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Hawaii Section 8 housing introduction
The Housing Choice Voucher program, commonly referred to as Hawaii Section 8 Housing, is a federal initiative that aims to offer affordable housing to low-income individuals and families across the US. Its primary goal is to assist eligible households by subsidizing a portion of their rental expenses, thereby enabling them to secure suitable and hygienic living accommodations. Given the exorbitant cost of living in Hawaii, the Section 8 housing program plays a crucial role in ensuring that low-income residents have access to affordable housing options.
Hawaii Section 8 housing plays a vital role in Hawaii due to the high cost of living and limited affordable housing options. Many low-income individuals and families face difficulties finding safe and affordable places to live. The Section 8 housing program serves as a lifeline for these individuals, enabling them to secure affordable and safe housing, ultimately enhancing their overall quality of life. This article delves into the specifics of the Section 8 housing program in Hawaii, encompassing eligibility criteria, application procedures, and the benefits it offers. You can find all Section 8 Housing Guide by state on the Section 8 Housing page.
Qualification for Hawaii Section 8 Housing
The Hawaii Section 8 housing program in Hawaii is designed to help low-income individuals and families with safe and affordable housing. To qualify for the program, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements, which include: The Hawaii Section 8 housing program in Hawaii aims to provide safe and affordable housing for individuals and families with low incomes. To be eligible for the program, applicants must meet specific requirements.
- Income eligibility requirements: Applicants must meet the requirement of having a household income that is equal to or below half of the median income for the county they are applying in. It is crucial to verify the specific income limits for your area as the limits differ across counties in Hawaii.
- Citizenship status: Should be U.S. citizens or have eligible immigration.
- Background checks: In order to be considered for the program, individuals are required to successfully complete a criminal background check and submit various documents and references to confirm their eligibility.
In order to be considered for Hawaii Section 8 housing in Hawaii, individuals must submit an application and provide necessary documentation to prove their income, residency, and eligibility. Applications can be submitted online or in-person at the local Public Housing Authority (PHA). However, meeting the requirements does not guarantee acceptance, as the demand for Section 8 housing in Hawaii often surpasses the number of available vouchers. In such cases, applicants may be placed on a waiting list until vouchers become available.
Rent Relief of Hawaii Section 8 Housing
Section 8 determines the rental assistance amount based on several factors such as household income, household size, and the fair market rent (FMR) in the area. However, there is a payment standard, which is the maximum payment that Section 8 will provide.
The payment standard in Section 8 is the highest allowable payment for rent and utilities that a household can receive. In Hawaii, the payment standard differs in each county and is determined by the fair market rent in that particular area. For instance, in 2021, the payment standard for a one-bedroom apartment in Honolulu County is $1,791.
To determine the rental assistance provided by Section 8, the total rent and utilities for the unit are reduced by the payment standard. The household is then responsible for covering the remaining amount between the Section 8 payment and the total rent.
Various factors can impact the Section 8 payment, such as fluctuations in the household’s income or family size, changes in the fair market rent for the area, and adjustments in the unit’s rent and utilities. It is crucial to inform the local Public Housing Authority (PHA) about any of these changes, as they can potentially affect the eligible amount of Section 8 payment for the household.
Income Limits for Hawaii Section 8 Housing
To qualify for Hawaii Section 8 housing in Hawaii, individuals must meet specific income criteria. These criteria differ across counties and are determined by the area’s median income (AMI). Income limits in Hawaii span from 30% to 80% of the AMI, contingent upon the number of individuals in the household and the county of residence.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) sets the income limits for the program, which are adjusted every year. These limits are designed to ensure that assistance is provided to those who are most in need, while also considering the varying costs of living across different counties.
In order to determine your household income, you must combine the total earnings of all individuals living in your home. This encompasses income from various avenues, including employment wages, salaries, gratuities, child support, and social security payments. It is crucial to disclose all sources of income when applying, as neglecting to do so may lead to disqualification from the program.
If your household income falls within the specified limit for your county, you may qualify for Hawaii Section 8 housing in Hawaii. To determine your eligibility, make sure to review the income limits for your specific county before submitting an application. The table below displays the current income limits for different islands/counties in Hawaii.
| Household Size | Honolulu | Kauai | Maui |
| 1 | $34,550 | $33,650 | $32,200 |
| 2 | $39,500 | $38,450 | $36,800 |
| 3 | $44,500 | $43,300 | $41,450 |
| 4 | $49,400 | $48,150 | $46,100 |
| 5 | $53,350 | $52,000 | $49,800 |
Fair Market Rents for Hawaii Section 8 Housing
The Section 8 housing program in Hawaii uses fair market rents (FMR) to establish the highest allowable rent for a unit in a specific location. These FMRs are determined by HUD and are based on the rental market conditions in each county.
Fair market rents for Hawaii Section 8 housing in Hawaii differ based on the county and the number of bedrooms in the unit. In Honolulu County, the fair market rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $1,506, while for a three-bedroom apartment, it amounts to $3,038 in 2021.
Fair market rents are determined by considering several factors, such as rental market conditions, vacancy rates, and utility costs in the locality. The main objective of fair market rents is to ensure that the Hawaii Section 8 program assists eligible households without paying excessive amounts for rental properties.
To determine the appropriate rental price for your location, you can either visit the HUD website or get in touch with your local Public Housing Authority (PHA). It is crucial to keep in mind that the fair market rent can vary annually, so it is essential to verify the most up-to-date information before applying for Section 8 housing in Hawaii.
| Size | Honolulu | Kauai | Maui |
| Studio | $1,310 | $1,118 | $1,288 |
| 1 BR | $1,506 | $1,358 | $1,506 |
| 2 BR | $1,958 | $1,714 | $1,942 |
| 3 BR | $3,038 | $2,209 | $2,645 |
| 4 BR | $3,466 | $2,447 | $2,969 |
Application for Hawaii Section 8 Housing
In order to be considered for Section 8 housing in Hawaii, individuals must fill out an application and submit supporting documents to confirm their income, residency, and other qualifications. The application can be done either online or in-person at the nearby Public Housing Authority (PHA).
- Collect Necessary Information: Prior to initiating the application procedure, ensure that you have gathered all the essential details, including your Social Security number, contact details, income particulars, and the names and birth dates of all individuals residing in your household.
- Complete the Application: You have the option to either fill out the application online or print a paper application and submit it in person at the local Public Housing Authority (PHA). It is important to ensure that the application is filled out accurately and in its entirety.
- Provide Supporting Documents: Along with the application, you will need to submit supporting documents to verify your income, residency, and other eligibility criteria. These documents may include pay stubs, tax returns, birth certificates, and social security cards.
- Await Notification: Once you have submitted your application and supporting documents, you will be placed on a waiting list if there are currently no available vouchers. When a voucher becomes available, you will receive a notification and be invited for an interview.
It is crucial to be aware that the waiting list for Section 8 housing in Hawaii can be lengthy, and there may be a limited number of vouchers available. It is also important to keep your contact information updated and inform the Public Housing Authority (PHA) of any changes in your household income or family size.
To apply for Section 8 housing in Hawaii, you can either submit your application online through the Hawaii Public Housing Authority (HPHA) website or visit your local PHA in person. It is essential to carefully follow the instructions and provide all the necessary information and documents to ensure a prompt processing of your application.
The table below provides contact information for local Housing Authorities in Hawaii.
| Housing Authority | Contact Information | Website |
| Hawaii Public Housing Authority | 1002 N School St, Honolulu, HI 96817(808) 832-4692 | Visit Website |
| Hawaii County Office of Housing and Community Development | 1990 Kinoole St, Hilo, HI 96720(808) 961-8379 | Visit Website |
| City and County of Honolulu Department of Community Services | 925 Dillingham Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96817(808) 768-7700 | Visit Website |
| Kauai County Housing Agency | 4444 Rice St, Suite 330, Lihue, HI 96766(808) 241-4440 | Visit Website |
| Maui County Department of Housing and Human Concerns | 35 Lunalilo St, Suite 101, Wailuku, HI 96793(808) 270-7351 | Visit Website |
Hawaii Section 8 Housing Waiting List
The demand for Hawaii Section 8 housing in Hawaii is very high, which has led to the creation of waiting lists. The length of these lists can vary greatly depending on the county, ranging from a few months to multiple years. Once you have applied, your name will be added to the waiting list, and you will be notified when a voucher becomes available.
To find out where you stand on the waiting list, reach out to your local Public Housing Authority (PHA) or visit the Hawaii Public Housing Authority (HPHA) website. Make sure your contact details are current so that you don’t miss any updates regarding your position on the list.
To ensure you are informed about the latest updates regarding waiting lists and other Section 8 housing developments in Hawaii, it is advisable to subscribe to notifications from the HPHA or your local PHA. Additionally, regularly visiting the HPHA website will provide you with updates on waiting list status and other significant program details.
The table below displays the present waiting list status for Housing Authorities in Hawaii.
Please visit the Hawaii housing authority page to find more in your county.
| Housing Authority | Waiting List Status |
| Hawaii Public Housing Authority | Closed |
| Hawaii County Office of Housing and Community Development | Open |
| City and County of Honolulu Department of Community Services | Open |
| Kauai County Housing Agency | Closed |
| Maui County Department of Housing and Human Concerns | Open |
Other Low Income Housing Housing in Hawaii
Other than Hawaii Section 8 housing and HUD housing, there are alternative low-income housing choices in Hawaii that may have minimal or no waiting period. These alternatives provide options for individuals in need of affordable housing.
- LIHTC properties refer to privately owned housing that receive tax credits for offering units to low-income individuals at rates below the market average.
- Hawaii Public Housing is managed by HPHA and offers affordable rental options to low-income families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities.
- Project-Based Section 8 housing involves private landlords renting units at reduced rates to low-income tenants through Section 8 vouchers.
The requirements for these programs differ, but typically, applicants must meet income criteria and other specific requirements. It is crucial to understand that there is a high demand for affordable housing in Hawaii, so there may be limited availability for these alternative low-income housing options.
If you are interested in applying for low-income housing in Hawaii without having to wait, you can get in touch with the local PHA or the HHFDC. They will provide you with details regarding your eligibility and the current availability of housing options.
Conclusion
The Hawaii Section 8 housing program in Hawaii offers secure and reasonably priced housing to individuals and families with limited financial resources. To be eligible, applicants must meet specific criteria, such as income and citizenship or legal residency status. The program also provides financial aid for rent payments, which is determined by the household’s income and the fair market rent in the area.
Although there is often a high demand for Section 8 housing in Hawaii that surpasses the number of available vouchers, there are other options for low-income housing. These alternatives include low-income housing tax credit properties, public housing, and project-based Section 8 housing. The criteria for eligibility differ for each program, but typically applicants must meet income requirements and fulfill other specific requirements for each program.
Staying knowledgeable about the Section 8 housing program in Hawaii and other affordable housing choices is crucial. To remain informed, regularly visit the Hawaii Public Housing Authority website and subscribe to receive notifications. This way, you will always stay updated on waiting list details and program advancements. If you have any inquiries regarding the Section 8 housing program or affordable housing alternatives in Hawaii, you can reach out to your local Public Housing Authority or the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation for further assistance.