Maryland Section 8 Housing Application: November 2024 Updated Guide

In Maryland, individuals can apply for Section 8 housing through their local Public Housing Authority. The Maryland Department of Housing and Community (MDHCD) is responsible for administering the Section 8 program throughout the state. To apply for Section 8 housing in Maryland, individuals must contact their local PHA. The PHA will provide information about the application process and the documentation that is required to determine eligibility.

In Maryland, individuals can obtain a Section 8 housing application by contacting their local Public Housing Authority (PHA) or the Maryland Department of Housing and Community (MDHCD).

To find the contact information for the local PHA, individuals can visit the MDHCD website at www.dhcd.maryland.gov/ and click on the "Public Housing" tab. From there, they can click on "Contact Us" and enter their zip code to find the contact information for their local PHA.

Alternatively, individuals can also contact the MDHCD directly to request a Section 8 housing application. The MDHCD can be reached by phone at (301) 429-7400 or by email at customerservice.dhcd@maryland.gov.

It is important to note that some local PHAs may have their own application forms or processes, so it is best to contact the PHA directly to determine the specific requirements and procedures for applying for Section 8 housing in that area.

Overall, individuals in Maryland can obtain a Section 8 housing application by contacting their local PHA or the MDHCD directly. By completing and submitting the application and providing the required documentation, individuals can begin the process of applying for Section 8 housing assistance.

In Maryland, the eligibility requirements for Section 8 housing are determined by the Maryland Department of Housing and Community (MDHCD) and local Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) that administer the program. The following are general eligibility requirements for Section 8 housing in Maryland:

• Income: To be eligible for Section 8 housing, individuals or families must have a total household income that is below a certain threshold. This threshold is typically set at 50% of the area median income, but it can vary by location and household size. In addition, preference may be given to households with even lower incomes, such as those below 30% of the area median income.
• Residency: Applicants must be U.S. citizens or have eligible immigration status, and they must also be residents of the state of Maryland.
• Background check: Individuals or families must pass a criminal background check, which may include a review of criminal history, credit history, and rental history.
• Family composition: Eligibility is also determined based on the number of people in the household and their relationship to one another.
• Other factors: Other factors that may affect eligibility for Section 8 housing in Maryland include the availability of vouchers, the number of people on the waiting list, and the availability of rental units that meet the program's standards.

The time it takes to get approved for Section 8 housing in Maryland can vary depending on several factors, including the availability of housing vouchers, the number of applicants on the waiting list, and the specific housing authority you are applying through. It is difficult to provide a specific timeframe for approval as the wait times can range from a few months to several years.

To get a better idea of the wait times in your area, you should contact your local public housing agency (PHA). They can provide more accurate information on the waiting list status and estimated wait times for your specific location.