The Wisconsin Guide to Section 8 Housing

Section 8 in Wisconsin provides a crucial support system for low-income families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities to secure safe and affordable housing. As housing costs continue to rise, the Housing Choice Voucher Program offers an essential lifeline, allowing participants to rent from the private housing market with rental subsidies. 

This guide explains how the program works, eligibility requirements, the application process, and much more.

What is Section 8 Housing in Wisconsin

Section 8 housing in Wisconsin refers to the Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCVP), which provides rental assistance to eligible low-income individuals and families. Funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and administered locally by Public Housing Authorities (PHAs), Section 8 allows families to rent homes from private landlords while paying a portion of the rent. The program helps bridge the gap between a family's income and the cost of housing.

Participants can choose their rental housing, which can include apartments, single-family homes, townhouses, and mobile homes, as long as the unit meets HUD's housing quality standards.

What is the Most Section 8 Will Pay in Wisconsin?

The amount that Section 8 will pay toward rent in Wisconsin depends on several factors, including:

• Household income
• Family size
• Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the area

Tenants typically contribute 30% of their adjusted monthly income toward rent. The program covers the remainder, up to the payment standard set by the local PHA. This payment standard is based on the FMR, which reflects the average rent in the area.

The FMR can vary significantly across different regions of Wisconsin. The following table shows the FMR for different unit sizes across the state.

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What are the Wisconsin Section 8 Housing Requirements?

To qualify for Section 8 in Wisconsin, households need to make below 50% of the county median income based on their household size. Applicants must also have at least one family member who is a U.S. citizen or has eligible immigration status.

Additionally, Wisconsin housing authorities conduct background checks to ensure Section 8 applicants do not have a recent history of criminal activity, including drug use or violence. They also verify previous landlord references to confirm applicants do not have records of property damage or failure to pay rent. All members of the household are subject to these screening criteria.

Once admitted to the program, recipients also have to comply with certain rules to remain eligible. These include paying their portion of rent on time, maintaining the housing unit in accordance with local health codes, reporting any changes in family composition and cooperating with regular inspection visits.

What are the Income Limits for Housing Assistance Programs in Wisconsin?

Income limits for Section 8 in Wisconsin, and other housing assistance programs, are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for the county or metropolitan area. These limits are adjusted annually by HUD.

• 50% AMI: The maximum income for Section 8 eligibility is typically 50% of the AMI.
• 30% AMI: Some PHAs may give preference to applicants with even lower incomes.

Income limits vary by location and household size, so applicants must check with their local PHA to get the most accurate income thresholds for their area.

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How Long Does it Take to Get Approved for Section 8 in Wisconsin?

Approval times for Section 8 in Wisconsin can vary depending on local demand and available resources. The process involves submitting an application, going on a waiting list, and, once selected, undergoing eligibility verification.

Due to high demand, waiting lists can range from several months to several years, especially in major cities like Milwaukee or Madison.

Once your name reaches the top of the list, the verification process typically takes 1-3 months. This includes income verification, background checks, and finding an appropriate rental unit. For some applicants, it may take 1 to 2 years or more to receive a voucher, especially in high-demand areas.For real-time updates on waiting lists, check with your local PHA. 

How To Qualify for Section 8 in Wisconsin

To qualify for Section 8 housing funds in Wisconsin, applicants must: 

• Meet certain income limits (a household income that falls under 50% of the county’s median income level based on family size)
• Provide extensive documentation to prove their total household income through tax statements, pay stubs and other verified sources
• Provide proof of U.S. citizenship or eligible noncitizen status
• Pass criminal background and landlord reference checks
• Demonstrate the ability to comply with lease terms and pay rent
• Show need for housing assistance, such as living in unsafe or overcrowded conditions, paying more than 30% of your income on rent, or experiencing homelessness

Documents you’ll need to provide include pay stubs, tax returns, bank statements, and birth certificates for all household members.

How To Apply for Section 8 Housing in Wisconsin

To apply for Section 8 housing in Wisconsin, follow these steps:

1. Contact Your Local PHA: Identify the local Public Housing Authority (PHA) that administers Section 8 in your area. Some PHAs allow applicants to apply online, while others may require in-person applications.
2. Complete the Application: Fill out the application form, providing details about your household, income, and current living conditions.
3. Submit Required Documents: Attach documents such as proof of income, identification, and rental history.
4. Wait for Processing: After submitting your application, your name will be placed on the waiting list. The waiting period can vary widely depending on demand and available funding.

The application requires reporting details on all members of the household along with comprehensive documentation verifying income sources and assets. This includes recent tax statements, consecutive pay stubs, child support statements, bank account details and anything else contributing to total household income. Once you are selected from the waiting list, the PHA will verify your eligibility and review all submitted documents. This process can take 1-2 months.

Can I transfer my Section 8 Voucher to Wisconsin?

Section 8 voucher holders who wish to transfer their rental assistance to Wisconsin from another state or jurisdiction can do so through a process known as “porting”. Portability allows the administrative flexibility to transfer existing Section 8 leases. Those with current housing choice vouchers can apply to port their voucher to Wisconsin as long as the local housing authority accepts incoming vouchers and they meet eligibility rules. 

However, Wisconsin landlords must agree to accept the tenant’s Section 8 voucher and meet Fair Market Rent limits in the area. Additionally, voucher recipients should notify their current public housing authority in writing of their desire to relocate and the area in Wisconsin where they intend to search for housing. The Public Housing Authority will then coordinate the transfer of paperwork and remaining funds to the new jurisdiction.

Can I Buy a House with a Section 8 Voucher in Wisconsin?

While Wisconsin’s Section 8 has traditionally provided rental subsidies, Section 8 recipients in Wisconsin may be eligible to use their voucher toward homeownership through the Housing Choice Voucher Homeownership Program. 

This program allows converting a rental voucher to provide support for purchasing a home and mortgage payments rather than rent. To qualify, participants must meet work requirements, minimum income thresholds, as well as first-time homebuyer status. You must have full-time employment or meet specific income requirements. Participants must also complete HUD-approved homebuyer counseling.

Wisconsin’s Section 8 payments will cover part of your mortgage and other homeownership-related expenses for up to 15 years. Voucher funds can also be used for closing costs. For more details, consult WHEDA’s Homeownership Programs.

What are the Public Housing Authorities in Wisconsin?

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Public Housing Authorities in Wisconsin are regional and local municipal agencies that administer public housing and Section 8 programs on behalf of the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development. There are over 100 PHAs spread throughout the state. 

Some of the largest PHAs in Wisconsin include the Housing Authorities of the City of Milwaukee, Madison, Racine and Green Bay. These agencies manage public housing developments, coordinate affordable housing offerings, qualify applicants and distribute rent vouchers within their jurisdictional boundaries. 

Smaller suburban and rural municipalities also have their own public housing entities that serve their limited geographic areas.

Wisconsin Waiting List for Section 8 Housing

Due to high demand, Section 8 waiting lists in Wisconsin can be lengthy, especially in major metropolitan areas like Milwaukee and Madison. Applicants may experience wait times ranging from 9 months to several years.

• Priority: Some applicants (e.g., veterans, seniors, individuals with disabilities) may receive priority on the waiting list.
• Lottery System: Some PHAs use a lottery system to select applicants randomly when vouchers become available.

Check with your local PHA to get the most current information about waiting lists and eligibility.

Wisconsin housing authorities do not have control over resources available but aim to assist families in order as possible. All applicants deemed income-eligible get added to the centralized list.

Is Emergency Housing Assistance Available in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin does offer emergency rental and shelter support for those facing immediate risk of homelessness. Program availability comes from the county level through local human service departments. 

Emergency funding options include short-term options such temporary homeless shelters, hotel vouchers, security deposits, one month's rent payment or back rent to prevent eviction. Eligibility considers emergency need, household size, assets and requirements to show future ability to make rental payments. 

Applicants in need due to job loss, illness, domestic abuse or other unforeseen factors that jeopardize housing should contact local county services to determine if they qualify for emergency rental funds.

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Can You Secure Safe Housing With Section 8 in Wisconsin?

Section 8 in Wisconsin offers vital assistance for low-income households struggling with rising rent prices. By subsidizing a portion of your rent, the program helps you maintain stable, affordable housing, reducing financial stress and increasing overall well-being.

If your family struggles with housing costs, we can help you start your journey toward more affordable living. Check out the Section 8 waiting lists in your area to get started.