An Alaska Section 8 application can be completed through the state Housing Finance Corporation (AHFC). Overall, this organization is in charge of issuing Section 8 vouchers throughout the many communities in the state. At the federal level, the AHFC receives funding from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

In addition to the AHFC, you can start the HUD housing application process through any of the various public housing agencies (PHAs) in Alaska. Despite the fact that these agencies may run slightly different Section 8 programs, the overall application procedure is very similar. Read below to learn how to apply for Section 8 in Alaska through the AHFC.

When can I submit a Section 8 application in Alaska?

You can fill out a Section 8 housing application in Alaska as long as the AHFC is currently accepting new enrollees in your community. Overall, there are over a dozen AHFC community offices throughout the state.

Some of these AHFC branches will periodically stop accepting applications. Generally, this happens whenever there are too many families waiting to receive assistance at a given time. If you are unable to apply with the office of your choice, you may consider signing up through a different branch.

It is important to note that some areas of Alaska have a higher demand for low-income housing than others. You may find that it is possible to sign up for Section 8 more quickly in an area with a lower demand for vouchers.

In most cases, an office will only let you submit a Section 8 application form when its waiting list is open. As such, be mindful that you cannot usually apply for low income housing whenever you want.

Moreover, this means that you cannot submit your information to the AHFC office in question until it actively begins taking new applicants. As a general rule, AHFC offices will announce when they begin taking new applications.

What documents do I need to apply for Section 8 in Alaska?

When you apply for Section 8 housing in Alaska, you will need to provide documentation that verifies your eligibility. In some cases, you may not be required to submit any paperwork when you first apply. However, you should plan on having your documents ready for when you are selected for a voucher. Overall, the AHFC office must fully verify your eligibility before it grants assistance.

The exact documents you need with your housing authority application will vary depending on your situation. As an example, you may be required to submit any of the following:

• Photo IDs
• Birth certificates
• Pay stubs
• Bank statements
• Tax returns
• Social Security card or other evidence of your Social Security Number (SSN)
• Citizenship or immigration paperwork

These documents are typically used to verify your identity, date of birth, legal presence in the U.S. and/or income. Learn more about the types of information you may need to provide by reading our Section 8 guide here.

Tips for Completing the Alaska Section 8 Housing Application

When you apply for low income housing in Alaska, there are a few things you can do to make the process go more smoothly. To start with, it is important to understand how the AHFC selects applicants.

Because the demand for affordable housing is high in some areas, the AHFC may use local preferences to serve applicants with the greatest needs first. For example, local preference may be given to applicants who:

• Have a disability.
• Are seniors.
• Are veterans.
• Have been displaced from home.
• Are living or working in the local community.
• Have been victims of domestic violence.
• Are living in substandard housing.

If you qualify for a local preference when you apply, it may mean that you are able to get help right away. Other times, it can simply mean that your name will be placed on a waiting list and you will get assistance more quickly than other applicants.

When filling out a HUD housing application with the AHFC, it is helpful to understand that each branch of the organization uses similar forms. However, you must fill out the form provided by the office that serves the community you want to live in. Completed applications must be returned to the correct office.

Because some branches will close their waiting lists, you can still apply for Section 8 housing through a different office. Keep in mind that you must fill out a separate form for each community that you wish to apply in.

Understanding the Alaska Section 8 Application Process

AHFC offices accept applications in person and by mail. You cannot apply for Section 8 online in Alaska at this time. However, independent PHAs in Alaska may accept online applications for rental programs that are similar to Section 8.

How to Submit the Alaska Section 8 Housing Application in Person

To submit your HUD application in person, start by locating the AHFC office in your area. There are more than a dozen locations, most of which are found in cities with the highest populations.

You may wish to download and print the appropriate Section 8 application before visiting the office. Remember that each branch has its own application form. Forms can also be picked up at any office in person and filled out while you wait.

How to Apply for Section 8 Housing by Mail

It is also easy to apply for low income housing by mail. Start by locating the digital application form for your desired community. You can type directly in the form or print out a blank application to complete by hand. Be sure to print legibly if you are filling out the form by hand.

Once your form is complete, mail it to the appropriate office. A list of addresses can be found within the application form. When possible, it is best to send your Section 8 housing application to the office’s P.O. box rather than the physical office location.

What happens after I apply for Section 8 in Alaska?

Once your Section 8 application is submitted, you may be placed onto a waiting list unless a voucher is available immediately. When a voucher does become available, you will need to attend a briefing, in which you will learn the rules for using your rental assistance. Next, you must find a suitable apartment to rent. To do so, you may use a housing list that contains Section 8-approved units.