Application Information
How to Apply for Assistance
Families who wish to apply for any of the Authority’s programs must complete an online application, which is available by selecting the “Housing Application link at the top of the navigation list. Please note that you MUST have a valid Social Security number AND be age 18 or older to complete an application. The application process involves two phases. The first is the initial application for assistance, which results in the family’s placement on the waiting list. The second phase is the final determination of eligibility, which occurs when the family reaches the top of the waiting list. At that time, each applicant gets interviewed, and the Authority verifies all eligibility factors. Applications may be submitted online through our website whenever the waiting list is open. The waiting list opens and closes depending on how many families are already on it and waiting to receive assistance. Whenever the waiting list is closed, a message will be posted on the Home page of this website, in addition, anytime the list is scheduled to open, an advanced announcement is made in the newspaper.
Who qualifies for assistance?
An applicant must meet HUD’s criteria and other criteria established by the Housing Authority to be eligible for participation. One of the most important criteria is income. To determine if the family is income-eligible, the Housing Authority compares the family’s annual income to the applicable income limit for the family’s size. The current income limits for all housing programs are in the Document Library section of this website An additional criterion is an applicant’s criminal record. Mandatory criminal background checks are completed for each adult residing in the household. Reports of drug-related offenses and violent criminal activity can exclude an individual or a family from the Section B Program. The results of these reports are taken into consideration when the Authority determines eligibility
How long does it take to receive assistance?
Unfortunately the demand for housing assistance far exceeds the funding available to the Housing Authority. To allocate Section 8 assistance as fairly as possible, the Housing Authority uses a lottery system to choose applicants from the wait list. Whenever funds are available to support more families, the Authority randomly draws applicants from the waiting list. Applications are randomly drawn from each preference group on the waiting list (for example, applicants who live or work in Clinton County before non-county residents). Because applications are drawn at random, it is impossible to predict how long any individual applicant may wait to receive housing assistance. In some cases, waiting time could be as short as a few months or as long as a few years
How much assistance does a family receive?
Generally, the Authority will calculate income from all sources and arrive at an annual gross income. From that figure are subtracted allowances and deductions for which the family may be entitled, such as a deduction for each child in the household in the Voucher Program, the maximum amount the Authority will pay to the landlord is equal to the Payment Standard minus 30% of the tenant’s Adjusted Monthly Income. The Authority establishes the Payment Standard within limits set by HUD. If the rent requested by the landlord exceeds the Payment Standard, the tenant must pay the difference
When can the voucher be used?
When a voucher is issued, the applicant will have 90 days to locate housing that meets HUD standards regarding rent level and condition of the unit
During the first year of participation, an applicant can live anywhere in Clinton County they choose in any neighborhood, school district, or town, township, or municipality that best meets the applicant’s needs for employment and transportation, childcare, etc. After the first year of participation, families can take their voucher to any other housing authority in the United States (portability). Under rare circumstances and at the sole discretion of the Housing Authority, an applicant’s portability may be permitted during the first year of participation
What are a family’s obligations to the Authority and the landlord in the Section@program?
Family Obligations to the Owner: The family obligations to the owner are contained in the lease and include reasonable requirements, such as not damaging the unit, paying the rent on time and in full, keeping all utilities for which the family is responsible in service, being respectful of neighbors and not interfering with their right to live in a safe and peaceful environment
Family Obligations to the Housing Authority: Some of the most critical obligations the family has to the Housing Authority are that the family must provide all required information promptly, the family may not commit any serious or repeated violation of the lease, family members may not commit fraud, bribery, engage in drug-related activities, or violent criminal behavior.
Where can I get more information?
You can find much more information concerning the Section 8program by reading the Section 8 Participants Guide available in the Document Library section of this website. You can also contact the Authority’s Section 8 Department during regular business hours at 570-748-2954 or by email at section@clintoncountyhousing.com.
Public Announcements
- 6/27/2025 – HOTMA Information – HOTMA Income and Assets – HUD Exchange
- 11/06/2024 Section 8 Administration Plan
Links
Regional Organizations:
- Eastern PA Continuum of Care
- U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (Philadelphia, PA)
- Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency
Prepared Renter Education Program (PREP):
Local Organizations/Resources: