Affordable housing remains a pressing issue for low-income families and individuals in Wyoming, where limited rental options and rising housing costs strain household budgets. The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program, administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), provides critical rental assistance to help low-income households access safe and decent housing.

In Wyoming, Section 8 serves as a vital resource for households at risk of homelessness or struggling to secure stable housing. This guide offers a comprehensive look at Section 8 in Wyoming, covering eligibility, income limits, application processes, waiting lists, and other low-income housing options.

Who Qualifies for Section 8 Housing in Wyoming?

Eligibility for Section 8 is determined by specific criteria designed to prioritize those in the greatest need:

1. Income Limits

Household income must fall below 50% of the Area Median Income (AMI) for the applicant's county of residence. For example:

A family of four in Laramie County may qualify with an income up to $27,550.
Income limits increase with household size and vary by county.

2. Citizenship and Residency

Applicants must be U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens with proper documentation.

3. Background Checks

Applicants must pass background checks, including reviews for prior evictions, criminal activity, or debts owed to housing authorities.

4. Household Size

The size of the household impacts the level of assistance provided and the type of housing eligible under the program.

Special Preferences

Some Wyoming housing authorities give priority to:

Veterans
Elderly individuals
People with disabilities

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

The maximum rent that Section 8 covers in Wyoming is based on Fair Market Rents (FMRs), published annually by HUD to reflect average rental costs in each county. Section 8 typically pays the lower of 30% of the household's adjusted monthly income or the FMR for the unit size.

For example, if the FMR for a two-bedroom unit is $800 and the household’s adjusted income is $1,500, Section 8 covers $450 (30% of income), leaving the tenant responsible for the remaining $350. Tenants must pay any portion of the rent exceeding Section 8 coverage, and landlords must meet program housing quality standards and agree to participate.

Income Limits for Section 8 Housing in Wyoming

To be eligible for Section 8 housing in Wyoming, households must have income below a certain threshold. The income limits for Section 8 housing in Wyoming vary based on household size and county.

The following table shows the current income limits in Wyoming.

The income limits for Section 8 housing in Wyoming are set at a level that ensures that the program serves those who need it most. If a household's income exceeds the income limit, they may not be eligible for Section 8 rental assistance, but they may be eligible for other affordable housing programs or low-income housing options.

Fair Market Rents for Section 8 Housing in Wyoming

Fair market rents (FMRs) are the average rents for standard-quality rental units in a given area. FMRs are determined annually by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and are used to determine the maximum amount of rent that Section 8 will pay for a specific unit size in a particular area.

In Wyoming, fair market rents vary depending on the county and the size of the rental unit. However, the average fair market rents in Wyoming can be seen in the table below.

It's important to note that fair market rents are intended to provide a reasonable estimate of the cost of standard-quality rental units in a given area, but they may not accurately reflect the actual rental prices for a specific unit. Additionally, landlords are not required to charge the FMR for their rental units, and some landlords may charge more or less than the FMR.

Despite these limitations, fair market rents provide an important benchmark for determining the maximum amount of rent that Section 8 will pay for a specific unit size in a particular area. This helps to ensure that Section 8 rental assistance is targeted to households that need it most and that rental prices are reasonable and affordable for low-income households in Wyoming.

How Do I Apply for Section 8 Housing in Wyoming?

To apply for Section 8 housing in Wyoming, you must contact the local housing authority in the county where you wish to live. Each county in Wyoming has its own housing authority that administers the Section 8 program. You can find a list of Wyoming housing authorities on the HUD website or by contacting the Wyoming Department of Housing.

The application process for Section 8 housing in Wyoming typically involves the following steps:

Check Eligibility: Review income and household requirements for your county.
Contact Local Housing Authorities: Obtain applications from the housing authority serving your area. Use HUD’s Wyoming Housing Authority Locator for details.
Submit Documentation: Provide proof of income, identification, and household size.
Complete an Interview: Most housing authorities require an in-person or phone interview to verify eligibility.
Wait for Placement: Eligible applicants are placed on a waiting list based on their application date and priority status.

Many Wyoming housing authorities also offer online application options for Section 8 housing. To apply online, you will need to visit the housing authority's website and follow the instructions for completing the application form and submitting required documentation.

Wyoming Housing Authorities

Wyoming housing authorities administer the Section 8 program in each county in Wyoming. These housing authorities are responsible for determining eligibility for Section 8 rental assistance, processing applications, and managing waiting lists for rental units.

Here is an overview of some of the housing authorities that administer the Section 8 program in Wyoming:

Housing Authority	Contact Information	Visit Website
Cheyenne Housing Authority	3304 Sheridan Street, Cheyenne, WY 82009 (307) 634-7947 Email	Visit Website
Casper Housing Authority	145 North Durbin, Casper, WY 82601 (307) 235-9556 Email	Visit Website
Laramie County Housing Authority	2620 E. 2nd St., Cheyenne, WY 82001 (307) 634-5656 Email	Visit Website
Rock Springs Housing Authority	500 C St., Rock Springs, WY 82901 (307) 352-1400 Email	Visit Website

Other housing authorities that administer the Section 8 program in Wyoming include the Gillette Housing Authority, the Fremont County Housing Authority, and the Uinta County Housing Authority.

Section 8 Housing Wyoming Waiting List

Due to high demand, many housing authorities maintain waiting lists for Section 8 vouchers. Wait times vary by county and local demand, ranging from 6 months to over 2 years. The waiting list is used to prioritize applications and ensure that rental assistance is targeted to those who need it most.

The following table shows the current waiting list status in Wyoming.

  
      Housing Authority
      Waiting List Status
    
      Casper Housing Authority
      Open
    
      Cheyenne Housing Authority
      Open
    
      Cody Housing Authority
      Closed
    
      Douglas Housing Authority
      Closed
    
      Green River Housing Authority
      Closed
    
      Laramie County Housing Authority
      Open
    
      Rawlins Housing Authority
      Closed
    
      Rock Springs Housing Authority
      Open

To check your status on the waiting list, you should contact the housing authority in the county where you applied for Section 8 housing. The housing authority can provide you with information on your current position on the waiting list and estimated wait times.

Being placed on the waiting list does not guarantee that you will receive Section 8 rental assistance. Rental units are allocated based on availability and eligibility, and you may need to reapply or update your application if your circumstances change while you are on the waiting list.

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

The timeline for approval of Section 8 housing applications in Wyoming can vary depending on a variety of factors. In general, the application process for Section 8 housing can take several weeks to several months.

Factors that can affect the timeline for approval of Section 8 housing applications in Wyoming include:

Availability of funding: Section 8 rental assistance is funded by the federal government, and funding levels can fluctuate from year to year. If funding is limited, the waiting list for Section 8 rental assistance may be longer, and the approval process may take longer as well.
Application volume: The number of applications received by a housing authority can also impact the timeline for approval. If a housing authority receives a high volume of applications, it may take longer to process each application.
Completeness of application: The completeness of your Section 8 housing application can also affect the timeline for approval. If your application is incomplete or missing required documentation, it may take longer for the housing authority to process your application.
Waiting list length: If you are placed on a waiting list for Section 8 housing, the length of the waiting list can also impact the timeline for approval. If the waiting list is long, it may take longer for you to be approved for rental assistance.

It's important to keep in contact with your local housing authority and follow up on the status of your application to ensure that it is processed as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Other Low-Income Housing Options in Wyoming

While Section 8 housing is a valuable resource for many low-income households in Wyoming, not everyone may qualify for rental assistance. Fortunately, there are other affordable housing options available in Wyoming for those who do not qualify for Section 8 or who may be on a waiting list for rental assistance.

One option is low-income housing with no waiting list. These are rental units that are designated for low-income households and do not have a waiting list for rental assistance. While these units may not be subsidized by the government, they are often affordable and can provide a stable housing option for those in need.

To find low-income housing with no waiting list in Wyoming, you can contact local property management companies or housing nonprofits. Some communities also have affordable housing complexes that are specifically designed for low-income households.

Other affordable housing options in Wyoming may include subsidized housing, public housing, and privately-owned affordable housing units. Subsidized housing programs provide rental assistance to eligible households, while public housing is typically managed by local housing authorities and may have lower rents for low-income households. Privately-owned affordable housing units are rental units that are owned by private landlords and may be available at below-market rents for low-income households.

Moving Toward Housing Stability in Wyoming

Section 8 housing remains a cornerstone of affordable housing in Wyoming, offering vital rental assistance to low-income households. By understanding eligibility, income limits, and application processes, families can secure the support they need. While wait times can be lengthy, exploring alternative housing programs can provide interim solutions.

For personalized assistance and up-to-date information, contact your local housing authority or visit the HUD Wyoming Housing Resource Page.