Julia Anderson
What do many felons seek as they strive to build a better future? Stability, and one of the best ways to get it is through affordable housing.
Unfortunately, housing can be anything but affordable for someone trying to get back on their feet. And if you have a felony, accommodation can also be challenging to get approved for unless a landlord is willing to take a chance on you.
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One option that could kill two birds with one stone is a Section 8 housing voucher. Getting approved for one would make housing affordable, as you’d only have to pay a portion of what you earn towards rent. Section 8 could also handle the issue of getting into an apartment, as some felons are still eligible for the program despite their record.
Determining Felon Eligibility for Section 8
Before we jump into all of the details of getting Section 8 assistance as a felon, here’s something worth noting that you probably already know: You may have a more difficult time getting accepted into the program than someone with no criminal record at all. With that being said, let’s look at where there may be exceptions.
Two specific felonies are practically automatic disqualifiers for the Housing Choice Voucher Program. The first is being registered for life as a sex offender. The second is being guilty of producing or manufacturing meth while living in federal housing.
Even if neither applies to you, they will disqualify you if a household member has those convictions. Beyond those two cases, some states may have their own rules about felonies. You will need to contact your Public Housing Agency (PHA) to discover all of the details.
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Other felonies can make it harder to be eligible for Section 8. The HUD instituted these rules to keep Section 8 housing as crime-free as possible.
If anyone on your Section application has the following issues in their past, approval may be difficult:
- Drug trafficking
- Fraud
- Violent crimes
- Alcohol or drug abuse
- Disturbing the peace or fights with neighbors
- Late rent payments
The timing of felonies may also come into play. You may be accepted for Section 8 after a certain period has passed. This can vary according to location, with some requiring a felony to be five years or older.
Section 8 Background Checks
The PHA will run a criminal background check to see your history of felonies or misdemeanors. They can use this background check to disqualify you due to your or any household member’s past. Besides the PHA, the landlord for your prospective housing may run a check of their own.
Section 8 Income Requirements
Getting a job as a felon can be complicated, as some workplaces may not want to take that risk. The good news is that lacking a job or money can play into your favor, as Section 8 aims to help low-income people.
Applying for Section 8 as a Felon
The only way to find out if you qualify for Section 8 is to apply. Since waiting lists are long, there’s no better time to take that first step by now.
Go here to find your local PHA, contact them, and get the application process started.
