Do you want to submit a Section 8 application in Hawaii? If so, you may better prepare yourself by first reviewing the application process. The department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) funds the program while individual Public Housing Agencies (PHAs) administer it.

There are two main ways to apply for Section 8 in the state: online and in person. In addition, applying for assistance is free. While Hawaii PHAs are not currently accepting applications, understanding how the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program works will help you learn what to expect when the waitlists reopen.

When can I submit a Section 8 application in Hawaii?

You may submit the HI Section 8 housing application if the waitlist is open in your county. If it is not open, the online form will be unavailable and your local PHA will not take in-person requests for the HCV program.

Since there are no waitlists currently open in the state, most counties have posted notices on their websites. If a county plans to reopen its waitlist, its website will be updated with further instructions. The notice will be posted ahead of time so that applicants have a chance to prepare themselves.

While you are unable to fill out a Section 8 application online at this time, you may check your PHA’s website for updates. You can also:

• Call your PHA.
• Email your PHA. Some PHAs even have an email account dedicated to Section 8.
• Sign up for email updates from your PHA.

Any of these methods will help you stay prepared. If a waitlist does open in your county, you must act quickly.  You may have only a limited amount of time to fill out and submit an application.

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

Before you can fill out the HUD application in HI, you must gather certain personal documents that will help you complete it. These documents will give you the information you need to complete the different sections on the form. In addition, a caseworker from your PHA may ask to see them if he or she needs to verify your eligibility information. You will need:

• Proof of identity. This may be a U.S. birth certificate, driver’s license, passport, visa card or permanent resident card.
• Proof of your Social Security Number (SSN). This may be a Social Security card or W-2 form that lists your SSN.
• Proof of income. This may be a recent paycheck, W-2 form or letter of employment.
• Proof of assets or resources. This may be a bank statement that shows a deposit for unearned income, documents from another federal assistance program and more, if applicable.
• Proof of housing expenses. This may be a mortgage or lease agreement, utility bills and other qualifying documents.

Whether you complete the Section 8 application online or in person, you may also need to answer questions about your medical expenses. This is true if you have a disability or you are a senior.

Tips for Completing the Hawaii Section 8 Housing Application

Although you may not apply for Section 8 online or in person at this time, there are steps you can take to prepare yourself for the application when the waitlist in your county reopens. For instance, you may consider calling your local PHA to get more information about the program. Important questions to ask include:

• When will the waitlist reopen?
• Are there other housing assistance programs I can apply for in the meantime?
• Based on my circumstances, do I qualify for housing preference in the HCV program?

If you want to apply for Section 8 housing in Hawaii, it is also important for you to understand how waitlists work. When you submit an application, your PHA will check to see if you have housing preference. You may qualify for preference if:

• You are homeless.
• You spend more than 50 percent of your income on housing.
• Your household’s income does not exceed 50 percent of the median income in your area.

In any of these circumstances, you may be placed higher on the waitlist. If you reach the top of the waitlist, your eligibility will be checked again to make sure you still need assistance. Get more tips on the HCV program housing application when you download our in-depth guide.

Understanding the Hawaii Section 8 Application Process

Once you fill out the Section 8 application form in its entirety, the rest of the application process is relatively straightforward. If you submitted the form online, you will receive a “submitted” notice. If you submitted it in person, a caseworker at your PHA will explain what to expect next. Keep in mind that you may need to take part in an interview if you submitted online.

How to Apply for Section 8 Online in Hawaii

Are you ready to begin the HI low income housing application online? If so, visit the website of your local PHA. Most PHA sites in the state provide instructions for accessing the application portal. However, you must first create an account before you can begin the form. This requires a personal email address.

You may not access your HUD housing application once it is submitted. For this reason, make sure you review your work before submitting it. You typically will be able to save your work as a draft if you cannot complete it in one sitting. In addition, you can access your applicant portal 24 hours a day, seven days a week as long as your PHA is accepting applications.

How to Submit the Hawaii Section 8 Housing Application in Person

If you want to apply for low income housing in person instead, visit your local PHA. Make sure you visit during regular business hours and well before the office closes. This way, you and the caseworker assisting you will have enough time to complete the application. Remember to bring your verification documents with you, as this will speed up the process.

You may want to sign up for Section 8 in person if you have a disability or you are a senior. The extra assistance may make it easier to complete the forms. In addition, there may be a smaller chance that you will answer questions incorrectly.

What happens after I apply for Section 8 in Hawaii?

After submitting the housing authority application, you must wait for a decision. You may be asked to visit in person depending on the circumstances. If you applied online, however, you may be able to complete additional questions or update your information from the application portal.

Your PHA will notify you as soon as a decision has been made. If you were denied assistance, you may ask to have an informal review.