If you need to submit a Section 8 application in Missouri, you must review the submission process as defined by your local Public Housing Agency (PHA). Some PHAs allow you to apply online, while others require you to apply in person. It is also important to contact your PHA to make sure that the waitlist in your county is currently open. The federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) allows PHAs in each state to open and close their waitlists based on demand.

If you want to apply for Section 8 in MO and the waitlist in your county is open, you must do so as soon as possible. Generally, the demand for vouchers is high and the waiting time to receive vouchers is long. In fact, certain PHAs may require you to wait up to four years before reaching the top of the waitlist.

When can I submit a Section 8 application in Missouri?

If you wish to submit a Section 8 housing application, you must follow the guidelines established by your local PHA. Overall, each PHA has different rules depending on whether its waitlist is open or closed.

As such, you may need to wait until the waitlist in your county reopens so that you can fill out the Section 8 application online for free in Missouri. You must also check on your PHA’s website to see if it accepts online submissions. If it does, you can submit your application at any time of day.

In the event that you are waiting for a waitlist to reopen, remember to keep checking your PHA’s official online portal for updates. A Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) notification will specify when applications can be submitted.

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

As you complete the HUD application for the HCV program, you will need to reference certain personal documents. These will help you answer questions on the form. Important documents include:

• Proof of citizenship or legal non-citizenship, such as a U.S. passport, birth certificate, visa card or permanent resident card.
• Proof of Social Security, such as a document issued by the Social Security Administration (SSA).
• Proof of income, such as a recent paycheck, pay stub or letter from your employer.
• Proof of assets or unearned income, such as checking accounts, savings accounts or a notice that you are enrolled in another federal assistance program.
• Proof of your current housing expenses, such as a mortgage or lease agreement.

If your PHA allows you to submit the Section 8 application online, you may also be asked to present these documents to your PHA later on.

Tips for Completing the Missouri Section 8 Housing Application

In order to apply for Section 8 online, in person or by mail, it may help to learn a few tips. First, you may want to call your local PHA or visit in person to ask questions about the HCV program. Important questions include:

• Is the waitlist currently open?
• If it is not open, when will it reopen?
• Can I apply for vouchers in another county?
• Will my application receive preference?

You may also want to ask how long it takes to fill out a Missouri Section 8 application form and which submission method is recommended.

In addition, it is helpful to understand how waitlists work. If you are approved for vouchers, you will be placed on a waitlist. The order of the list depends on when you submitted your application and your income level.

If your income is below 30 percent of the median income in your area, for instance, you will be placed higher on the waitlist. You will receive vouchers even more quickly if you are homeless or in danger of losing your home.

Understanding the Missouri Section 8 Application Process

Once you have completed the low income housing application, you will need to submit it in accordance with your PHA’s submission guidelines. If you need help filling out the form, contact your housing authority for assistance. A caseworker may provide you with a sign language interpreter or another form of assistance depending on your needs.

How to Apply for Section 8 Online in Missouri

If you can sign up for Section 8 online in your county, first visit your PHA’s website. Some housing authorities, such as the St. Louis housing authority, provide an online application portal. Generally, you will have to create an account by entering your name, date of birth, Social Security Number (SSN) and an email address.

Once you have set up an account, you may begin the application. Remember that an application portal will be closed if the waitlist in your county is also closed.

How to Submit the Missouri Section 8 Housing Application in Person

If your county requires you to sign up for Section 8 in person, first follow your PHA’s instructions for obtaining a hard copy of the application form. Certain housing authorities will provide a PDF online, while others may allow you to pick up a copy directly from the office.

Once you have completed the correct form, bring it to your local PHA during business hours. Moreover, you may need to bring identification documents with you, such as a driver’s license or state ID.

How to Apply for Section 8 Housing by Mail

If your PHA allows you to submit a housing authority application by mail, download the application form from your PHA’s website. Make sure it is the correct application, as there is a different form for each program. Once you have finished, signed and dated the form, mail it to the address specified on the application.

What happens after I apply for Section 8 in Missouri?

After you submit your Section 8 application, it may take a while to receive a formal response from your PHA. If you applied online, you can view the status of your application. Otherwise, you can contact your PHA directly and ask for an update. Remember that you will receive a formal notification as soon as a decision has been made, even if you are denied Section 8 benefits.