SECTION 8 WAITING LIST INFORMATION

Since the demand for housing assistance often exceeds the limited resources available to HUD and the local housing agencies, long waiting periods are common. In fact, a PHA may close its waiting list when it has more families on the list than can be assisted in the near future. Each PHA has the discretion to establish local preferences to reflect the housing needs and priorities of its particular community.

Preferences establish the order of applicants on the waiting list. Applicants will be positioned on the waiting list based upon the number of preference points for which they are qualified, date and time of application. Applicants who qualify for the highest number of preference points will be position ahead of those who qualify for fewer or no preference points on the waiting list. An admissions preference does not guarantee admission. Every applicant must still meet SHA admissions screening criteria before being offered a Housing Choice Voucher. Preferences will be granted to applicants on the waiting list who are otherwise qualified and/or who, at the time of application processing, are verified to meet the definitions of the preference described below. Preferences will not have the purpose or effect of delaying or otherwise denying admission to the program based on race, color, ethnic origin, gender, religion, disability, or age of any member of an applicant family. (24 CFR 982.207)

The Springfield Housing Authority has established the following local preferences:

  • Local Residency Preference: Applicant households with a permanent physical residence in Sangamon County, Illinois. Eligibility for Local Residency Preference must be demonstrated by having a permanent physical residence within the jurisdictional area. Physical residence shall be defined as a domicile with a mailing address, other than a post office box, for which the applicant can produce one or more of the following: a lease or a purchase agreement, utility bills showing the claimed residence address, or two pieces of first class mail addressed to a member of the applicant household at the claimed address. (24 CFR 982.207) (25 points).
  • Local Employment Preference: Applicant households in which a member of the household (head, spouse or sole member) is currently employed in Sangamon County for 12 months or longer. Eligibility for Local Employment Preference must be demonstrated by third party employment verification. Applicants where the head and spouse, or sole member is age 62 or older, or is a person with disabilities will also be awarded this preference. (24 CFR 982.207) (30 points)
  • Verification of Local Preference:
    • Certification verifying local residency preference can be in the following form:

      a. A lease or purchase agreement, utility bills showing the claimed residence address, or two pieces of first class mail addressed to a member of the applicant household at the claimed address

    • Certification verifying local employment preference can be in the following form:

      a. Completion of a Third Party Employment Verification and receipt of said verification directly from the employer indicated on the form

If the SHA determines that your family is eligible, the then your name will be placed on the waiting list, unless it is able to assist you immediately. Once your name is reached on the waiting list, the SHA will contact you regarding additional information which may be required and to have fingerprints completed to screen from criminal history. Once this has taken place, then you will be sent a notice to attend a New Participant Briefing session and upon attendance of this session your voucher for housing assistance will be issued. The Springfield Housing Authority screens applicants based on criminal history. A qualified applicant may not have a misdemeanor for the last 3 years or any felonious activity for the last 10 years.

HOW DO I APPLY?

Applications are currently being accepted for the Housing Choice Voucher Program. All applications MUST be submitted in person, mailed applications will NOT be accepted. Applications are ONLY accepted on Tuesdays from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and again from 1:15 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at our offices located at 200 North 11th Street, Springfield, IL 62703.

The preliminary application is available for printing below. Please be advised that additional application forms will require completion during the mandatory interview by SHA Staff.

Preliminary Application Form


WHAT DO I BRING APPLY?

In order to process your application, you will need to furnish all the information and/or documentation listed below as it pertains to your household:

  • ORIGINAL CERTIFIED birth records for all members of the household (copies and hospital certificates will not be accepted)
  • ORIGINAL Social Security cards for all members of the household (copies will not be accepted)
  • ORIGINAL Picture identification of all members 18 years of age and older (copies will not be accepted)
  • Proof of assets
    • Stocks, bonds, real estate, checking and/or savings accounts, etc.
    • Any other asset information
  • Proof of income for ALL members of the household. All income MUST be reported and WILL BE verified. Proof of income includes but is not limited to the following:
    • Employment Information -
      • 5 most recent pay check stubs
      • Employer(s) name and address to mail verification forms
      • Includes ALL employed members of the household
    • Pension, Social Security, SSI, etc.
      • Current award letter and/or documentation
    • Child support
      • Documentation to verify amounts received
    • Other documents as applicable
      • Marriage license, divorce decree, official separation papers, custody papers, etc.