Montana Section 8 Housing
/Montana's affordable housing crisis is intensifying, with the state ranking as the least affordable housing market in the nation. The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program has been a vital resource for low-income families, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities, providing rental assistance to secure safe and sanitary housing in the private market.
However, due to decreased federal funding, the Montana Department of Commerce closed the program's waiting list on August 15, 2024, leaving approximately 3,000 households in limbo and preventing new applicants from seeking assistance. This development underscores the urgent need for increased funding and policy interventions to address the growing affordable housing shortage in Montana.
Who Qualifies for Section 8 Housing in Montana?
Typically, eligibility for Section 8 housing in Montana depends on several factors:
Income Limits: Applicants must earn less than 50% of the Area Median Income (AMI). Priority is often given to households earning below 30% of the AMI.
Citizenship or Immigration Status: At least one household member must be a U.S. citizen or an eligible non-citizen.
Background Check: Applicants must have a clean criminal record, particularly regarding drug-related or violent crimes.
Rental History: A history of timely rent payments and no evictions for cause is typically required.
Preference may be given to households with elderly or disabled members, veterans, or those experiencing homelessness.
What is the Maximum Amount of Rent That Section 8 Will Pay in Montana?
The maximum rent Section 8 will cover in Montana is determined by the Payment Standard. This is the maximum amount Section 8 will subsidize for a rental unit, paid directly to the landlord on behalf of the tenant.
How Payment Standards Are Set
The Payment Standard is based on the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the area, which is determined annually by HUD.
The FMR reflects the average rent for similar housing in the area.
Factors That Influence Payment Standards
Location: Units in higher-cost areas have higher Payment Standards, while those in lower-cost areas have lower ones.
Unit Type: Standards vary depending on whether the unit is an apartment, house, or another type of rental.
Household Size: Larger households may qualify for higher Payment Standards due to their need for more space.
Tenant Rent Contribution
Even if Section 8 covers the Payment Standard, tenants are required to pay a portion of their rent, known as the Tenant Rent Contribution. This amount is typically 30% of the household’s adjusted income.
Income Limits for Section 8 Housing in Montana
To be eligible for Section 8 housing in Montana, applicants must meet certain income limits. These income limits are based on the household's gross annual income and vary depending on the size of the household and the location of the housing unit.
In Montana, the income limits for Section 8 housing are calculated based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for the area where the housing unit is located. The AMI is the midpoint of the income distribution for a particular area, and it is calculated annually by HUD. The income limits for Section 8 housing are expressed as a percentage of the AMI and may range from 30% to 80% depending on the household size. The following table shows the income limits for Montana.
For applicants, the income limits for Section 8 housing mean that they must demonstrate that their gross annual income falls within the specified range for their household size and location. If their income exceeds the income limits, they may not be eligible for Section 8 housing. It's important to note that income limits may change from year to year and from one area to another, so applicants should always check the most current income limits for their specific area.
Fair Market Rents for Section 8 Housing in Montana
Fair Market Rents (FMR) are determined by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and represent the average rental cost for similar housing units in a particular area. FMR is calculated annually and takes into account factors such as the size and type of housing unit, as well as the location and condition of the unit.
In Montana, FMR can vary depending on the area and the size of the housing unit. The following guide shows example Fair Market rents in Missouri.
It's important to note that FMR is not the same as the Payment Standard. While FMR represents the average rental cost for a particular area, the Payment Standard is calculated as a percentage of the FMR and takes into account other factors such as the size of the household and the type of housing unit.
How Do I Apply for Section 8 Housing in Montana?
If you are interested in applying for Section 8 housing in Montana, there are a few different ways to get started. Here are some options:
Online: Some housing authorities in Montana offer online applications for Section 8 housing. You can visit their websites to see if this option is available.
In person: You can also apply for Section 8 housing in person at the office of your local housing authority. Many housing authorities in Montana have physical offices where you can fill out an application.
By mail: Some housing authorities may allow you to apply for Section 8 housing by mail. You can contact your local housing authority to see if this option is available.
Regardless of how you apply for Section 8 housing in Montana, you will need to provide certain documents and information as part of the application process. These may include:
Proof of income: This can include recent pay stubs, tax returns, and other documents that show your gross annual income.
Proof of identity: This can include a driver's license, passport, or other government-issued identification.
Social Security numbers: You will need to provide Social Security numbers for all members of your household.
Proof of citizenship or legal residency: This can include birth certificates, naturalization certificates, or other documents that demonstrate your legal status in the United States.
When completing the application, it's important to provide accurate and complete information to ensure that your application is processed quickly and efficiently. Here are some tips to help you complete the application accurately:
Read the instructions carefully: Make sure you understand what is being asked of you before you begin filling out the application.
Provide all necessary documents: Make sure you have all the necessary documents and information on hand before you begin filling out the application.
Be thorough: Answer all questions on the application, even if you think they may not be relevant.
Double-check your work: Before submitting the application, review it carefully to ensure that all information is accurate and complete.
By following these tips, you can help ensure that your application for Section 8 housing in Montana is processed quickly and efficiently.
Montana Housing Authorities
Housing authorities play a crucial role in the Section 8 housing process in Montana. These organizations are responsible for administering the Section 8 program in their local areas, including processing applications, determining eligibility, and providing assistance to tenants and landlords.
In Montana, there are several housing authorities that administer the Section 8 program. These housing authorities are typically located at the county or city level and are responsible for overseeing the Section 8 program in their jurisdiction. The following table shows a list of Housing Authorities in Montana and includes their contact information as well as links to their websites.
| Housing Authority | Contact Information | Website |
|---|---|---|
| Billings Housing Authority | 2415 1st Ave N, Billings, MT 59101 Phone: (406) 245-6391 |
Visit Website |
| Bozeman Housing Authority | 624 N Wallace Ave, Bozeman, MT 59715 Phone: (406) 586-2456 |
Visit Website |
| Butte Housing Authority | 2025 Florence Ave, Butte, MT 59701 Phone: (406) 782-6461 |
Visit Website |
| Great Falls Housing Authority | 1500 Chowen Springs Loop, Great Falls, MT 59405 Phone: (406) 761-5872 |
Visit Website |
| Helena Housing Authority | 812 Abbey St, Helena, MT 59601 Phone: (406) 442-7970 |
Visit Website |
Some of the specific roles of housing authorities in the Section 8 housing process include:
Accepting and processing applications for Section 8 housing
Verifying applicant eligibility based on income, family size, and other factors
Determining the Payment Standard for eligible households
Providing assistance to tenants and landlords in finding and leasing eligible housing units
Conducting inspections of housing units to ensure that they meet program requirements
Providing ongoing support to tenants and landlords throughout the rental period
Ultimately, the housing authorities in Montana are responsible for ensuring that the Section 8 program is administered fairly and efficiently in their local areas. If you have questions about the Section 8 program or the application process, you can contact your local housing authority for more information.
Section 8 Housing Montana Waiting List
In the recent past, most housing authorities in Montana maintained waiting lists for Section 8 vouchers. Typical wait times in Montana range from 6 months to 18 months, depending on the location and the applicant’s priority level. Larger cities like Billings and Bozeman may experience longer delays due to higher demand, while smaller communities might have shorter waits.
The following table shows the current waiting list status for housing authorities in Montana.
| Housing Authority | Waiting List Status |
|---|---|
| Billings Housing Authority | Closed |
| Bozeman Housing Authority | Open |
| Butte Housing Authority | Closed |
| Great Falls Housing Authority | Open |
| Helena Housing Authority | Closed |
It's important to note that the waiting list for Section 8 housing in Montana may be closed at certain times, depending on the number of applicants and the availability of housing units. When the waiting list is closed, no new applications will be accepted until it is reopened.
If you are on the waiting list for Section 8 housing in Montana, it's important to check your status regularly and stay informed about updates. Here are some tips for doing so:
Contact your local housing authority: They can provide you with the most up-to-date information on your waiting list status and estimated waiting times.
Keep your contact information updated: Make sure that your phone number, email address, and mailing address are all up-to-date so that you can be notified if there are any updates or changes to your waiting list status.
Be patient: The waiting list for Section 8 housing in Montana can be long, so it's important to be patient and continue to explore other affordable housing options while you wait.
By staying informed and being patient, you can increase your chances of securing affordable housing through the Section 8 program in Montana.
How Long Does it Take to Get Approved for Section 8 in Montana?
The timeline for getting approved for Section 8 housing in Montana can vary depending on a number of factors. Generally, the approval process can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months.
Factors that can affect the approval process include the number of applications being processed by the housing authority, the availability of housing units in a particular area, and the completeness and accuracy of the application. Additionally, certain factors, such as criminal history or other issues with an applicant's background, may require additional review and could potentially delay the approval process.
To minimize delays in the approval process, it's important to make sure that your application is complete and accurate. This includes providing all necessary documentation and ensuring that all information provided is up-to-date and correct. Additionally, you can follow up with the housing authority periodically to check on the status of your application and provide any additional information that may be needed.
Even after you are approved for Section 8 housing, there may still be a waiting period before a housing unit becomes available. This waiting period can vary depending on the availability of housing units in your area and the number of other applicants on the waiting list.
Other Low-Income Housing Options in Montana
While Section 8 housing is an important resource for low-income households in Montana, it is not the only option available. There are a variety of other programs and resources that may be available to those who are not eligible for Section 8 housing.
Public Housing: Government-owned units with income-based rent.
Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) Properties: Affordable rentals managed by private developers.
Emergency Rental Assistance: Short-term assistance for households facing eviction or financial hardship.
Habitat for Humanity: Affordable homeownership opportunities through sweat equity and low-cost loans.
Navigating Affordable Housing in Montana
Montanans facing housing challenges can benefit greatly from leveraging local resources and community programs. Securing affordable housing not only provides stability but also fosters opportunities for education, employment, and community engagement. By staying informed and actively pursuing available options, residents can find solutions that support long-term well-being and resilience.
