Julia Anderson
But before you apply for Section 8 assistance, here are some things you should know.
Finding work with a felony on your record isn’t exactly easy. It could mean several rejections until you get that employer willing to hire you. This can create a lot of stress as you aim to put your life back together, which is why getting help with your bills should be a goal as you try to build a stable future.
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One of the most significant bills you’ll deal with is the rent. It’s also one of the most essential expenses, as you’ll need to keep a roof over your head for stability so you can work and become a productive member of society. How can you make rent more affordable? With a Section 8 housing voucher.
As with work, getting approved for a Section 8 voucher can be difficult due to a criminal record. It’s not impossible, though, as we’ll show in this quick guide on getting Section 8 as a felon.
To help you better understand how Section 8 works and how a felony could impact your eligibility, here are some commonly asked questions about the housing assistance program.
1. Does a felony automatically disqualify you from getting a Housing Choice Voucher?
Luckily, the answer to this question is no. There are two felonies that can instantly put Section 8 out of reach, however:
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- Manufacture/production of meth in federal housing.
- Lifetime registration as a sex offender.
2. Do any other felonies make it harder to get Section 8 approval?
Beyond those two above, the following can increase your risk of rejection for the low-income housing assistance program:
- Alcohol abuse
- Drug abuse
- Fraud
- Drug trafficking
- Violent crimes
Even though these may not be felonies, they can also negatively impact your Section 8 eligibility:
- Problems with neighbors like bullying, fighting, assault, etc.
- Not paying your rent on time
- Evictions
Your PHA (Public Housing Agency) will factor in such issues when reviewing your application. Depending on where you live, you may or may not be accepted due to your past activities.
3. Does it matter when your felony occurred?
The older the felony, the better your chance of being accepted for a housing voucher. Each PHA has its own specific rules. Some may only take those with felonies that are ten years or older. Others may lower that number to five years. Your PHA will be able to give you the specifics when you contact them.
4. Can you use someone with a clean record to apply for you?
The PHA will require that every household member have a background check. This means that even if the primary applicant has no criminal record, other people on the application could lead to disqualification due to their felonies.
5. Can you get Section 8 as a felon if you’re not working?
As surprising as it may seem, not having an income can make you more likely to get approved for a housing voucher. This is because Section 8 was initiated to offer housing to low-income households.
6. What’s the best way to see if you qualify for Section 8 as a felon?
Your best bet is to contact your PHA as soon as possible. They will know the specific eligibility requirements for your area, and they may be able to tell you if your past could make getting a voucher impossible.
