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Arkansas Section 8 housing introduction
The Arkansas Section 8 housing program is a federal initiative aimed at supporting individuals and families with limited income, as well as seniors and disabled individuals, in accessing suitable and secure housing. The program is overseen by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and offers financial aid to eligible households, with the objective of promoting housing stability and independence. You can find all Section 8 Housing Guide by state on the Section 8 Housing page.
The Arkansas Section 8 housing program in Arkansas plays a crucial role in supporting low-income households who struggle to afford housing. To afford a two-bedroom rental home without being burdened by costs, the average renter in Arkansas would need to earn $15.29 per hour, which is significantly higher than the state’s minimum wage of $11 per hour. This makes it challenging for many families to make ends meet. However, Section 8 housing vouchers can help alleviate this issue by providing rental assistance to eligible households.
These vouchers enable low-income families to afford safe and decent housing, ultimately reducing homelessness, improving health outcomes, and enhancing economic stability in Arkansas. This article aims to provide comprehensive information and resources on Section 8 housing in Arkansas, including eligibility requirements, application procedures, maximum assistance amounts, approval timelines, income limits, fair market rents, and related topics such as emergency housing assistance and waiting lists. By the end of this article, readers will have a better understanding of the Section 8 housing program in Arkansas and the available resources if they qualify for assistance.
Who Qualifies for Arkansas Section 8 Housing
In order to be eligible for Arkansas Section 8 housing in Arkansas, individuals must meet specific requirements. These requirements must be met by applicants to qualify for this housing program.
- To qualify for assistance, applicants must prove that they have a financial need by showing that their household income falls within the low-income or very low-income range, as defined by HUD. Typically, this means their income is equal to or below 50% of the median income for their area.
- Applicants must have a valid residency status, which includes being a U.S. citizen, a non-citizen national, or having eligible immigration status.
- A background check is required for all applicants and household members who are 18 years or older to ensure they have no criminal history.
- In order to be considered, applicants must have a positive rental history, meaning they have no outstanding debts or previous evictions.
In Arkansas, the income limits for Arkansas Section 8 housing are determined by HUD based on the median income of the area. For instance, in Little Rock, the income limit for a family of four in 2021 is $56,300 for very low-income households and $90,100 for low-income households. In Fayetteville, the corresponding limits are $51,500 and $82,400. Apart from income and residency requirements, eligibility for Section 8 housing in Arkansas may also consider factors like household size, age and disability status of members, and the availability of suitable housing in the area. To determine eligibility and learn more about the application process, applicants should contact their local public housing agency.
The rent relief of Arkansas Section 8 Housing
The Section 8 program in Arkansas offers different levels of assistance based on factors like household income, household size, and fair market rents in the area. Typically, the program provides support by covering the gap between 30% of the household’s income and the area’s fair market rent, up to a maximum amount determined by HUD. For instance, in 2021, the highest monthly subsidy for a two-bedroom apartment in Little Rock is $882.
There are various factors that can impact the level of support offered by the Section 8 program in Arkansas.
- Household income
- Family size
- Fair market rents
- Other factors: The level of support provided may also be influenced by the expenses related to utilities, the age of the person in charge of the household, and the presence of suitable housing options.
To determine the potential amount of Section 8 assistance you could qualify for in Arkansas, you have the option of utilizing an online calculator or seeking guidance from your local Public Housing Agency (PHA). In general, the calculation formula for Section 8 assistance is as follows:
(30% of household income) – (tenant payment) = monthly subsidy
The amount of payment a tenant is required to make is typically determined by calculating 30% of their household’s adjusted income. The monthly subsidy they receive is then based on the Fair Market Rent (FMR) in their area and the size of the unit they choose. By understanding the factors that influence the level of assistance provided by the Section 8 program and utilizing the right resources, applicants can make more accurate estimations of the assistance they might qualify for and make well-informed choices regarding their housing alternatives.
Income Limits for Arkansas Section 8 Housing
The income limits for Section 8 housing in Arkansas are set by HUD and are dependent on the median income of the specific area. To be eligible for the program, households must have an income that is equal to or less than 50% of the area’s median income for very low-income households, and 80% for low-income households. For instance, in Little Rock in 2021, a family of four must have an income below $28,150 to qualify as very low-income, and below $45,050 to qualify as low-income.
The income limits for Arkansas Section 8 housing in Arkansas are determined annually by HUD and are based on the area’s median income. These limits take into account factors such as household size and other considerations. Meeting the income requirements is crucial for eligibility in the program, as households with incomes above the limit may not qualify. Furthermore, the income limits can also impact the amount of assistance provided, with lower-income households generally receiving higher subsidies. The table below displays the current income limits for Arkansas.
| Household Size | Very Low Income (50% of Median) | Low Income (80% of Median) |
| 1 | $21,700 | $34,700 |
| 2 | $24,800 | $39,550 |
| 3 | $27,950 | $44,400 |
| 4 | $31,100 | $49,250 |
| 5 | $33,550 | $53,200 |
Fair Market Rents for Arkansas Section 8 Housing
Fair market rents (FMRs) are utilized by the Section 8 program in Arkansas to establish the maximum amount of financial assistance that eligible households can receive. These FMRs reflect the estimated cost of rent, encompassing utilities, for a specific area and unit size. Determined annually by HUD through a survey of rental prices in the region, FMRs serve as a benchmark for the Section 8 housing program. HUD gathers data on rental prices for various unit sizes and types, calculating the median rental price for each area. FMRs are then set at 40% of this median rental price, providing a standardized guideline for rental assistance.
The availability of Arkansas Section 8 housing in Arkansas is greatly influenced by fair market rents. If the fair market rent is set too low for the area, households may have difficulty finding affordable housing and the program’s assistance may not be sufficient. Furthermore, the number of landlords willing to accept the program’s rental rates can also impact the availability of Section 8 housing.
The Section 8 program in Arkansas may sometimes provide higher Fair Market Rents (FMRs) for specific areas or unit sizes to tackle the difficulties faced by low-income households. Nevertheless, the lack of affordable housing continues to be a major obstacle for these families in Arkansas, and it is crucial to address this problem in order to enhance housing stability and economic well-being. The table below displays the current Fair Market Rents for Arkansas.
| Unit Size | Fair Market Rent |
| Studio | $596 |
| 1 BR | $676 |
| 2 BR | $862 |
| 3 BR | $1,181 |
| 4 BR | $1,322 |
How Do I Apply for Arkansas Section 8 Housing
In order to apply for Section 8 housing in Arkansas, individuals must initially reach out to their local public housing agency (PHA). The PHA will furnish an application and assist applicants throughout the entire process. Applicants will be required to furnish details concerning the size of their household, income, and rental background, and they must also successfully clear a background check.
When applying for Arkansas Section 8 housing in Arkansas, individuals are required to submit various documents as evidence for their application. These documents can include:
- Proof of income: Prospective candidates are required to furnish proof of their earnings, which encompasses pay slips, tax filings, and additional financial records.
- Proof of residency: Applicants are required to submit proof of their residency status, which can include documents like a birth certificate or passport.
- Rental history: Individuals applying for a rental property are required to submit proof of their rental history, which should include information about their past landlords and rental agreements.
- Background check: As part of the application process, individuals are required to grant permission for a criminal background check to be conducted.
Filling out the Arkansas Section 8 housing application in Arkansas can be challenging, but there are some helpful tips to make the process easier.
- Starting early: It is crucial to initiate the application for Section 8 housing in Arkansas well in advance, as the process can be lengthy, lasting for several weeks or even months.
- Following instructions carefully: Individuals applying for housing assistance should thoroughly examine the guidelines given by their nearby Public Housing Authority (PHA) and adhere to them diligently in order to prevent any setbacks or difficulties.
- Providing accurate information: To prevent any problems during the approval process, it is crucial for applicants to make sure that all the information they provide on their application is both accurate and current.
- Following up: Once applicants have submitted their application, it is important for them to maintain regular contact with their PHA to inquire about the progress of their application and to submit any necessary additional information or documentation.
To improve their chances of securing Arkansas Section 8 housing in Arkansas, individuals should utilize these recommendations and collaborate closely with their local Public Housing Authority (PHA). The table below presents a comprehensive list of PHAs in Arkansas, along with their respective contact details.
| Housing Authority | Address & Contact Information | Website |
| Arkansas Delta Housing Development Corporation | 109 S. 14th St., Suite A, Paragould, AR 72450(870) 239-8210 | Visit Website |
| Central Arkansas Development Council | 707 Robins Street, Suite 118, Conway, AR 72034(501) 329-3891 | Visit Website |
| Conway Housing Authority | 440 Ingram St, Conway, AR 72034(501) 329-5151 | – |
| East Arkansas Regional Housing Authority | 2144 State Hwy 163, Cherry Valley, AR 72324(870) 588-4585 | Visit Website |
| Fort Smith Housing Authority | 2100 N 31st St, Fort Smith, AR 72904(479) 785-2303 | Visit Website |
| Hot Springs Housing Authority | 100 Werner St, Hot Springs, AR 71913(501) 624-4411 | Visit Website |
| Jonesboro Urban Renewal & Housing Authority | 100 N. Union Street, Jonesboro, AR 72401(870) 935-4811 | Visit Website |
| Northwest Regional Housing Authority | 702 SE Plaza Ave, Bentonville, AR 72712(479) 636-7301 | Visit Website |
| Pine Bluff Housing Authority | 1700 S. Blake St., Pine Bluff, AR 71603(870) 536-4155 | Not Available |
| West Memphis Housing Authority | 501 W Broadway St, West Memphis, AR 72301(870) 735-5500 | Visit Website |
Waiting for Arkansas Section 8 Housing
The approval timeline for Arkansas Section 8 housing applications in Arkansas is not fixed and can differ for each case due to the workload of the local Public Housing Authority (PHA). Typically, the process can be lengthy, lasting several weeks or even months. After submitting an application, the PHA will typically perform a background check and verify the applicant’s income and rental history. If the application is approved, the individual will be added to a waiting list until a voucher becomes available.
Several factors can affect the timeline for Section 8 housing in Arkansas, including:
- Workload of the PHA
- Completeness of the application
- Background checks
Although the application process for Section 8 housing in Arkansas may take a significant amount of time, there are various strategies that can assist applicants in expediting the process. These suggestions comprise:
- Ensuring the application is complete
- Following up regularly
- Being proactive
- Exploring other resources
To enhance the likelihood of a prompt approval for Section 8 housing in Arkansas, individuals can boost their chances by adhering to these suggestions and collaborating closely with their local PHA.
Arkansas Section 8 Housing Waiting Lists
Arkansas Section 8 housing assistance is highly sought after in Arkansas, and many housing authorities have waiting lists due to the high demand. These lists are typically managed on a first-come, first-served basis, with priority given to those with the greatest housing needs. However, the waiting times can vary significantly depending on factors such as location, housing availability, and the number of applicants. Some waiting lists may be closed due to overwhelming demand, while others may periodically open and close as vacancies arise.
To check if there is an available waiting list for housing in your area, reach out to your local housing authority or visit their website. Some housing authorities may also offer online registration for waiting lists. If you are already on the waiting list for Section 8 housing assistance in Arkansas, make sure to regularly update your contact information with the housing authority. This will guarantee that you are notified once your turn comes up on the waiting list and prevent you from losing your position in line.
While you are waiting for Section 8 housing assistance, it is worth considering alternative affordable housing options. These include public housing, subsidized housing, and low-income housing tax credit properties. It is also worth noting that some housing authorities may provide emergency housing assistance to those facing homelessness or other urgent situations. Below is a table displaying the currently available waiting lists in Arkansas.
| Housing Authority | Waiting List Status |
| Clarendon Housing Authority | Open |
| Desha County Residential Housing Facilities Board | Open |
| Fort Smith Housing Authority | Open |
| Franklin County Public Housing Agency | Open |
| Hope Housing Authority | Open |
| Hot Springs Housing Authority | Open |
| Jonesboro Urban Renewal Housing Authority | Open |
| Lonoke County Housing Authority | Open |
| Paragould Housing Authority | Open |
| Pine Bluff Housing Authority | Open |
| Pope County Public Facilities Board | Open |
| Stuttgart Housing Authority | Open |
| White River Regional Housing Authority | Open |
| Wynne Housing Authority | Open |
| Yell County Public Facilities Board | Open |
Conclusion
Section 8 housing in Arkansas is an essential lifeline for individuals and families with low incomes who are in need of affordable housing. This program offers rental assistance to eligible households, granting them the opportunity to secure safe and stable housing in their local communities.
It is crucial for interested individuals to actively seek out information and resources related to Section 8 housing in Arkansas. By familiarizing themselves with the requirements for eligibility, the application process, and the available support, applicants can enhance their prospects of successfully applying for the program and accessing the much-needed assistance.
It is crucial for eligible individuals in Arkansas to take proactive steps in order to secure safe and stable housing through the Section 8 housing program. This may involve seeking assistance from local PHAs to navigate the application process, exploring additional rental assistance programs, or accessing emergency housing support if necessary.
Overall, Section 8 housing in Arkansas provides vital aid to low-income households in their search for affordable housing. By familiarizing themselves with eligibility criteria, application procedures, income limitations, fair market rents, and other important factors, applicants can make informed choices about their housing options and access the necessary support to achieve housing stability and financial well-being.