The Section 8 requirements in Kentucky may seem daunting. Generally, you have to meet all of them in order to be considered for the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program. These eligibility rules are determined at the federal level by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and at the state level by the Kentucky Housing Corporation (KHC).

If you decide to apply, your KY Section 8 qualifications will be reviewed by caseworkers at the local Public Housing Agency (PHAs) of your choice. There are many PHAs throughout the state, which makes it easier to request help during this process.

What are the Section 8 requirements in Kentucky?

Your Section 8 eligibility in Kentucky depends on your state residency, citizenship status, income level and ability to pass a background check. Furthermore, be mindful that these requirements apply to all members of your household.

First, you must prove that your primary residence is in KY. Next, you must prove that you are either a U.S. citizen or a legal non-citizen. If you are not a citizen, you must prove your legal status with identification documents issued by a federal entity.

In addition, all applicants are required to have Social Security Numbers (SSNs) upon filing a Section 8 application. As such, proof of SSN must be provided during this process.

Overall, Section 8 housing eligibility is primarily determined by an applicant’s income level. Therefore, he or she must not exceed a certain income limit. In any case, it is important to note that these limits vary from county to county and are updated on an annual basis.

Finally, you must pass a background check required by the HUD. If criminal activities such as violent crimes or drug possession show up on your record, you may receive a denial notice.

What are the Kentucky Section 8 income limits?

One of the most important Section 8 housing requirements in Kentucky is that you fall below a certain income level. The maximum amount of income you can have and still qualify for vouchers depends on your county and the size of your household. For instance, a family of three will have a higher income limit than a family of two.

According to the HUD Section 8 income guidelines, you may be eligible for the program if your earnings do not exceed 50 percent of the median income in your county. Each county has a different area median income (AMI) and thus a different limit.

On the KHC annual publication of AMIs, every county limit is posted. Moreover, you may contact your PHA directly to find out the exact limit for your family’s size.

You will have a better chance of receiving vouchers if your income does not exceed 30 percent of the AMI. This is because PHAs are required by law to give 75 percent of their vouchers to extremely low-income applicants.

In order to determine whether or not you meet the Section 8 requirements for income, you must combine the monthly earnings of every working family member. Do not account for taxes or deductions. You may also need to account for unearned income and resources, if applicable. These include:

• Cash on hand
• Savings accounts
• Stocks and bonds
• Property you own besides your current home
• Certain vehicles, though most will not be counted

If you receive benefits from another federal assistance program, you must report them. Such benefits may or may not affect your eligibility for housing choice vouchers. They include:

• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits
• Women, Infants and Children (WIC) benefits
• Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

To learn more about calculating your income for the purposes of Section 8, download our in-depth guide.

Which documents do I need to meet Section 8 requirements in Kentucky?

After reviewing your Section 8 qualifications, your PHA will need to review your identification documents. These forms must prove that the personal information you provide on your application is correct. Important documents to present to a PHA caseworker include:

• Proof of residency in the state. This includes a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage agreement or another approved document.
• Proof of citizenship. This includes a U.S. driver’s license, birth certificate or state ID.
• Proof of legal non-citizenship if you are a non-citizen. This includes a visa, green card, admitted refugee form or another approved document.
• Proof of employment. This includes a paycheck or employment verification letter.

You may need to bring in other personal documentation if you are a student, senior or you have a disability. If you are a student, your PHA caseworker may ask you to provide proof that you are enrolled in a school or training program. In the event that you are a senior or have a disability, your caseworker may ask you to bring in medical records.

Which Kentucky Section 8 housing requirements do I have to meet?

Your PHA may find that you have Section 8 eligibility in Kentucky and will place you on the waitlist. If you reach the top of the list, you will be contacted and given instructions for the next steps. One of these steps is to begin your search for a new home, unless you want to stay in your current living situation.

The home that you select must meet the HCV program’s health and safety criteria. To ensure this, a PHA employee will perform an inspection of the home and make sure there are no major concerns. Causes for concern include no running water, broken utilities, mold and more.

In addition to having Section 8 housing eligibility, the landlord of the home you choose must participate in the HCV program and receive approval from your PHA. If you decide to live in the unit, you and the landlord must both agree to a one-year lease. You are required to comply with the terms of the lease. This includes paying part of your rent that is not covered by vouchers.

What happens if I don’t meet the Section 8 qualifications?

Unfortunately, many applicants do not meet the Section 8 requirements in Kentucky and receive denial notices. Since housing choice vouchers are in such high demand, being rejected from the program is not uncommon.

If you are denied vouchers and disagree with your PHA’s decision, you may request an informal review. An informal review involves a meeting with representatives of the PHA. During the meeting, your application will be reviewed, and you will have the chance to explain why the decision was incorrect.

In addition, be mindful that you have the option of letting someone else represent you. It should be noted that every applicant who receives a denial notice is not necessarily entitled to an informal review.