Housing Choice Voucher Program (Rural Section 8)
The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program helps families to secure affordable, safe, and sanitary housing by paying a portion of the rent in an approved dwelling unit. HRDC administers Section 8 in Big Horn, Carbon, Stillwater, Sweet Grass, and greater-Yellowstone counties (not including the City of Billings).
Click here to find a list of commonly failed items for Housing Quality Standard Inspection.
Eligibility
Families and individuals with incomes at or below 50% of the area median family income for their county are eligible. Income guidelines can be found here toward the bottom of the page.
How to apply:
You can find a printable version of the application at this link here: HCV Application
You can also apply online at https://www.waitlistcheck.com/MT849-308
We are Region 4 Field Office and the city of Billings is Region 5. Mail paper application to Montana Department of Commerce, Housing Assistance Bureau, Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program, PO Box 200545, Helena, MT 59620-0545. It is recommended to complete the online application to ensure prompt receipt and processing. You do not need to submit any verification at this time.
If approved, you will be placed on a waiting list. Then, when selected from the waiting list, you must attend an orientation where you’ll complete a federal application and your eligibility will be verified.
If you are determined eligible and your application is complete, you’ll be issued a Housing Choice Voucher and will have 60 days to find a suitable unit. The unit will need to be inspected by the HRDC Housing Inspector to ensure it meets the housing quality standards.
*Please note that you will never be asked to pay for applying online.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How to check status of of application
- You can check your status or position number anytime at waitlistcheck.com.
- How to change mailing address or area
- Call MDOC at (406) 841-2830 to request a Waitlist Change Form to make the address change.
- What to bring to orientation
- Social Security cards for all household members
- Birth Certificates for all household members
- Valid photo ID’s for all household members over age 18
- Verification for all earned and unearned income for the past 30 days for all household members (paystubs, TANF, Per Capita, Child Support, Food Stamps, Social Security, Pensions, etc.)
- Banks statements for the past 30 days for savings account, two months for checking account
- How to find approved Section 8 unit
- You may use your current unit with landlord’s consent, or shop for a suitable unit in the local housing market. The unit must undergo an inspection and meet housing quality standards before approved.
For more information
Call (406) 247-4732 or Email info@hrdc7.org
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The Home Center’s mission is to further equal access to affordable, sustainable and healthy housing.
The Home Center provides Financial Literacy Classes, Homebuyer Education Classes, Counseling Services, and Rental Information. Services offered at the Home Center are offered to the entire community and is not income based.
Counseling Services
Certified Housing Advisors help guide you through the steps of homeownership and provide support when purchasing a home. Counselors at the Home Center offer a variety of services like how to build and improve your credit, creating a realistic budget, going over mortgage options, and more.
First Time Homebuyer Education
The purpose of First Time Homebuyer Education is to teach potential homeowners about the process of purchasing a home. The successful completion of a First Time Homebuyer Course is often a requirement for many down payment assistance and loan programs. This is a great program for both new and experienced home buyers and provides a good opportunity to become a more educated home buyer and homeowner.
Prepurchase 1:1 Counseling Appointment: To receive your homebuyer education certificate of completion, you will need to complete a one-on-one appointment with one of our HUD-certified housing counselors. You will be contacted by The Home Center to complete the Home Center Client Intake Packet Once we have received the documents, you will receive a link to schedule your Prepurchase 1:1 Counseling Appointment.
If you have special needs such as those covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act please let us know and we can make accommodations for you.
Homebuyer Education classes are funded in part by the Montana Board of Housing, NeighborWorks Montana, and philanthropic donors.
IN PERSON course: Use this link to reserve your seat for the HUD Certified Home Buyer Education Course
- Paperwork will be emailed to you. The $50 Payment paperwork must be received the week before the date of the course you choose.
ONLINE COURSE: eHome America is a HUD Certified online course. Use this following link and the limited time coupon code THEHOMECENTER24, and it will cost only $75!
- You will receive your certificate upon completion of a personal, 1-on-1 Pre Purchase appointment.
- After you complete eHome, you will be sent a link to schedule your appointment using Calendly
