Mississippi faces significant housing challenges, with a median household income of $52,985, making it the poorest state in the nation. This economic reality leaves many residents struggling to afford safe and stable housing.

The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program plays a crucial role in addressing this issue by providing rental assistance to low-income families, enabling them to secure affordable housing in the private market.

Who Qualifies for Section 8 Housing in Mississippi?

To be eligible for Section 8 housing in Mississippi, applicants must meet certain income and other eligibility requirements. Specifically, the following individuals and families are typically eligible for the program:

Income Limits: Applicants must earn less than 50% of the Area Median Income (AMI), with priority often given to households earning below 30% of the AMI.
Age and Disability: Seniors aged 62 and older and individuals with disabilities may qualify, regardless of their work status.
Household Composition: Includes single individuals, families, and veterans.
Citizenship or Immigration Status: At least one household member must be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen.

It is important to note that even if an individual or family meets these eligibility requirements, they may not be guaranteed to receive Section 8 housing assistance due to limited funding and high demand.

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

The maximum amount of rent that Section 8 will pay in Mississippi varies depending on several factors, including the location of the rental unit, the size of the family, and the family's income.

In general, the maximum amount of rent that Section 8 will pay is based on the "fair market rent" for the area. Fair market rent is determined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and represents the average rent that would be charged for a unit in a given area.

The fair market rent for a particular area is determined annually and takes into account the cost of utilities, such as electricity and water. The maximum rent that Section 8 will pay is typically set at 30% of the family's adjusted income.

Income Limits for Section 8 Housing in Mississippi

To be eligible for Section 8 housing in Mississippi, applicants must meet certain income limits. These income limits are based on the area median income (AMI) for the specific county or metropolitan area where the applicant resides.

In general, to be eligible for Section 8 housing in Mississippi, an applicant's income cannot exceed 50% of the AMI for their local area. However, some families with very low incomes (less than 30% of the AMI) may be given priority for assistance.

Income limits vary depending on the size of the family, with larger families allowed to have higher incomes and still be eligible for assistance. The income limits are updated annually and can be found in the below table.

It is important to note that while income is a key factor in determining eligibility for Section 8 housing, other factors may also be considered, including the family's assets, credit history, criminal background, and rental history.

Fair Market Rents for Section 8 Housing in Mississippi

Fair market rents play an important role in determining the amount of rental assistance that a Section 8 recipient in Mississippi will receive. Fair market rent is defined as the amount of rent that would be charged for a unit in a particular area if it were rented on the open market.

The fair market rent for a specific area is determined annually by HUD and takes into account several factors, including the average rental rates for comparable units in the area and the cost of utilities. These rents are set for different unit sizes, ranging from studios to four-bedroom units, and are adjusted for different areas within Mississippi.

The following table shows current Fair Market Rents in Mississippi.

It is important to note that while the fair market rent is used to determine the maximum rental assistance payment, it does not guarantee that the participant will be able to find a unit at or below the fair market rent in their area. The availability of affordable housing units is often limited, and many Section 8 recipients may struggle to find a suitable unit within their rental assistance payment limits.

How Do I Apply for Section 8 Housing in Mississippi?

If you are interested in applying for Section 8 housing in Mississippi, the following is an overview of the application process, how to apply online or in person, and the required documentation:

Determine Eligibility: Check income and residency requirements.
Contact Your Local Housing Authority: Locate your nearest office using the HUD Housing Authority Search Tool.
Submit Your Application: Applications can be submitted online or in person and require documentation such as proof of income, identification, and rental history.
Join the Waiting List: Due to high demand, most areas maintain waiting lists. Applicants are notified when vouchers become available.

It is important to note that the application process for Section 8 housing in Mississippi can take time, and there may be a waiting list for assistance. Be sure to keep in contact with your local housing authority to stay informed on the status of your application.

Mississippi Housing Authorities

Housing authorities in Mississippi play a critical role in administering affordable housing programs, including Section 8 housing. The Mississippi Regional Housing Authority (MRHA) is the largest housing authority in the state and serves over 100 counties and municipalities.

Housing authorities are responsible for determining eligibility for affordable housing programs, including Section 8 housing, and administering rental assistance vouchers to eligible participants. They also work with landlords to ensure that units meet program requirements and are safe and habitable for tenants.

In addition to administering affordable housing programs, housing authorities in Mississippi may also provide a range of services to low-income individuals and families, including counseling on budgeting and financial management, job training, and educational opportunities.

If you are interested in applying for Section 8 housing in Mississippi, you will need to contact your local housing authority to determine eligibility and submit an application. Housing authorities can also provide information on other affordable housing programs that may be available in your area. Refer to the below table to Housing Authorities in Mississippi along with their contact information.

Housing Authority	Contact Information	Website
Mississippi Regional Housing Authority VI	1201 Grove St Vicksburg, MS 39183 (601) 636-9311 Email	Visit Website
Housing Authority of the City of Meridian	2425 9th St Meridian, MS 39301 (601) 693-7744 Email	Visit Website
Jackson Housing Authority	2747 Livingston Rd Jackson, MS 39213 (601) 362-0885 Email	Visit Website
Gulfport Housing Authority	Housing Authority of the City of Gulfport 2900 24th Ave Gulfport, MS 39501 (228) 868-8861 Email	Visit Website
Oxford Housing Authority	1501 Jackson Ave W Oxford, MS 38655 (662) 236-2273 Email	Visit Website
Greenville Housing Authority	2407 Colorado St Greenville, MS 38703 (662) 332-5864 Email	Visit Website
Columbus Housing Authority	1959 Waterworks Rd Columbus, MS 39701 (662) 328-5251 Email	Visit Website

Section 8 Housing Mississippi Waiting List

Waiting lists are common due to high demand. Typical wait times in Mississippi range from 6 months to 2 years, depending on the housing authority and the applicant’s priority level.

The following table shows the current waiting list status for Housing Authorities in Mississippi.

  
      Housing Authority
      Current Waiting List Status
    
      Mississippi Regional Housing Authority VI
      Open
    
      Housing Authority of the City of Meridian
      Open
    
      Jackson Housing Authority
      Closed
    
      Gulfport Housing Authority
      Closed
    
      Oxford Housing Authority
      Closed
    
      Greenville Housing Authority
      Open
    
      Columbus Housing Authority
      Closed
    
      Laurel Housing Authority
      Open
    
      Moss Point Housing Authority
      Open
    
      Tupelo Housing Authority
      Closed

Applicants should update their contact information regularly and explore alternative housing options while waiting.

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

The time it takes to get approved for Section 8 housing in Mississippi can vary depending on a number of factors, including the volume of applications received, the availability of rental units, and the local housing authority's processing times.

In general, the approval process can take several weeks to several months. Applicants may need to provide additional documentation or information to support their application, which can extend the processing time.

Once an applicant is approved for Section 8 housing assistance, they will receive a voucher that can be used to help pay for rent. However, finding a suitable rental unit within their rental assistance payment limits can also take time, particularly if rental units are limited in the area.

Other Low-Income Housing Options in Mississippi

In addition to Section 8 housing, there are several other low-income housing options available for individuals and families in Mississippi. These include:

Public Housing: Government-owned units with income-based rent.
Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) Properties: Affordable rentals managed by private developers.
Rural Rental Assistance: Programs targeting rural areas for rental and home repair assistance.
Habitat for Humanity: Offers affordable homeownership opportunities through sweat equity and low-cost loans.

Visit the Mississippi Housing Corporation for additional resources.

Exploring Affordable Housing in Mississippi

Affordable housing is a lifeline for many in Mississippi, offering stability and the chance to build a better future. Programs like Section 8, public housing, and LIHTC provide critical support for low-income families. Stay proactive by exploring all available options and keeping in contact with local housing authorities to secure the assistance you need.