The South Dakota Section 8 application process includes finding a public housing agency (PHA) and providing information about your income, family composition and other eligibility factors. You can apply for Section 8 with any housing authority of your choosing. Moreover, you may undergo the Section 8 housing application steps through more than one PHA simultaneously.

While these vouchers are funded by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), local PHAs are responsible for taking applications and issuing rental assistance. In general, funding availability and the demand for vouchers can affect how long you wait to receive assistance. Read below to learn more about the HUD application process and find out how to increase your chances of being approved for a voucher.

When can I submit a Section 8 application in South Dakota?

You can only apply for Section 8 housing in South Dakota whenever a local PHA is accepting new petitioners. Because there is a high demand for vouchers, most PHAs utilize a waiting list for eligible applicants. When there are too many families on the waiting list, it is common for a housing authority to stop taking new applicants altogether.

PHAs announce when they open and close their application period through public notices. These may appear in newspapers, on radio stations or online. If you cannot sign up for Section 8 now, make sure to keep an eye out for such notices.

Keep in mind that you can apply for low income housing through any PHA. If you cannot sign up with your preferred housing authority now, it may help to submit applications to other PHAs while you wait. If you receive rental assistance from a different PHA, you may have the option of transferring or “porting” your voucher to your preferred housing authority in the future.

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

At some point during the housing authority application process, you will need to verify your eligibility by showing the PHA a few documents. Some housing authorities need to see your information right away before you can be placed on a waiting list.

Other times, you only need to provide proof of eligibility once your name is selected for a voucher. In any case, your Section 8 application form will require the same types of documents. These may include:

• Birth certificate
• Immigration or citizenship paperwork
• Photo identification card
• Pay stubs, bank records or benefit award letters
• Social Security card or other proof of Social Security Number (SSN)

If you meet certain requirements, you might need to provide additional paperwork. For example, if you have a disability, you may qualify for higher placement on a waiting list. Learn more about the types of documents you may need to provide by reading our complete Section 8 guide here.

Tips for Completing the South Dakota Section 8 Housing Application

The HUD housing application process can be long, but there are several things you can do reduce your wait time. To start, it is usually in your best interest to apply for low income housing with more than one PHA at a time. Doing so means that any housing agency may select you for a voucher.

Keep in mind that there is a different low income housing application for each PHA. However, the information on each form is usually the same no matter where you sign up.

While you can apply with multiple PHAs at once, be aware that you should only submit one from per organization. Housing agencies may reject households that try to send in duplicate applications.

It also helps to understand how PHAs select applicants for a voucher. In many cases, you will be placed higher on a waiting list or receive other preferences if you:

• Are a senior.
• Have a disability.
• Are a local resident.
• Are a veteran.
• Have been the victim of domestic violence.
• Were displaced from home.

Lastly, when you apply for low income housing in South Dakota, it is important that you fill in your form completely. Leaving answers blank may result in your application being delayed or even rejected. If a question does not apply to your household, PHAs usually request that you write “N/A” rather than leaving a field blank.

Understanding the South Dakota Section 8 Application Process

You can usually apply for Section 8 in South Dakota in person, through the mail or online. The available application methods will vary from one PHA to the next.

How to Apply for Section 8 Online in South Dakota

PHAs with websites may provide you with the option of signing up for assistance online. Some housing authorities may even require that you submit a Section 8 application online in some cases.

You may or may not need to create an account to apply for help online. Once your form is complete, it is important to save any confirmation number that you may receive.

How to Submit the South Dakota Section 8 Housing Application in Person

To apply for help in person, locate your preferred PHA office and verify its office hours and policies. Some housing authorities will require you to make an appointment or take other steps before showing up.

How to Apply for Section 8 Housing by Mail

PHAs may also have a paper application that you can request by mail. This is a good option if you are applying for help with more than one PHA at a time and cannot visit each office in person.

What happens after I apply for Section 8 in South Dakota?

Your Section 8 application usually results in you being placed on a wait list if you are qualified or being denied if you are ineligible. In some cases, a PHA may also have the funding available to help you right away.

In the event you are placed on a waiting list, it is important to keep your information up to date. If any of the details on your Section 8 application form have changed, such as your address or family composition, notify the PHA right away.

Once you are selected for a voucher, you will usually attend a briefing where you will learn about using your rental assistance. Then, you may start looking for rental housing in the open market.