If you’re a holder of a Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher, you might find yourself needing to introduce a new household member due to marriage, a child reaching adulthood, or other family dynamics. However, it’s crucial to remember that any addition to your voucher must receive the go-ahead from the Public Housing Authority (PHA), and these new members must meet specific eligibility criteria. This article is crafted from our own experiences to address key questions about incorporating someone into your Section 8 voucher.

What Happens If You Get Married While on Section 8?

If you marry while enrolled in Section 8, your spouse will need approval from the PHA before they can move in. You’ll need to submit a request that includes their full name, date of birth, Social Security number, and proof of income. The PHA is responsible for evaluating their eligibility, and, upon approval, your spouse will need to sign the lease and be accepted by your landlord.

Your PHA will carefully review and confirm the information, similar to how they evaluate all household members during the application process. It’s essential to realize that your spouse’s income will be factored into your overall household income. They will also need to sign the current lease and obtain landlord approval for their residency.

If you’re still in the application stage, reach out to the office or any other offices where your application was submitted. It’s important to highlight that neglecting to inform the PHA about any changes in household composition could be classified as fraud. If the PHA discovers that a household’s marital status has changed without their notification, the voucher holder might lose their voucher, face a permanent ban on future rental assistance, and even encounter legal repercussions.

Can Section 8 be Transferred to Another Family Member?

A Section 8 voucher cannot ordinarily be transferred to another family member unless they are designated as a co-head of household. Generally, the voucher remains associated with the current head of household unless special circumstances arise, such as the death of the head of household.

What Happens to a Section 8 Voucher if the Head of Household Dies?

In the event that the head of household passes away, the voucher may be transferred to another adult listed on the lease. Should only minors be left, the PHA may allow a legal guardian to take control of the voucher. Always keep the PHA informed as soon as possible to discuss the next steps.

The housing authority will likely require proof of death before proceeding with any actions. The new head of household will be expected to sign a new lease reflecting the updated information. In the sad occurrence of the head of a household’s passing, it’s always advisable to get in touch with the housing authority for guidance on how to proceed.

Section 8 Rules on Marrying a Felon

If you marry someone with a felony record, their ability to be added to your voucher will depend on the specifics of their conviction. Section 8 outright denies assistance to individuals convicted of producing methamphetamine in federally funded housing or those classified as lifetime sex offenders. Other felonies may involve a waiting period for reconsideration of eligibility, typically ranging from 5 to 10 years. It’s best to consult your PHA for the rules applicable in your region. Section 8 does exclude vouchers for individuals convicted as lifetime sex offenders or for methamphetamine production in federal housing. Other types of convictions may be allowed under specific conditions. The crime must have occurred at least 5 years ago—or 10 years in certain counties. If your spouse committed an offense less than 5 years ago, they might still be eligible if they are undergoing rehabilitation. The most prudent action is to contact the housing authority for clarity on the regulations. Avoid cohabitating with your felon spouse without notifying your housing authority, as this could result in your voucher being revoked and, even worse, disqualification from receiving another one in the future.

Can I Transfer My Section 8 to My Daughter?

The possibility of transferring your Section 8 voucher to your daughter largely hinges on the regulations set by your local housing authority. While Section 8 vouchers typically aren’t transferable, some regions might permit the transfer of your voucher to another adult member within your household, most often a co-head of the household. However, transferring the voucher to a family member not included in your Section 8 lease is generally only allowed under exceptional circumstances.

Section 8 Change of Head of Household

Changing the head of household is allowed under certain conditions, such as when the current head passes away. If the head of household simply decides to move out for any reason, the Section 8 voucher may be transferred to a designated co-head, pending approval from the housing authority. Adding someone to your Section 8 voucher involves multiple considerations. Typically, the individual you intend to add must be eligible and approved by the housing authority. While Section 8 isn’t transferable, the head of household may be changed under specific conditions. We recommend reaching out to the housing authority to discuss any desired adjustments to your household composition.

Can Section 8 be transferred to another family member?

No, Section 8 vouchers are non-transferable to other family members. Your voucher is assigned specifically to you. Nevertheless, under circumstances like the head of household’s death, housing authorities may allow a voucher transfer to a spouse or another adult stepping into the head of household role.

How long does it take to add someone to a Section 8 voucher?

Submitting the necessary forms to your housing authority to add someone to your Section 8 voucher can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on your eligibility and whether you’ve provided all required documentation with your application.

What happens to the Section 8 voucher if the head of household dies/what occurs when someone on Section 8 dies?

If the head of household passes away and there’s at least one remaining family member, the voucher can potentially be reassigned to that individual, allowing them to uphold the existing lease. Should no family member be available for the transfer, the contract will automatically terminate upon the head’s death.

Can I add my boyfriend to my Section 8 voucher?

Inclusion of your boyfriend on your Section 8 voucher hinges on their eligibility. A boyfriend or girlfriend needs to present a Social Security card and identification, as well as income verification, and must successfully pass a criminal background check. If they qualify, they can be added.

Can you be married on Section 8?

Yes, it is absolutely possible to be married while on Section 8. Each housing authority in a given county will determine the median income for that community. Married couples whose earnings fall below that threshold may qualify for housing assistance.

How do I add someone to my Section 8 voucher?

To add someone to your Section 8 voucher, you need to submit a written request using the form provided by your county’s Housing Authority. Each county has its specific form, so be sure to fill it out completely and attach any necessary documents. Submit it to the Housing Authority for approval before allowing the new family member to move in.

Who can live with you in Section 8?

As the head of household with a Section 8 voucher, you can have your children, grandchildren, spouse or domestic partner, parents, or grandparents live with you. Just remember to submit written requests to your Housing Authority before they move in, and wait for their approval.

What are the Section 8 rules regarding marriage to a felon?

You are permitted to marry anyone you choose. However, you are obligated to inform the Housing Authority about your spouse’s felony background. Additionally, if you plan to move your new spouse into your home, you must complete a form seeking approval. If your spouse has a history of sex offenses or drug trafficking, they may be ineligible for housing benefits, even if they otherwise meet the qualifications.

Is it possible to be married but live separately under Section 8?

Yes, it is possible to be married and not reside together while under Section 8. In certain scenarios, one partner may qualify for Section 8 assistance, while the other may not be eligible to move in at that time. Therefore, couples can remain married while living apart.

How can you change the head of household on a Section 8 application?

You can alter the head of household designation under specific conditions set by your housing authority. To do so, you must provide the new head’s name, birth date, social security number, and address, and submit this information either electronically or in writing. For more details, check here.

Can I add my sister to my Section 8 voucher?

You are able to add your sister to your Section 8 voucher if she also qualifies for Section 8 housing. She will need to submit an application along with all necessary identification and income documentation for prior approval before moving in.

Can my boyfriend reside with me on Section 8?

You may include anyone, including your boyfriend, if you submit a request form to your Housing Authority for approval. His residence is subject to his income, and if your combined earnings exceed the local housing threshold, you may lose your Section 8 eligibility.

Can Section 8 benefits be transferred to another family member or inherited after death?

No, Section 8 assistance is not transferable between family members, nor can it be inherited or passed down across generations. Each person must apply for housing assistance based on their income. However, in certain cases, if the head of household passes away, the Housing Authority might permit a transfer of benefits to another adult within the household who can maintain the existing lease with the landlord.

Can I add my grandchild to my Section 8 voucher?

You need to obtain approval before any new family member can move into your home. This involves completing a written form and submitting it to the Housing Authority. You can add a grandchild once you provide proof of your relationship and the appropriate form is submitted.

Who is eligible to be added to a Section 8 voucher?

Eligible individuals who can be added include a spouse, registered domestic partner, child, grandchild, parent, or grandparent of the head of household. You must seek prior written permission and receive approval from the Housing Authority before allowing new members to move in.

Is it possible to add a child to my Section 8 voucher?

You must request permission in advance by submitting a written form to the Housing Authority. Adding children to your household may also lead to larger voucher allocations, and verification of your relationship to the children will be necessary when making this request.

How do you add someone to your housing application?

To add an individual, you need to submit a form to your county’s Section 8 Housing Authority. Each county has a different form, available online. You will need to provide their name, relationship to the head of household, current address, date of birth, and social security number for each individual being added.

Are married couples eligible for Section 8 housing?

Yes, married couples can qualify for Section 8 housing assistance as long as their combined household income is below the designated limit. Typically, the housing authority sets this limit based on the local median income, and married couples must earn no more than 50% of that amount.

What is the procedure for adding a child to Section 8?

To add a child to Section 8, you need to complete the proper household change form and submit it to your Housing Authority along with proof of their relationship to you. Approval may or may not influence the assistance you receive.

What should you do if you get married while on Section 8?

If you marry while in Section 8 housing, you are required to submit a written request form asking for approval for your new spouse or partner to move in with you. This form is provided by your local Housing Authority. Married couples can still qualify for Section 8 assistance as long as their combined income remains below the established threshold for couples.

Can I include a friend on my Section 8 voucher?

No, you cannot add a friend to your Section 8 voucher. They must separately apply for Section 8 housing.

Is it possible to transfer or give your Section 8 voucher to someone else?

No, you cannot give or transfer your Section 8 voucher to another person. These vouchers are designated solely for your use.

Can you adopt a child while on Section 8?

Yes, you are legally able to adopt a child if you are receiving Section 8 housing, but being on Section 8 may affect your approval process with adoption agencies.

How do I remove someone from my Section 8 voucher?

If there is any change in your household, including the removal of someone, you need to submit a written form to the Housing Authority to report the change in your family size. This can be accomplished through filling out a written form or providing an in-person report updating your family status.

How long can a guest stay with you in Section 8 housing?

According to HUD regulations, guests in Section 8 housing cannot stay for more than a total of 21 days within a year.

What occurs when my child turns 18 and moves out while on Section 8?

When your child turns 18 while you are on Section 8, they attain adult status in the apartment, although they won’t be included in the lease. Even after becoming an adult, they may still be your child and could remain in school or financially dependent. If they decide to move out and you have previously listed them as part of your Section 8 application, you will need to complete a change form. This form is the same as the one used to report any change in household size and can be obtained at your county Housing Authority office.