Open
    
      Housing Authority of Shelbyville
      Open

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

The length of time it takes to get approved for Section 8 housing in Kentucky may vary depending on several factors.

In general, it may take several weeks or months to complete the application process and receive approval for Section 8 housing in Kentucky. This may be due to high demand for vouchers, limited funding, or a backlog of applications. In some cases, the waiting list for Section 8 housing in Kentucky may be several years long.

However, applicants should still apply for Section 8 housing in Kentucky even if there is a waiting list, as vouchers are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Additionally, KHC and local housing authorities may prioritize certain applicants, such as those with disabilities or who are homeless.

Other Low-Income Housing Options in Kentucky

While Section 8 housing is an important resource for low-income individuals and families in Kentucky, there are also other low-income housing options available in the state. These options may include:

Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) Properties: These privately owned properties provide reduced rent for eligible tenants.
Public Housing: Owned and managed by local housing authorities, these units offer affordable rent based on income.
Rural Development Housing: Managed by the USDA, this program provides housing assistance in rural areas.
Habitat for Humanity: A nonprofit organization offering affordable homeownership opportunities.

It is important to note that some low-income housing options in Kentucky may have waiting lists. However, there may be options with immediate availability. Applicants should consult with local housing authorities, nonprofit organizations, and housing advocacy groups to find low-income housing options in Kentucky.

Some low-income housing options in Kentucky with no waiting list may include LIHTC properties or private rental units. Applicants should also consider contacting local housing authorities and nonprofit organizations to learn more about low-income housing options in Kentucky.

Finding Affordable Housing in Kentucky

Navigating the Section 8 program and other housing resources can feel overwhelming, but understanding the process is the first step to finding a safe and affordable home. Whether you apply for a voucher, explore public housing, or consider other programs, Kentucky offers numerous pathways to meet your housing needs. For more information, contact your local housing authority or visit the KHC website.