ByHow to Get San Mateo Section 8 Housing With No Waiting List
If you're in San Mateo County, CA, and among those in the low-income category or are in danger of homelessness, the housing could be life-changing assistance to help you get on your feet.
This post will walk you through what Section 8 housing is and how you can apply for it. Thousands of people in San Mateo County find themselves homeless each year, but Section 8 - or Housing Choice Vouchers - is one way the federal government helps local Housing Authorities assist low-income families and individuals in finding a safe place to live.
What Is Section 8?
The Federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), issues funds to local, state, and regional housing authorities to disburse to qualified families and individuals to assist with rental payments. Section 8 is the most extensive federal low-income housing assistance program in the country and helps millions of low-income, elderly, or disabled individuals live in safe homes.
Section 8 - also known as Housing Choice - issues vouchers to the landlords of those in the program, to pay for a portion of participants' rent. The remainder of the rental costs, which is usually 30 percent of their income, is paid by the participants.
In San Mateo County, the Housing Authority of the County of San Mateo (HACSM) determines the maximum rent subsidy for the family by comparing the family's annual adjusted income and the smallest of the unit size or actual unit size. The HACSM pays the rent subsidy directly to the owner of the unit. The family's portion of the rent to the owner is the difference between the rent subsidy and the contract rent, with a $50 minimum requirement.
The cities and areas within San Mateo County where Section 8 can be used include
- San Bruno
- San Mateo
- Redwood City
- Foster City
- Burlingame
- South San Francisco
- Daly City
- San Carlos
- Menlo Park
- Half Moon Bay
- Belmont
- Millbrae
- Pacifica
- East Palo Alto
- Hillsborough
- Atherton
- Pescadero
- Woodside
- Colma
- North Fair Oaks
- Portola Valley
- Brisbane
- Montara
- El Granada
- Moss Beach
- La Honda
- San Gregorio
- Loma Mar
- Emerald Hills
- Broadmoor
- West Menlo Park
- Highlands-Baywood Park
If you live (or wish to live) in any of these areas, you might be able to qualify for Section 8 Housing Assistance.
How to Get Section 8 Housing in San Mateo County, CA
If you’re interested in Section 8 housing, you need to submit a Section 8 application form. Bear in mind, however, that filling out and submitting the application does not mean you'll be put on the waiting list for Section 8 Assistance. Rather, it's a pre-application process, to establish your eligibility and move you towards the next step of applying for the assistance.
To Apply for Section 8 in San Mateo County Online:
- Visit the Housing Authority website.
- Click on "Applicant Login" in the upper right corner
- Click "Click Here to Register"
- Click "I Want To Apply"
- Select whether or not you have a registration code (if you have one, a box will appear for you to enter it).
- Enter your personal details:
- First name
- Last name
- Social Security number
- Phone number
- Create Account
- Select "I am not a robot"
You will receive an email verifying the registration and you will be able to use your username and password for future logins.
To Apply for Section 8 in San Mateo County in Person
Ask for an application for the Section 8 Housing Voucher Program. You can fill the application out and ask if you can get an appointment or see someone there. You can also phone the office before going, to ask any questions you have or send an email.
Housing Authority of San Mateo contact information:
| Housing Authority of the County of San Mateo (HACSM) | Housing Authority Website |
| Phone Number | (650) 802-3300 |
| Mailing Address | Housing Authority of the County of San Mateo (HACSM)
264 Harbor Boulevard, Building A Belmont, San Mateo County, California |
| Send an email |
Who Is Eligible for Section 8 Housing?
In San Mateo County, anyone who is 18 years old or older, or an emancipated minor that meets the income requirements, can apply for Section 8 housing. Your household must make less than 50% of the Area Median Income, which is determined based on your gross income minus taxes and other expenses.
Apply for Section 8 in San Mateo With the Help of DoNotPay
Applying for Section 8 can be confusing and frustrating and, if you don't submit everything accurately, you risk being denied assistance or causing delays. If you want to apply for but don't know where to start, DoNotPay has you covered in 2 easy steps:
- Answer a few questions about your income, family size, veteran/disability status, which county you hope to live in, etc.
- DoNotPay will find the PHA in charge of that county and contact them with all of your eligibility information to determine if you can start applying. They'll get back to you directly via email with the next steps.
Sign up for today and get on the road to Section 8 housing assistance without the headaches and worry.
What Else Can DoNotPay Do?
We can help you with a lot of Section 8 tasks like the following.
- How to apply for Section 8.
- Information on Section 8 rental assistance programs.
- Information on government housing.
- Information on low-income housing.
- How to get Section 8 immediately.
DoNotPay can assist you as well with
- Requesting Sick Leave
- HR Complaints
- Fighting Workplace Discrimination
- Reducing Property Taxes
Join us today to secure Section 8 housing in San Mateo!