The Mississippi Guide to Section 8 Housing

Of the basic requirements a person needs to live, shelter is the first priority. Without a safe place to stay, it is difficult to supply your family with food, clothing and other necessities, let alone be able to work or attend school.

Section 8 in Mississippi can help you take care of first things first by paying the majority of your rent each month. This guide will explain how to know if you are eligible for this program, how to apply and what to do next.

What Is Section 8 Housing in Mississippi?

Section 8 of the Federal Housing Act of 1937 makes a provision to help people in need of safe and affordable housing. To fulfill the requirements of this law, The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development offers housing vouchers to individuals and families with low incomes.

These vouchers are similar to coupons that recipients can give to their landlords in exchange for a portion of their rent each month. In 2023, 1.2 million households across the country paid for their rent this way.

What Is the Most Section 8 Will Pay in Mississippi?

Section 8 in Mississippi allows people to find their own privately owned apartments, rather than requiring them to live in government-owned housing developments. The amount that Section 8 will pay toward these living arrangements depends upon the family’s needs and the cost of an apartment in the area.

The median cost of a rental unit in Mississippi is $1,400 per month. However, rent can be higher or lower depending on how many bedrooms and bathrooms a property has and whether the unit is in an apartment building or a house. Most local programs set the amount of assistance such that families must pay no more out of pocket than 30% of their incomes.

{{SC-FMR}}

What Are the Mississippi Section 8 Housing Requirements?

To apply for Section 8 in Mississippi, you must be a U.S. citizen or a documented immigrant and show financial need. You also must meet one of the following age restrictions:

• Be 21 years old or older
• Be 18 years old and married
• Have had a local chancellor legally remove your minority status

Being a felon or having a criminal record does not preclude someone from the program. However, registered sexual offenders and those convicted of making methamphetamine drugs in an apartment whose tenants receive Section 8 or other federal aid are not eligible.

What Are the Income Limits for Housing Assistance Programs in Mississippi?

Most local housing authorities consider those who earn 70% of the median income of families in the area to be in need. For example, if the median income in your area were $50,000, then the income limit to receive housing vouchers would be $30,000.

Mississippi is the poorest state in the country, with a medium income of $29,209 for individuals and $52,985 for households. For this reason, the program limits are much lower in Mississippi than in other states.

If you or someone in your family is elderly or disabled, officials may consider your income to be lower than its actual value. The more children or other dependents you have, the lower your adjusted income.

{{SC-IL}}

How Long Does it Take To Get Approved for Section 8 in Mississippi?

The time it takes to get approved for housing vouchers can vary depending on the application processing time, length of the waiting list and ease of the verification process. Some applicants may receive approval quickly, while others may experience a longer wait, particularly if there is a lot of need in the area.

Once you apply, ask the local public housing authority when to expect a response and whether officials will contact you by phone, mail or email. Be sure the housing office has your most up-to-date contact information and tell them if you do not have access to a telephone or computer.

How To Qualify for Section 8 in Mississippi

If you pay more than 30% of your income for housing, there is a good chance you already qualify for the program. Providing for a large family or caring for individuals with disabilities also increases your eligibility. If you worry that you may not meet official requirements, here are a few things you can do:

• Earn a steady income
• Pay your rent on time
• Improve your relationship with your current landlord
• Locate your local public housing authority and learn when and how they accept applications
• Obtain documentation for disabilities that you or anyone in the household has

Be honest when reporting your income, even if you think it might disqualify you. If you give inaccurate information, you may face serious consequences, including the termination of benefits, fines and legal action.

How To Apply for Section 8 Housing in Mississippi

The application process varies depending on the local housing authority where you live. For example, the Mississippi Regional Housing Authority IV, which serves the central part of the state, has a paper application that applicants must download, print and mail. Other local housing authorities may have online applications.

Gathering information ahead of time will make the application process go faster. It also will avoid issues with losing your progress due to online systems logging you out for taking too long to answer questions. Have the following information ready for each person living in your home:

• Full legal name
• Birth date, including year
• Social Security number
• Type of disability, if applicable
• Amount of money received each month from all sources

Once approved for Section 8 in Mississippi, you will need to show official documents for each family member. If you have lost social cards or other papers, now is a good time to apply for replacements.

Can I Transfer my Section 8 Voucher to Mississippi?

Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher portability allows participants to transfer their vouchers from one state to another. However, approval is not automatic and there are specific procedures and guidelines that you must follow.

The portability process involves coordination between your current and receiving housing authorities and not all PHAs participate in the portability program. Therefore, you should contact both PHAs early in the process to know whether you can keep your benefits.

Can I Buy a House With a Section 8 Voucher in Mississippi?

The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Homeownership program provides an opportunity for people to buy their own homes. It is available in parts of Mississippi for those who meet the following requirements:

• Receive Section 8 in Mississippi for a rental property for at least one year
• Are a first-time homebuyer
• Earn at least $14,500 per year
• Work 30 hours per week for one year before applying, unless elderly or disabled

Several housing authorities, including the Eastern Mississippi Regional Housing Authority, offer the homeownership program. 

What Are the Public Housing Authorities in Mississippi?

{{SC-PHA-TABLE}}

Mississippi has many public housing authorities that manage public housing and administer Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher programs. They each follow federal guidelines, but they do not generally share applicant information. If you apply to one housing authority, then you must live within its jurisdiction, so be sure to apply to the correct one for your situation.

Mississippi Waiting List for Section 8 Housing

After you submit your pre-application, officials will place you on a waiting list. There is such high demand for Section 8 in Mississippi that the wait time can be up to 10 years in some areas. Other areas have temporarily stopped taking new applications.

The order of applications on the list depends on the date the housing authority received them. Officials also may place people higher on the list if any of the following events displaced them:

• Hurricanes Katrina or Rita
• Natural disasters such as tornadoes, floods or fire
• Government action
• Action by a landlord that was beyond their control
• Threat of physical violence

Living in substandard housing also moves applicants to a higher position. Some characteristics of substandard housing include lack of a kitchen, heat or indoor plumbing.

Is Emergency Housing Assistance Available in Mississippi?

{{SC-EA-TABLE}}

Section 8 is a long-term solution to housing problems and not the best way to deal with emergencies. However, public housing authorities do sometimes have funds to provide temporary rent relief.

Other emergency housing assistance programs are available through local non-profit organizations such as the Salvation Army. These programs provide temporary relief to those experiencing homelessness or at risk of losing their housing.

Section 8 in Mississippi

Once you understand the process of qualifying and applying, Section 8 in Mississippi can be a way to provide a safe home for your family. Use the many resources on HUDHousingNetwork to stay informed about changes to regulations and openings on waiting lists.