 TITLE: What Is Section 8 Housing? CONTENT: How Do I Apply?\n---------------\nTo begin the process of applying for Section 8, visit your local PHA. You can fill out and submit your application there.\nAfter the PHA reviews your paperwork, you'll either be accepted, rejected or placed on a waiting list. Unfortunately, it can take many months or even years to obtain a Section 8 voucher. In most cases you'll have to wait for your turn, though some PHAs use the lottery system. Ask what yours uses.\n### If You Qualify\nIf you do get the green light and receive Section 8, you're ready to locate qualified housing.\nWith a tenant-based voucher, you can look anywhere for a rental property, and as long as the landlord accepts it, you're in. Then the PHA will pay its percentage of the rent directly to the landlord—and you can celebrate!\nAs for project-based vouchers, after you're accepted, you'll have to wait for a Section 8 unit to be available. When your name is called, you're in. And again, you can toast to your new place.\n### If You Don't Qualify\nIf you don't qualify or you have to wait for what seems like an eternity, it can be frustrating. Where will you live when cash is tight and people are depending on you?\nYou may be able to rent an apartment without a credit check, but don't count on it. Instead, take action. Check your credit report to see where you stand. If there are any errors, correct them now. If there are dings, such as late payments, collection accounts or high debt as compared with your credit limits (known as your credit utilization ratio), rectify the damage if you can. You can't remove negative information before time is up—usually seven years—but lowering some balances or paying off collection debts will help your credit rating.\nOther tips for influencing a landlord to take you on as a tenant include:\n*   Finding a cosigner with good credit and a healthy income to guarantee the rent will be paid.\n*   Asking the landlord if they'll accept a slightly higher rent or security deposit.\n*   Paying a few months' rent with cash. Of course paying more may seem out of line when you're already struggling, but if you can cobble together the funds, it may be a possibility, especially if others are pitching in.\nFor many people, Section 8 housing is a great way to save money and live in a safe home in a decent neighborhood. If you do participate, take the opportunity to create a financially healthy place for you and your family. Build your credit scores by adding positive activity to your credit report. You can add your cell phone and utility payments with Experian Boost™† ™, and those consistent payments may increase your credit scores. Then if you ever need or want to shift away from the housing subsidy, you'll be in a good place to rent—or even buy—on the open market. END