Submitting a Section 8 application in Oregon is the first step in receiving a housing choice voucher. Public housing agencies (PHAs) are responsible for processing applications and issuing vouchers. The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), on the other hand, is in charge of funding this program and establishing many of the Section 8 rules and regulations.

You can apply for Section 8 with any PHA of your choosing. In some cases, your chances of being approved for a voucher will be affected by where you apply. Read below to learn more about the Section 8 housing application process and discover how to sign up for assistance.

When can I submit a Section 8 application in Oregon?

You can only apply for Section 8 housing in Oregon whenever a PHA is accepting new petitioners. Generally, the Section 8 program is so popular that housing agencies end up receiving more applicants than there are vouchers available. As a result, almost every PHA utilizes a waiting list.

Waiting lists can open and close in response to the current demand for housing and the availability of vouchers. Some PHAs keep their waiting lists open year-round, meaning that you can sign up for assistance whenever you choose. Other organizations will close their list for any length of time while they work on assisting the families who are already waiting.

In any case, you will not usually have access to a Section 8 application form or other materials when a PHA has closed its waiting list. You must wait for the housing authority to reopen its list before you have an opportunity to apply. PHAs make public announcements in newspapers, online or on local radio stations.

Remember that you can sign up for Section 8 with any housing authority if your preferred PHA is not currently taking new applicants. You can also apply for low income housing with more than one PHA at a time to increase your chance of receiving a voucher. Learn more about how waiting lists may affect your Section 8 application by reading our step-by-step guide here.

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

When submitting a HUD application in Oregon, the PHA will need to verify your eligibility for assistance. In some cases, your eligibility will be checked before you can be added to a waiting list. Other times, PHAs only request documentation to prove your qualifications once your name is selected for a voucher.

Your low income housing application will typically need to include documents for every member of your household. However, the exact paperwork you need for each family member varies depending on individual factors.

As an example, minors and adults may need to produce different documentation. In any case, you may be required to provide the following items:

• Proof of identity, such as a driver’s license or passport
• Immigration or citizenship documents
• Pay stubs, bank records, benefit award letters or other proof of income
• Verification of Social Security Number (SSN)

Tips for Completing the Oregon Section 8 Housing Application

Filling out a housing authority application correctly is important. In many cases, you only have a limited period of time for signing up. Thus, there is little room for errors. To make the application process go more smoothly, be sure to do the following:

• Answer every question in the application completely and honestly
• Write “N/A” in boxes that do not apply, rather than leaving blank spaces
• Only submit one HUD housing application per local PHA
• Check application deadlines so you do not miss an opportunity to sign up
• Ask the PHA for accommodations if you need help due to your age, disability or other factors
• Have all adult household members sign the application form

When completing a Section 8 application form in Oregon, it helps to understand the concept of local preferences. Because most PHAs receive a large number of applicants, some organizations use these preferences to determine waiting list placement. Generally, priorities are given to applicants who:

• Are seniors.
• Have a disability.
• Are veterans.
• Are local residents.
• Have been displaced from home.
• Are homeless or living in substandard housing.

Note: Qualifying for a local preference or being placed on a waiting list does not guarantee that you will receive rental assistance. Unfortunately, PHAs cannot always help every eligible family.

Understanding the Oregon Section 8 Application Process

In most cases, you can submit a Section 8 application online, in person or through the mail. With that said, be mindful that the application methods available may vary from one PHA to the next.

How to Apply for Section 8 Online in Oregon

PHAs with an online presence may allow you to apply for help through their websites. When filing an application online, select the program that you want to sign up for and follow the on-screen prompts. If you receive a confirmation number after submitting your form, make sure to save it.

Note: You should always be able to fill out a Section 8 application online free of charge. It is illegal for any person, agency or organization to charge an application fee for Section 8.

How to Submit the Oregon Section 8 Housing Application in Person

There are many PHAs throughout the state, and some of them will allow you to visit their office in person to sign up for assistance. When applying in person, ask your local PHA about its office hours and any policies that you may need to know before visiting.

How to Apply for Section 8 Housing by Mail

If you are unable to visit a PHA office in person, you may be able to receive a paper copy of the application form by mail. Then, simply submit your completed form and any required documents to the PHA’s mailing address.

What happens after I apply for Section 8 in Oregon?

After you sign up for Section 8 in Oregon, you will usually be added onto a waiting list. Moreover, it is possible that you will receive assistance right away if a PHA has vouchers available. However, this is somewhat uncommon.

If you are placed on a waiting list, it is important that you notify the PHA of certain changes that might affect your application process. As such, make sure to report any changes related to:

• Address
• Income
• Family size or composition
• Eligibility for local preferences

In the event your Section 8 application is selected from the waiting list, you will receive a voucher. It is usually necessary to attend an informational briefing before you start searching for a rental.