Q: What is Section 8 housing?
A: Section 8 housing is a federal government program that pays for part of the rent for people who meet income qualifications. Eligible people rent any market rate rental apartment and pay a portion of the rent to the landlord based on their income. The rest of the rent is mailed directly to the landlord from the Richfield Section 8 office.
Q: Are there certain buildings I have to live in to receive Section 8?
A: In Richfield there aren't any specific buildings that are designated for Section 8 except for Richfield Towers at 77th Street and Chicago Avenue. The Towers are for senior citizens and persons with disabilities.
Q: What are the income limits of the Section 8 Program?
A: You may be eligible if your total gross income is below the maximum income limits shown below, and you are:
- A family of two or more persons, or
- A single, elderly, handicapped, disabled, or displaced individual; as defined by HUD regulations.
| Person (s) |
Income |
| 1 |
$27,500 |
| 2 |
$31,400 |
| 3 |
$35,350 |
| 4 |
$39,250 |
| 5 |
$42,400 |
| 6 |
$45,550 |
| 7 |
$48,650 |
| 8 |
$51,800 |
Q: How does the program work?
A: There are four steps to the program:
- You must complete an application for rent assistance when the HRA is accepting applicants. Currently, the HRA is not taking applicants. Typically, the HRA accepts applications every two years.
- Once your application is approved, you are placed on a waiting list until you are selected.
- Once selected, you will need to find a suitable rental unit for your family. (You may stay in your present unit, provided it meets program requirements.)
- After selecting your rental unit, the HRA will conduct an inspection of the unit and upon approving the lease, rent assistance will begin.
Q: How long can I expect to wait to receive assistance after applying for the waiting list?
A: The wait is approximately three to six years.
Q: Are all Section 8 families receiving public assistance or welfare?
A: No. Many of the Section 8 families are working and do not make enough money to meet the expense of rent, child care, utilities, food, etc.
Q: How do I apply to live in Richfield Towers?
A: You may contact Richfield Towers by calling 612-866-6600. They maintain their own waiting list.
