Affordable housing remains a critical need in West Virginia, where many families and individuals struggle to secure stable housing. The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program provides essential rental assistance, enabling eligible low-income households to live in safe and affordable homes. In a state where over 55,000 households rely on Section 8 assistance, this program plays a vital role in reducing housing insecurity and preventing homelessness.

This guide outlines key details about Section 8 in West Virginia, including eligibility requirements, income limits, the application process, and alternative low-income housing options.

Who Qualifies for Section 8 Housing in West Virginia?

To qualify for Section 8 housing in West Virginia, applicants must meet specific criteria:

Income Limits: Applicants must earn at or below 50% of the Area Median Income (AMI). For some programs, incomes as low as 30% of AMI may qualify for additional support.
Household Size: Income limits are adjusted based on the number of people in the household. Larger households have higher limits.
Citizenship or Residency: Applicants must be U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens with proper documentation.
Criminal Background: Certain convictions, such as drug-related crimes or violent offenses, may disqualify applicants.

Households with elderly or disabled members may qualify under slightly higher income limits. Additionally, the West Virginia Housing Development Fund (WVHDF) offers a "deep subsidy" program for extremely low-income families.

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

The payment standard for Section 8 housing in West Virginia is the maximum amount of rent that the program will pay on behalf of a participating household. This payment standard is determined by the West Virginia Housing Development Fund (WVHDF) and is based on the fair market rent (FMR) for the area where the rental unit is located.

The payment standard is calculated as a percentage of the FMR, typically ranging from 90% to 110%. For example, if the FMR for a one-bedroom unit in a particular area is $600, the payment standard for that unit might be set at 100% of the FMR, or $600. This means that Section 8 housing would cover up to $600 of the household's rent payment, with the household responsible for any amount above that.

Factors that can affect the payment standard include the size of the household, the location of the rental unit, and the availability of affordable housing in the area. Additionally, the payment standard may be adjusted periodically based on changes in the FMR or other factors.

This payment standard is not a guarantee that a rental unit will be available at or below that amount. Participating households are responsible for finding their own rental units, and the rent must be reasonable and comparable to rents charged for similar units in the area. However, the payment standard can be a helpful tool in identifying affordable housing options and negotiating rent with landlords.

Income Limits for Section 8 Housing in West Virginia

The income limits for Section 8 housing in West Virginia are based on the area median income (AMI) for the region where the rental unit is located. The AMI is the midpoint of all household incomes in a particular area, and it is adjusted annually by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The income limits for different household sizes are as follows:

Income limits do not necessarily reflect the income of an individual or household at the time of application. Applicants are required to provide documentation of income and may be required to update this information periodically to remain eligible for Section 8 housing in West Virginia.

Fair Market Rents for Section 8 Housing in West Virginia

Fair market rents (FMRs) are used to determine the payment standard for Section 8 housing in West Virginia. FMRs are determined annually by HUD and are based on the rental market in a particular area. FMRs represent the cost of renting a modest, non-luxury rental unit, including utilities (except telephone and cable) and rental insurance.

In West Virginia, FMRs vary depending on the location of the rental unit and the type of housing. For example, the FMR for a two-bedroom unit in Charleston, WV is $750, while the FMR for a two-bedroom unit in Morgantown, WV is $890. Similarly, the FMR for a one-bedroom unit in a rural area of West Virginia may be different from the FMR for a one-bedroom unit in an urban area.

The following table shows the average fair market rents in West Virginia.

FMRs are intended to reflect the average cost of renting a unit in a particular area, based on a survey of rents charged for different types of units. FMRs are not intended to represent the actual rent charged for a particular unit, and landlords are free to charge more or less than the FMR. However, the payment standard for Section 8 housing is typically based on the FMR for the area where the rental unit is located, so FMRs can be a helpful tool in identifying affordable housing options.

How Do I Apply for Section 8 Housing in West Virginia?

To apply for Section 8 housing in West Virginia, individuals and families must complete an application and provide documentation of eligibility. The application process for Section 8 housing in West Virginia typically involves the following steps:

heck Eligibility: Review income and other requirements to ensure you qualify.
Get an Application: Applications are available online through the WVHDF website or in person at local housing authority offices.
Submit the Application: Complete the application accurately and include all required documentation.
Wait for a Response: If eligible, you may be placed on a waiting list until a voucher becomes available.

Online application:

The West Virginia Housing Development Fund (WVHDF) offers an online application for Section 8 housing. To apply online, visit the WVHDF website and follow the instructions to complete the application. Be prepared to provide documentation of income and other eligibility factors.

In-person application:

If you prefer to apply in-person, you can visit a local housing authority office to obtain and submit an application. Be sure to bring all required documentation with you, including proof of income, citizenship, and household size.

Required documents:

Proof of income: This may include pay stubs, tax returns, or other documentation of income for all household members.
Proof of citizenship or eligible non-citizen status: This may include a birth certificate, passport, or other documentation of citizenship or immigration status.
Proof of household size: This may include birth certificates, social security cards, or other documentation of household size.
Criminal background information: Depending on the housing authority, you may be required to provide information about your criminal background.

Be sure to check with your local housing authority for specific documentation requirements.

West Virginia Housing Authorities

There are several housing authorities in West Virginia that are responsible for managing Section 8 housing in their respective regions. These housing authorities play an important role in administering the program, including determining eligibility, calculating payment standards, and managing waiting lists. Here's an overview of the different housing authorities in West Virginia:

Housing Authority	Contact Information	Visit Website
Charleston-Kanawha Housing Authority	1525 Washington St. East, Charleston, WV 25311 (304) 348-6451 Email	Visit Website
Huntington West Virginia Housing Authority	5th Floor, 333 9th Street, Huntington, WV 25701 (304) 526-4400 Email	Visit Website
Morgantown Housing Authority	103 11th Street, Morgantown, WV 26505 (304) 296-8261	Visit Website
Parkersburg Housing Authority	2515 Camden Avenue, Parkersburg, WV 26101 (304) 428-6400	Visit Website
Wheeling Housing Authority	154 North Frazier Street, Wheeling, WV 26003 (304) 242-5573	Visit Website

There are a total of 23 public housing agencies (PHAs) that operate Section 8 rental assistance programs across the state. To find other Housing Authorities in West Virginia. Please use our housing authority search tool.

Section 8 Housing Waiting List in West Virginia

Due to the high demand for affordable housing, the Section 8 housing program in West Virginia often has a waiting list for new applicants. The waiting list is managed by the housing authority in each region and is typically organized on a first-come, first-served basis. Here's what you need to know about the Section 8 housing waiting list in West Virginia:

When you apply for Section 8 housing in West Virginia, you will be placed on a waiting list if there are no available vouchers at the time of your application. The waiting list is organized based on the date and time of your application, with priority given to certain groups such as the elderly, disabled, and families with children. The following list shows the current waiting list status in West Virginia.

  
      Housing Authority
      Current Status
    
      Charleston-Kanawha Housing Authority
      Open
    
      Clarksburg-Harrison Regional Housing Authority
      Open
    
      Huntington West Virginia Housing Authority
      Open
    
      Morgantown Housing Authority
      Open
    
      Parkersburg Housing Authority
      Open
    
      Wheeling Housing Authority
      Open
    
      West Virginia Housing Development Fund
      Open

To check your waiting list status, you can contact the housing authority in your area or check online if available. Be prepared to provide your application information, including your name and application date.

While on the waiting list, it is important to stay informed and keep your contact information up-to-date. Contact the housing authority regularly to update your contact information and check your waiting list status.

Attend any meetings or workshops offered by the housing authority to learn about affordable housing options and resources. Explore other affordable housing options in your area, such as low-income housing with no waiting list or public housing.

It may be helpful to also consider alternative housing options, such as renting a room or sharing an apartment with roommates. Most importantly, be patient and persistent. The waiting list for Section 8 housing in West Virginia can be long, but there are resources available to help you find affordable housing while you wait.

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

The timeline for Section 8 housing approval in West Virginia can vary depending on several factors, including the volume of applications, the availability of vouchers, and the complexity of your application. Here's what you need to know about the timeline for Section 8 housing approval in West Virginia:

After you submit your application for Section 8 housing in West Virginia, the housing authority will review your application and documentation to determine your eligibility. If you are eligible, you will be placed on a waiting list until a voucher becomes available.
Once a voucher becomes available, you will be contacted by the housing authority to schedule an appointment to review your rental options and sign a lease. The housing authority will also conduct a housing inspection to ensure that the rental unit meets health and safety standards.

Factors that can affect the approval process:

Volume of applications: If there is a high volume of applications, it may take longer for the housing authority to review and process your application.
Availability of vouchers: The availability of vouchers can vary depending on funding and other factors, which can affect how quickly you are able to receive assistance.
Complexity of your application: If your application is incomplete or requires additional documentation, it may take longer to process.

If your application for Section 8 housing in West Virginia is denied, you may be able to appeal the decision or reapply at a later time. It is important to review the reasons for denial and work with the housing authority to address any issues or provide additional documentation.

If you are denied due to a criminal background, it may be possible to obtain a waiver or seek assistance from a reentry program to address any legal issues. It is important to seek legal advice if you have any questions or concerns about your eligibility for Section 8 housing in West Virginia.

Other Low-Income Housing Options in West Virginia

In addition to Section 8 housing, there are other low-income housing options available in West Virginia. Here's what you need to know about other low-income housing options in West Virginia:

Housing options with no waiting list:

If you are in need of affordable housing and do not want to wait for Section 8 housing, there are several low-income housing options in West Virginia that do not have waiting lists. These options may include:

Public housing: Public housing is owned and managed by local housing authorities and is available to eligible low-income families and individuals.
Low-income housing tax credit (LIHTC) properties: LIHTC properties are privately owned affordable housing developments that receive tax credits in exchange for offering affordable rents to low-income households.
Section 202 supportive housing for the elderly: Section 202 housing provides affordable housing with supportive services for low-income elderly individuals.

To find other low-income housing options in West Virginia, you can contact your local housing authority or visit the websites of organizations that provide affordable housing services, such as the West Virginia Housing Development Fund, which offers information and resources for affordable housing options.

It is also important to explore other resources for assistance with housing, such as rental assistance programs, housing counseling services, and utility assistance programs.

Housing Hope for West Virginians

Affordable housing is essential for the well-being of West Virginia's families and individuals. The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program provides a lifeline for many, helping to stabilize housing and reduce financial burdens. Whether through Section 8 or alternative programs, understanding available resources is the first step toward securing safe and affordable housing.

For assistance, contact the West Virginia Housing Development Fund or your local housing authority today.