The Wisconsin Guide to Section 8 Housing

The Section 8 program aims to help lower-income residents obtain decent, safe and affordable private market housing. Under Section 8 in Wisconsin, low-income families, elderly and disabled individuals receive vouchers that they can use to help pay for housing in the private rental market.

What is Section 8 Housing in Wisconsin

Section 8 housing in Wisconsin refers to a federal housing program that provides housing funds to low-income residents in the state. The Section 8 program, officially known as the Housing Choice Voucher program, depends on funding from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development. Local housing authorities handle the administration of the vouchers.

What is the Most Section 8 Will Pay in Wisconsin?

{{SC-FMR}}

The maximum amount that Section 8 will pay toward rent in Wisconsin varies by county and depends primarily on the Fair Market Rents established by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. FMRs represent the 40th percentile of typical rents in a local housing market. 

For most Section 8 voucher holders in Wisconsin, the housing authority generally will pay the difference between 30% of the household’s adjusted monthly income and the payment standard, which can range from 90-110% of the FMR for a particular unit size in their county.

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?

{{SC-IL}}

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development publishes the income limits for the housing voucher programs, including Section 8 and Public Housing, annually. The calculation depends on the established area median income levels for the given regions.

Typically the limit is 80% of area median income for Public Housing and 50% of area median income for Section 8 eligibility. Applicants have to produce documentation to prove that their total household income falls under the applicable limits for their jurisdiction and family size.

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

The length of time it takes to get approved for Section 8 vouchers in Wisconsin can vary depending on demand and processing times at the local public housing authority. Typically, the process takes at least several months after initial application. Interested participants have to complete a detailed application with income verification and pass background checks related to criminal history and landlord references. 

Housing authorities in Wisconsin then add eligible candidates to their Section 8 housing choice voucher waiting lists, which currently have estimated wait times ranging from 9 months up to 3 or more years due to high demand.

Once a tenant reaches the top of the waiting list, the housing authority will further verify eligibility to determine final approval for the program. This includes confirming income limits as well as citizenship or immigration status. 

Overall, most applicants in Wisconsin find the process takes a minimum of 6 months from completing the initial application to receive a voucher, with an average waiting period of 1-2 years. However, wait times can extend longer in more populated areas.

How To Qualify for Section 8 in Wisconsin

To qualify for Section 8 housing funds in Wisconsin, applicants must meet certain income limits as well as pass criminal background and landlord reference checks. The first eligibility requirement is having a household income that falls under 50% of the county’s median income level based on family size. 

Applicants must provide extensive documentation to prove their total household income through tax statements, pay stubs and other verified sources. Households should also be able to demonstrate the ability to comply with lease terms and pay rent through positive landlord references and credit checks. 

How To Apply for Section 8 Housing in Wisconsin

To apply for Section 8 housing in Wisconsin, interested participants must first locate the housing authority in their county or city that administers the program. Most jurisdictions have an online portal where applicants can access Section 8 information and applications. 

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. 

Signed release forms also allow the housing authority to fact-check details on credit and criminal history. Applicants for Section 8 in Wisconsin can submit completed applications in person, by mail, by email or through the housing authority website depending on local policies. 

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 Section 8 has traditionally provided rental subsidies, there are options in Wisconsin for using this help to buy a house instead. Specifically, some Public Housing Authorities in Wisconsin participate in 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. 

Additionally, housing choice voucher holders interested in the homeownership program must complete approved financial literacy and first-time buyer counseling classes. These classes help prepare participants for the responsibilities and expenses required for owning versus renting. 

Eligible voucher recipients also can use their funds for closing costs when buying a home. Section 8 in Wisconsin does still impose maximum mortgage limits tied to family size and county Fair Market Rents.

What are the Public Housing Authorities in Wisconsin?

{{SC-PHA-TABLE}}

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, all Public Housing Authorities in Wisconsin maintain waiting lists for the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program. Because the number of applicants exceeds available voucher funding, eligible candidates can expect to wait 9 months to several years from initial application to receipt of rental funds. 

The lengths of waiting lists for Section 8 in Wisconsin vary by county with higher populated areas such as Milwaukee stretching even longer due to more demand. Applicants on the list get prioritized by date and time of application as well as special preferences including homeless status or veterans preference. 

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?

{{SC-EA-TABLE}}

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.

Can You Secure Safe Housing With Section 8 in Wisconsin?

Section 8 in Wisconsin offers a financial lifeline for households that couldn’t otherwise afford a safe and stable living environment. If your family struggles with housing costs, check out the Section 8 waiting lists in your area.