Completing a New Mexico Section 8 application may be in your best interests if you struggle to find affordable housing. The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program can help you if you are elderly, disabled or have a very low income. However, you must make sure that your Public Housing Agency (PHA) is currently accepting new applicants.

Before you apply for Section 8 in NM, it is helpful to check the submission guidelines. Overall, several counties will allow you to apply in person, by mail or online. Certain counties do not offer online applications, while others do not accept mail-in forms. Note that your PHA will ask you to submit certain documents along with your application. Learn more about the submission process below.

When can I submit a Section 8 application in New Mexico?

Different housing agencies have slightly different rules for submitting a NM Section 8 housing application, which also largely depend on the length of their waitlists and the demand for vouchers. In several counties, waitlists are closed because PHAs have reached their voucher distribution limit.

If the waitlist in your county is closed, you may sign up for email updates from your PHA so that you know when the waitlist is about to reopen. Otherwise, you may check your PHA’s main website or your local newspaper for updates.

If your county allows you to fill out a Section 8 application online for free, you may do so at any time as long as the waitlist is open. Additionally, there is no charge to complete the form in person or by mail.

You must visit your PHA during business hours if you are submitting the form in person. If your PHA plans to open its waitlist soon, it will provide instructions on when to submit an application.

If you are submitting your form by mail, you may bring it to your post office during any time of day. Note that certain PHAs, such as the Albuquerque Housing Authority, do not allow you to apply by mail.

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

Before you submit your New Mexico HUD application, you must make sure that you have your personal documents in order. You will need them to fill out the form and your PHA will use them to verify the information you provide. The main documents you must have readily available include:

• Social Security cards for you and each of your household members.
• Proof of citizenship or legal non-citizenship, such as a birth certificate, driver’s license, passport, visa or permanent resident card.
• Three of your most recent paychecks.
• Proof of housing expenses, including your lease or mortgage and utility bills.

Whether you request a hard copy of the Section 8 application online or apply in person, remember that your PHA may ask you to present other documents depending on your circumstances. You may receive this request while you are filing out the initial application or after it has been submitted.

Tips for Completing the New Mexico Section 8 Housing Application

If you want to apply for Section 8 online, in person or by mail, remember that your submission will be reviewed more quickly if all of your personal information is in order. Thus, you will speed up the process if you quickly provide your PHA caseworker with all the information he or she needs.

Before you apply for Section 8 housing in New Mexico, it is also important to know what type of questions are on the application. For instance, you will be asked to disclose all forms of income and unearned income in your family. You may not be required to report the incomes of household members who are 17 years of age or younger.

Lastly, it may be helpful to contact your housing authority directly if you have unanswered questions. Important topics to discuss include housing preference, how long it will take to complete an application and how long it takes to receive a decision.

Understanding the New Mexico Section 8 Application Process

Completing a Section 8 application form in New Mexico is relatively straightforward. Your housing authority will provide you with very specific instructions so that you do not miss any steps.

If you submit your low income housing application and it is missing certain information or a supplemental document, your PHA will notify you as quickly as possible. If your form is complete, you may not receive any notices from your PHA until a decision has been made on your submission.

How to Apply for Section 8 Online in New Mexico

If your PHA allows you to submit the New Mexico HUD housing application online, visit its website and browse the HCV program section. There will usually be instructions for completing the form online.

Most sites will redirect you to an application portal. On this submission website, you will be prompted to register or create an account. From there, you may begin filling out the application or pre-application.

If your county’s online portal does not require you to create an account, you may not be able to save your progress. Thus, you will have to complete the form in one sitting.

How to Submit the New Mexico Section 8 Housing Application in Person

Many PHAs recommend that you apply for low income housing in person, especially if they are about to reopen their waitlists. This is because the initial demand for vouchers is so great that PHAs will accept applications on a first-come, first-served basis.

If you are applying in person, visit your PHA during regular office hours. Depending on the number of applicants, you may need to get in line before the housing authority office even opens. Make sure you bring your supplemental documents with you.

How to Apply for Section 8 Housing by Mail

If your county allows you to sign up for Section 8 in NM by mail, you must first request a hard copy of the application online. In order to request the form, you must enter the following details:

• Name
• Street address
• Phone number
• Email address

Once you submit this information, you will receive a confirmation of the request by email. It may take up to a week to receive the application by mail.

What happens after I apply for Section 8 in New Mexico?

After you have submitted your NM housing authority application, your PHA will review your information. It may take up to 30 days to receive a notice of approval or denial, which will be sent to you by mail. You may receive a decision more quickly if you are homeless or are about to lose your current housing.

If you are approved for the HCV program, you will be placed on the waitlist. If your PHA determines that you are not eligible, you may reapply at a later date if your current circumstances change. To gain a better idea of the application process, download our comprehensive guide.