The Michigan Section 8 application process has typically two parts: an online application and an in-person interview. Completing the online form is required by the State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA). However, an exception can be made depending on an applicant’s circumstances.

While you must apply for Section 8 in MI through the official online state portal, you are allowed to contact your local Public Housing Agency (PHA) with any questions you have while filling out the form. You can also save time by reviewing the Section 8 application process before you begin, because you will know what to expect.

Overall, you must have certain personal documents on hand in order to complete the form as accurately as possible. To gain a better understanding of the application process, continue reading below.

When can I submit a Section 8 application in Michigan?

You may fill out the Michigan Section 8 housing application online at any time as long as a waiting list in the state is open. However, in the event that there are no waiting lists open, the form may be unavailable.

Note: The MSHDA refers to these forms as online waiting list pre-applications. This is because your eligibility must be re-evaluated if you are placed on a waitlist and eventually reach the top of the list.

To find out whether you can fill out a HUD application online, you must reference the MSHDA website. You may also receive information by:

• Calling your local PHA.
• Emailing the MSHDA.
• Signing up for email updates.

If you are homeless, you may be able to receive priority assistance. This means that you may qualify for housing assistance much more quickly.

However, you may only receive this type of preference if you are deemed eligible by a local homeless agency. In Michigan, homeless agencies are also known as Housing Assessment and Resource Agencies (HARAs).

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

In order to fill out a Section 8 application online for free, you must gather your personal documents and assemble them together. These will help you fill out the pre-application form online.

Moreover, you will be required to verify this documentation with your local PHA. These documents include but are not limited to:

• Proof of identity, such as a U.S. birth certificate, driver’s license, passport, visa or permanent resident card.
• Proof of your Social Security Number (SSN), such as a Social Security card or W-2 form with your SSN on it.
• Proof of income, such as a recent paycheck, W-2 form or letter of employment.
• Proof of assets or resources, including forms of unearned income, if applicable.

In addition, the Section 8 application online process may pose questions regarding your monthly rent and utility expenses. Thus, it will be useful to have recent utility bills or proof of rental payments handy. Learn more about the documents necessary for the application process when you download our detailed guide.

Tips for Completing the Michigan Section 8 Housing Application

Before you apply for Section 8 online in Michigan, you may contact your local PHA and ask a few questions. For instance, you may consider asking the following:

• Is the waitlist in my county closed or open?
• If the waitlist in my area is closed, when will it re-open?
• If apply for Section 8 housing through the MSHDA website, will you give preference to applicants who live in the same county as the open waitlist or applicants who are homeless?
• What documents should I bring?
• How long does it take to complete the application?

Prior to completing the Section 8 application form, you must learn how waitlists work in the state. First, you will only be placed on a waitlist if one is open and you meet all the requirements. Second, the order of the waitlist depends on when you applied.

As a general rule, the later you submit the form, the lower your name will be on the list. The order may only change for one of the following reasons:

• You live in the county where the waitlist is open.
• You and your family have an extremely low income as defined by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
• You are homeless.

Understanding the Michigan Section 8 Application Process

The process of completing a low income housing application is relatively straightforward. In Michigan, paper applications are not accepted, which means you may not apply in person or by mail.

On the other hand, if you have a disability, you may request an accommodation in order to apply for vouchers. You may make a request by calling the Rental Assistance and Homeless Division or sending a letter to the MSHDA by mail or email.

How to Apply for Section 8 Online in Michigan

Wondering how to submit the HUD housing application in Michigan online? To do so, you must visit the official online state portal. Moreover, make sure to gather the necessary personal documents for you and each family member before applying, so that you can fill out the form more quickly.

If a waitlist is open, you may apply for low income housing during any time of day. Once you click submit on the pre-application form, you will receive a confirmation number.

Note: You are only allowed to apply for the HCV program once. While you can apply for a waitlist in a different county, you will have a better chance of receiving assistance if you apply when the waitlist in your county is open.

What happens after I apply for Section 8 in Michigan?

After you submit a housing authority application online and receive a confirmation number, you must wait to receive a decision. You will be notified if you are placed on the waitlist.

If you receive a spot on the waitlist, you may check your waitlist status during any time of day on the application portal. Remember that your status may not show up for the first 24 hours after submitting the form. You will then receive a notification if your name reaches the top of the waitlist or your file needs to be updated.

You will also receive a notification if your application is denied. If you disagree with the decision, you are allowed to request an informal hearing with the MSHDA.