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Connecticut Section 8 Housing Application Guide

Brittney Richey
Published December 30, 2024 06:43:am EST

The Connecticut Guide to Section 8 Housing

Connecticut’s housing landscape reflects a mix of urban challenges and suburban opportunities, with rental costs increasing steadily in areas like Hartford, Stamford, and New Haven. For low-income families, the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program serves as a vital resource, helping bridge the gap between household income and the high cost of private rental housing.

This guide offers a detailed overview of how the program works in Connecticut, including eligibility requirements, application steps, and tips for maximizing the benefits of Section 8 assistance.

What is Section 8 Housing in Connecticut 

Section 8 in Connecticut provides rental assistance to eligible low-income families, individuals, and seniors. Through this program, participants receive housing vouchers that subsidize a portion of their rent, allowing them to rent privately-owned units that meet HUD’s health and safety standards. Landlords who agree to participate in the program benefit from guaranteed rent payments.

Local Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) oversee the administration of Section 8, managing waiting lists, processing applications, and coordinating with landlords and tenants.

What is the Most Section 8 Will Pay in Connecticut?

The maximum amount Section 8 will pay is determined by Fair Market Rent (FMR), a value set by HUD to reflect the average rental costs in a given area. FMR varies by city and region, with higher amounts in more expensive areas like Fairfield County and lower amounts in smaller cities or rural areas.

Participants typically contribute 30% of their adjusted gross income toward rent and utilities, with the voucher covering the remainder up to the payment standard.

Fair Market Rent

The HUD Section 8 program pays rents for low-income households directly to private landlords. The Housing Authority of Connecticut will pay about 70% of a tenant’s rent, while the tenant will pay the other 30%. Fair Market Rents generally determine the maximum rent that a Section 8 landlord will be allowed to charge their residents. The table below shows current fair market rents for Connecticut.

Connecticut Fair Market Rent
Studio
$1,121
1 Bedroom
$1,319
2 Bedrooms
$1,654
3 Bedrooms
$2,000
4 Bedrooms
$2,425

What are the Connecticut Section 8 Housing Requirements?

The Connecticut Section 8 Housing Program has specific eligibility requirements for renters. These include some of the following: 

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

Income limits for Section 8 in Connecticut are determined annually by HUD. These limits are expressed as a percentage of the Area Median Income (AMI) and vary by county or metropolitan area. For example, Fairfield County may have higher income limits due to its elevated cost of living compared to Windham County.

These limits are categorized by different percentages of the area median income, such as 30%, 50%, 80% and so on. For example, a household with an income at or below 50% of the area median income may be eligible for certain housing assistance programs.

Income Limit

Income Limits are maximum income limits allowed based on household size. The following limits were established by HUD for low income households to be eligible for housing assistance in Connecticut for 2024.

Connecticut Income Limit
1 Person
$68,500
2 Person
$78,250
3 Person
$88,050
4 Person
$97,800
5 Person
$105,650

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

Approval times vary based on:

Applicants should check with their local PHA for current processing times and follow up regularly.

How To Qualify for Section 8 in Connecticut 

To qualify for Section 8 in Connecticut, individuals and families must meet specific criteria. The primary factor is income, as applicants should have a household income below a defined percentage of the area's median income, with variations based on family size and location within Connecticut. 

To use Section 8 vouchers, applicants must find landlords who are willing to participate in the program and meet specific standards. Staying informed, updating information and complying with housing authority requests are important for successful participation. 

How To Apply for Section 8 Housing in Connecticut 

To apply for Section 8 housing in Connecticut, individuals should follow these steps:

You will be notified if you are chosen to receive a Section 8 Voucher, so stay on top of your communication with your PHA.

Can I transfer my Section 8 Voucher to Connecticut? 

Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers are portable, allowing participants to move to a different jurisdiction while retaining their rental assistance. While it is possible to transfer a voucher, the process is subject to certain conditions and procedures. 

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

Those who want to purchase a home in Connecticut can do so using their housing choice voucher. However, participants can only do this if their PHA participates in the Homeownership Voucher Program and this is the first house they are buying. 

Through this homeownership program, first-time homeowners can receive help on a monthly basis with the costs of owning a house. For example, homeowners can use this financial assistance to make a portion of their mortgage payments. 

What are the Public Housing Authorities in Connecticut?

PHAs administer the Section 8 program. They determine eligibility, issue vouchers and oversee the process of providing rental assistance to eligible households. PHAs also work with landlords and tenants to ensure compliance with program requirements.

HUD Housing Authorities Serving Connecticut

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Bloomfield Housing Authority

Bloomfield Housing Authority

Housing Authority

There Are Currently 16 Units Available in the Bloomfield Housing Authority. These Low-income Housing Units Consist of Section 8, Public Housing, and Low-income Housing Tax Credit Properties. the Bloomfield Housing Authority Serves the , Metropolitan Area.

There Are Currently 16 Units Available in the Bloomfield Housing Authority. These Low-income Housing...

Bristol Housing Authority

Bristol Housing Authority

Housing Authority

There Are Currently 1291 Units Available in the Bristol Housing Authority. These Low-income Housing Units Consist of Section 8, Public Housing, and Low-income Housing Tax Credit Properties. the Bristol Housing Authority Serves the , Metropolitan Area.

There Are Currently 1291 Units Available in the Bristol Housing Authority. These Low-income Housing ...

Canton Housing Authority

Canton Housing Authority

Housing Authority

There Are Currently 14 Units Available in the Canton Housing Authority. These Low-income Housing Units Consist of Section 8, Public Housing, and Low-income Housing Tax Credit Properties. the Canton Housing Authority Serves the , Metropolitan Area.

There Are Currently 14 Units Available in the Canton Housing Authority. These Low-income Housing Uni...

City of Hartford Housing Authority

City of Hartford Housing Authority

Housing Authority

There Are Currently 5002 Units Available in the City of Hartford Housing Authority. These Low-income Housing Units Consist of Section 8, Public Housing, and Low-income Housing Tax Credit Properties. the City of Hartford Housing Authority Serves the , Metropolitan Area.

There Are Currently 5002 Units Available in the City of Hartford Housing Authority. These Low-income...

Connecticut Department of Housing

Connecticut Department of Housing

Housing Authority

There Are Currently 8637 Units Available in the Connecticut Department of Housing. These Low-income Housing Units Consist of Section 8, Public Housing, and Low-income Housing Tax Credit Properties. the Connecticut Department of Housing Serves the , Metropolitan Area.

There Are Currently 8637 Units Available in the Connecticut Department of Housing. These Low-income ...

Derby Housing Authority

Derby Housing Authority

Housing Authority

There Are Currently 288 Units Available in the Derby Housing Authority. These Low-income Housing Units Consist of Section 8, Public Housing, and Low-income Housing Tax Credit Properties. the Derby Housing Authority Serves the , Metropolitan Area.

There Are Currently 288 Units Available in the Derby Housing Authority. These Low-income Housing Uni...

East Hartford Housing Authority

East Hartford Housing Authority

Housing Authority

There Are Currently 1086 Units Available in the East Hartford Housing Authority. These Low-income Housing Units Consist of Section 8, Public Housing, and Low-income Housing Tax Credit Properties. the East Hartford Housing Authority Serves the , Metropolitan Area.

There Are Currently 1086 Units Available in the East Hartford Housing Authority. These Low-income Ho...

East Haven Housing Authority

East Haven Housing Authority

Housing Authority

There Are Currently 46 Units Available in the East Haven Housing Authority. These Low-income Housing Units Consist of Section 8, Public Housing, and Low-income Housing Tax Credit Properties. the East Haven Housing Authority Serves the , Metropolitan Area.

There Are Currently 46 Units Available in the East Haven Housing Authority. These Low-income Housing...

Fairfield Housing Authority

Fairfield Housing Authority

Housing Authority

There Are Currently 171 Units Available in the Fairfield Housing Authority. These Low-income Housing Units Consist of Section 8, Public Housing, and Low-income Housing Tax Credit Properties. the Fairfield Housing Authority Serves the , Metropolitan Area.

There Are Currently 171 Units Available in the Fairfield Housing Authority. These Low-income Housing...

Farmington Housing Authority

Farmington Housing Authority

Housing Authority

There Are Currently 90 Units Available in the Farmington Housing Authority. These Low-income Housing Units Consist of Section 8, Public Housing, and Low-income Housing Tax Credit Properties. the Farmington Housing Authority Serves the , Metropolitan Area.

There Are Currently 90 Units Available in the Farmington Housing Authority. These Low-income Housing...

Connecticut Waiting List for Section 8 Housing

Section 8 programs in Connecticut typically have waiting lists. Due to the high demand for affordable homes and rental assistance, housing authorities often implement waiting lists to manage the allocation of vouchers. 

The waiting list is used to prioritize applicants and determine the order in which vouchers are awarded when they become available. The length of the waiting list and the wait time can vary depending on factors such as the specific housing authority, the local demand for rental assistance and the availability of vouchers. 

Is Emergency Housing Assistance Available in Connecticut?

Emergency assistance is available in Connecticut through various programs and services aimed at helping those facing urgent housing needs. The state provides support through both government agencies and nonprofit organizations.

Emergency Rental Assistance Serving Connecticut

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UniteCT

Program Type: State

Details: Offers emergency rental assistance, covid relief, utility assistance and more

Section 8 Plays an Important Role in Affordable Housing 

While the demand for Section 8 in Connecticut assistance often results in waiting lists, the program's flexibility, tenant choice and emphasis on fair housing practices contribute to its significance in fostering community well-being. Learn more about affordable housing options and resources within different communities by checking out our information on Section 8 and other programs. 

 

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