Section 811 Housing Program for Persons with Disabilities

Section 811 is a government program that allows persons living with disabilities to live as independently as they can. The government provides these persons with affordable and subsidized housing options and easy access to services that can help with support.

Who qualifies for Section 811 Housing?

To qualify for Section 811 housing, you must meet the following requirements:

• Have at least one member of the household (an adult) living with a disability. Disability includes physical disability, developmental disability, and chronic mental illness. Single individuals and families without children also qualify.
• Applicants of any citizenship can apply, except the apartment has different housing program requirements.
• Your household must make 50% less than the Area Median Income or 30% less for properties built after 2021.
• You must meet the HUD Rental Assistance Income Qualifications.
• Have a good track record as a tenant in other properties. Your former landlords may be contacted as references.
• Have no criminal record or conviction of an offense, as previously convicted criminals may find it challenging to access Section 811 housing.
• Must provide accurate information at all times during your application.

How do I apply to a Section 811 Waiting List?

To apply the Section 811 waiting list, here are the essential steps you need to take:

Step 1: First, find a Section 811 apartment in your area and contact the persons in charge via a phone call or send a message. Next, apply for Section 811 housing via any of these three methods: Online, mail, or in the housing authority’s office. To be on the safer side, look out for the preferred application method for your housing office and choose that method.

Step 2: Fill in the application form with accurate information. Usually, Section 811 applications require the name, gender, date of birth, and Social Security Number, income, and assets of members of your household. It may also require your previous housing history.

Step 3: Submit the application based on the housing authority’s instructions to avoid disqualification.

What Do I Do After Applying for a Section 811?

1. Wait for one or two weeks for your application to be processed. You can confirm from the property manager how long the process usually takes.
2. Confirm your waiting list status with the property manager. If there is none, move into the housing unit that has been provided for you.
3. If you are on a waiting list, find out the estimated waiting list time from the property manager to help you keep abreast of your application.
4. Check in periodically to follow up with your application. If you applied online, correspondences would be sent via email, so look out for them. Reply immediately when they contact you so that you can show your interest in the unit.
5. Once a housing unit is available, you will be called for a final, in-person eligibility interview with the landlord or property manager.
6. After Step 1 – 5 is done, you can now move into your housing unit. a decent and safe house.