FAQs

FAQs

Review some of our frequently asked questions below.

What is Section 8?

Section 8 is a Federal program administered nationally by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) that provides vouchers to help low-income individuals, seniors, and people with disabilities find affordable housing and assist with their rent.

How do I qualify for Section 8?

  • Applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements to qualify for the HCV program.
    A family’s annual income and family size determines eligibility under the program. To see if your income qualifies, check the HUD income limits for your location. Generally, families must be extremely low-income or very low-income to qualify.
  • Applicants must be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen as defined by HUD.
  • The head of the household must have a valid Social Security number.
  • Some crimes may make an applicant ineligible, please see the HUD HCV Guidebook Chapter on Eligibility Determination and Denial of Assistance to learn more or the Franklin Housing Authority Administrative Plan for Housing Choice Voucher Programs.
Where do I apply for Section 8?

Applications can be obtained 24/7 in the lobby of the Housing Authority of the City of Franklin, on our website or by calling the administrative aide at 814-432-3416 x 103

How much rent will I pay with a Section 8 Voucher?

The Total Tenant Payment (TTP) is the minimum family contribution to the gross rent (rent plus utilities) and is calculated as the greater of: 1) 30 percent of monthly adjusted income; 2) 10 percent of monthly income.  

What is Minimum Rent?

Under HUD’s Section 8 program, tenants are required to pay a minimum rent amount based on their actual income equal to the greater of (i) 30% of their monthly adjusted income (actual income minus HUD allowances, such as medical or childcare expense deductions, divided by 12 months), (ii)10% of their monthly gross income, (iii) welfare rent, or (iv) $25.

How long does it take to get a voucher?

 The wait time for a Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher through the Franklin Housing Authority can vary depending on funding availability and current demand. In some cases, the waitlist may be open for only a limited time and can take several months or longer before a voucher becomes available. We encourage applicants to apply as soon as the waitlist opens and to regularly update their contact information to avoid delays. Please call our office for further clarification. 

How do I find a home once I have a voucher?

During the briefing you will be issued a voucher along with a listing of local landlords.  This list is not an exhaustive list of landlords, you may reach out to landlords that are not on the list.  It will be your responsibility to find a home you wish to live in.  You can go on rental websites to view available homes/apartments, social media, or the local newspaper to find available homes.  

Can I choose an apartment with rent higher than the Fair Market Rent established by HUD?

Section 8 requires that the home in which you choose to reside at is affordable.  This will be reviewed in the briefing.  Generally HUD will not allow your portion of rent to be in access of 30% of your adjusted income for the 1st year.  Subsequent years your portion could be as high as 40%.  This can be reviewed further with the Director of Housing Management. 

Do I have to rent an apartment in the same city or county where I received my Section 8 voucher?

The Franklin Housing Authority Administrative Plan for the Housing Choice Program requires that you have lived in the City of Franklin for one year.  If you have lived in the City for a year prior to applying you may take your voucher and “port” to another city.  If you have just moved to the area you must use your voucher in the City of Franklin prior to porting to another city after a year.