Camden County Section 8 & HUD Housing Assistance

What is Section 8 / Housing Choice Voucher Program?

The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program is the federal government's largest affordable housing assistance program for low-income families, seniors, and people with disabilities. The program is funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and administered locally by the Camden County Housing Authority.

How it works:

• You receive a voucher that helps pay your rent at a private apartment or house
• You typically pay 30% of your monthly income toward rent and utilities
• The voucher covers the remaining cost (up to the fair market rent limit)
• You can choose where to live, as long as the landlord accepts Section 8
• The voucher stays with you if you move (tenant-based voucher)

Benefits:

• Significantly reduces your housing costs
• Provides stability and prevents homelessness
• Allows you to live in neighborhoods with better schools and opportunities
• Can be used anywhere in the U.S. if you need to relocate (portability)

How to Apply for Section 8 in Camden County

Applying for Section 8 in Camden County requires careful preparation and patience. Here's the complete step-by-step process:

Step 1: Check Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for Section 8 in Camden County, you must meet these requirements:

• Income Limits: Your household income must be below 50% of the area median income (AMI). Extremely low-income families (below 30% AMI) receive priority.
• Citizenship/Immigration Status: At least one household member must be a U.S. citizen or eligible immigrant with qualifying documentation.
• Family Composition: Can be families, seniors (62+), or persons with disabilities. Single individuals without children may qualify.
• Background Checks: All adult household members must pass criminal background checks. Certain convictions (drug-related evictions, sex offenders, violent crimes) may disqualify you.
• Rental History: Must demonstrate ability to be a responsible tenant (landlord references, no recent evictions).

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

Before applying, collect these documents for ALL household members:

• Identification: Driver's license, state ID, or birth certificate
• Social Security Cards: For everyone in the household
• Proof of Income: Pay stubs (last 2 months), tax returns, SSI/SSDI award letters, unemployment benefits, child support documentation
• Citizenship/Immigration Documents: Birth certificate, passport, naturalization papers, or eligible immigration status documents
• Rental History: Contact info for previous landlords (last 2-3 years), lease agreements
• Bank Statements: Last 2-3 months for all accounts
• Proof of Assets: Retirement accounts, stocks, bonds, property ownership
• Disability Documentation: If applicable, proof of disability from doctor or SSA

Step 3: Submit Your Application

Camden County Housing Authority contact information:

Application Process:

1. Check Waitlist Status: Call (856) 968-2700 or visit camdenhousing.org to confirm the Section 8 waitlist is OPEN. The waitlist opens periodically (typically once every 1-3 years).
2. Apply When Waitlist Opens: Applications are typically accepted online, by mail, or in-person during the open enrollment period (usually 2-4 weeks).
3. Provide Complete Information: Incomplete applications are rejected. Double-check all sections before submitting.
4. Receive Confirmation: You'll receive a confirmation number or letter confirming your application was received.
5. Lottery or Date/Time Stamp: Many housing authorities use a lottery system or date/time stamp to rank applications received during the open period.

Step 4: Wait for Your Interview

After your application is accepted, you'll be placed on the waiting list. When your name comes up (which can take 1-3+ years), the housing authority will contact you to schedule an eligibility interview.

During the interview:

• Bring ALL required documents (IDs, income proof, Social Security cards, etc.)
• Answer questions truthfully about income, household composition, rental history
• The housing authority will verify your eligibility and calculate your voucher amount

Step 5: Receive Your Voucher & Find Housing

If approved, you'll receive a voucher and typically have 60-120 days to find an apartment or house that:

• Meets HUD Housing Quality Standards (HQS)
• Has a landlord who accepts Section 8 vouchers
• Has rent at or below the fair market rent limit for your area

The housing authority will inspect the unit before approving your lease.

Waiting List Information

The Section 8 waiting list in Camden County is one of the most challenging parts of the process. Here's what you need to know:

How the Waiting List Works

• Ranking System: Applications are ranked by preference categories (extremely low-income, elderly/disabled, displaced families) and date/time received or lottery number.
• Wait Time: Expect to wait 1-3+ years on average in Camden County. High-priority applicants may wait less; general applicants can wait 3-5+ years.
• Waitlist Status: Currently CLOSED (as of early 2024). Check camdenhousing.org for live updates.
• Purging/Updates: Housing authorities periodically "purge" the waitlist by sending update letters. If you don't respond within the deadline (usually 10-14 days), you may be removed from the list.

How to Check Your Position on the Waitlist

1. Call the housing authority: (856) 968-2700 and provide your name, date of birth, and confirmation number.
2. Check online: Some housing authorities have online portals to check waitlist status (visit camdenhousing.org).
3. Update your information: If you move, change phone numbers, or have changes to household composition/income, NOTIFY the housing authority immediately in writing.

Preference Categories (Higher Priority)

Camden County Housing Authority may prioritize applicants who are:

• Extremely low-income: Below 30% area median income
• Homeless or at risk of homelessness: Living in shelters, transitional housing, or facing eviction
• Displaced by government action: Eminent domain, natural disasters, or urban renewal
• Elderly (62+) or persons with disabilities: May receive preference depending on local policy
• Veterans: Some vouchers are specifically for veterans (VASH vouchers)

HUD Programs Available in Camden County

In addition to the standard Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program, Camden County offers several other HUD-funded housing assistance programs:

Voucher Types Explained

Tenant-Based Vouchers vs. Project-Based Vouchers

There are two main types of Section 8 vouchers. Understanding the difference is important:

How Vouchers Work with Landlords

Once you receive a voucher, you'll need to find a landlord willing to participate in the Section 8 program:

• Landlord Participation: Landlords are NOT required to accept Section 8 vouchers in New Jersey (though some municipalities have source-of-income discrimination laws). You may face rejections.
• Unit Inspection: Before you can move in, the housing authority will inspect the unit to ensure it meets HUD Housing Quality Standards (HQS) - safe, decent, sanitary housing.
• Lease Agreement: You'll sign a lease with the landlord. The housing authority will also sign a Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) contract with the landlord.
• Rent Payments: Each month, you pay your portion (30% of income) directly to the landlord. The housing authority pays the remaining rent directly to the landlord.
• Annual Recertification: Every year, you must recertify your income and family composition. Your rent portion may adjust based on income changes.

Payment Standards and Tenant Portion

How your rent is calculated:

1. Your Income: The housing authority calculates your "adjusted gross income" (gross income minus allowable deductions like childcare, medical expenses for elderly/disabled).
2. Your Portion: You pay 30% of your adjusted monthly income OR the minimum rent ($50), whichever is higher.
3. Voucher Portion: The voucher covers the difference between your portion and the actual rent, up to the Payment Standard (based on HUD fair market rents).
4. Above Payment Standard: If your rent is higher than the payment standard, you may have to pay more than 30% of your income (up to 40% with housing authority approval).

Helpful Links & Resources

Local Legal Aid for Housing Issues