Generally, you must meet the Section 8 requirements in New Hampshire in order to obtain a housing voucher form the state. The basic program requirements generally involve your citizenship status, your household income, your household expenses and your current housing situation. Separate public housing agencies (PHAs) throughout the state may consider other factors, such as whether you are a veteran or a victim of domestic violence.

Although there are some standards set at the federal and state levels, the NH Section 8 qualifications vary slightly from one location to another. Therefore, the best way to find out whether or not you are eligible for a housing voucher is to locate and contact your PHA directly.

What are the Section 8 requirements in New Hampshire?

In order to meet the Section 8 eligibility requirements in New Hampshire, you should meet the income limits for your area. Generally, your household should earn no more than 50 percent of the median household income for an area.

Additionally, all members of your household should be U.S. citizens or legal residents who qualify for Section 8. Non-qualified residents cannot receive a housing voucher.

Along with your income and citizenship status, your local PHA will take into account your household expenses such as your utilities, what percentage of your income you pay in rent, and childcare and medical expenses if relevant. Certain expenses can be deducted from your income to determine if you meet the Section 8 eligibility requirements.

Your local PHA may also consider other factors, such as whether your household has children, whether you are a veteran or whether you are a victim of domestic violence. Different PHAs will prioritize different applicants over others.

Such factors will not affect whether you are eligible for Section 8 in New Hampshire. However, they will affect how quickly you receive a voucher and where you are placed on the waiting list.

What are the New Hampshire Section 8 income limits?

To receive a housing voucher, you must meet the NH Section 8 income limits. In general, this means that your household should earn no more than 50 percent of the median household income for an area.

Most of the vouchers available are distributed to those with a household income or 30 percent or less of the median household income for an area. On the other hand, a few may be issued to those earning up to 80 percent of the area’s median household income.

Because the Section 8 income guidelines in New Hampshire depend on local income medians, the actual income limit can vary dramatically based on location. For instance, in New Hampshire, a household of three in numerous counties should earn no more than $32,250 a year to qualify for a voucher. However, in Western Rockingham County, a household of three can earn no more than $47,400 a year. That is a difference of more than $15,000.

Your PHA will calculate your gross income based on your reported household income and expenses to determine if you meet the Section 8 qualifications in New Hampshire. It is important to keep in mind that all forms of income are considered.

As a general rule, this means that you should include both earned and unearned income, including alimony, child support and benefits such as Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or unemployment insurance.

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

In order to prove you meet the Section 8 housing eligibility requirements, you must provide documents that prove your financial status, citizenship status and more. You must be able to document everything from your income to your benefits to your household expenses when seeking a housing voucher.

The exact documents required can vary between PHAs. However, you may need to provide any or all of the following documents:

• Your U.S. birth certificate or Social Security Numbers
• Your W-2 forms, 1099 forms or tax returns
• Your bank checking account and savings account statements
• Paperwork documenting any trusts, bonds, CDs and other financial assets you hold
• Your rental or mortgage agreement
• Your utility bills including water, gas and electricity
• Your childcare and medical expenses, if relevant

You can confirm what documents you need to prove you meet the NH Section 8 qualifications with your PHA officer. If you fail to include required documents, you may not receive a housing voucher, or you may be required to resubmit your application.

Which New Hampshire Section 8 housing requirements do I have to meet?

Once you do receive a housing voucher, you cannot use it on any property you find. To meet the NH Section 8 housing requirements, a unit must pass a housing inspection test conducted by your local PHA. Additionally, it must be moderately priced for your area and meet your PHA’s rental limits.

All Section 8 properties must meet the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) housing safety standards. These standards are in place to ensure no one who is receiving federal dollars for rent is living in substandard conditions. Landlords whose properties do not pass inspections must make the necessary changes in order to qualify for PHA funding and receive rent payments.

Your local PHA will send an inspector to view the property before signing a lease and then regularly throughout the lease agreement. You cannot move into a property before it passes inspection. Additionally, once you are in the property, if it ever fails to pass an inspection neither you nor the PHA can pay rent until the landlord performs the necessary repairs.

To meet the Section 8 housing requirements, properties generally should have connected and functioning utilities, no accessible lead paint, doors and windows that open and close readily and provide a clean seal, functioning locks and more. Additionally, the ceilings, walls, floors and roof should be in good condition.

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

If you do not meet the NH Section 8 qualifications, your name will not be placed on the waiting list and you will not receive a housing voucher. However, it is important to keep in mind that qualification standards change from year to year and by location.

Therefore, if your income changes, if your household makeup changes or if your household expenses change, you may qualify for benefits in the future. It is important to keep an eye on your local PHA’s requirements. You may reapply for Section 8 in the future even if your initial application is denied.