When can Section 8 be transferred to another family member? Section 8 vouchers can only be transferred in limited circumstances. There are no automatic rights to a voucher transfer. All transfers must be applied for and approved.
While we can give you some general information, local housing authorities have broad discretion to set their own Section 8 policies.
You must talk to the public housing authority who issued your voucher to find out if your circumstances meet their eligibility criteria for a transfer.
When Can Section 8 Be Transferred To Another Family Member in 2024?
In some circumstances, a Section 8 voucher can be transferred to another eligible adult who is living with the head of the household in the rental unit.
The eligible adult must already be listed as an approved occupant on the lease and Section 8 agreement.
Section 8 voucher transfers to family members are usually limited to the death of the voucher holder and to some voluntary and involuntary changes to the household (divorce, incarceration, domestic violence, etc.)
When a voucher is transferred to another person following a change in household size, the amount of the voucher and the approved number of bedrooms may decrease.
Section 8 voucher transfers are at the discretion of the public housing authority. Not all PHA’s allow transfers.
Related: What Happens After You Get Approved For Section 8?
Death and Section 8 Transfer
What happens to Section 8 when the head of household dies?
Following the death of the Section 8 voucher holder, the household should report the death to the housing authority and provide a copy of the death certificate.
An eligible adult in the household will be appointed the new head of household and an interim recertification will take place to transfer the housing voucher.
If the remaining family members are minor children, an adult relative outside the household can move in and request a voucher transfer.
Housing assistance payments (HAP) should continue without interruption during the recertification and transfer process.
Follow up with the housing authority to make sure they have processed the death notification.
If the housing authority denies the voucher transfer request, they must notify you before payments stop and allow you to appeal the decision.
Incarceration and Section 8 Voucher Transfer
Can you transfer your Section 8 voucher to another person if you’re going to prison? If you’re the head of the household, you’ll need to apply for a Section 8 voucher transfer if your incarceration will be for a prolonged period.
Under federal rules, individuals can retain their voucher while absent from Section 8-funded housing for a maximum of 180 days (approx 6 months). Your local housing authority may have a shorter limit.
Speak to your Section 8 caseworker as soon as possible. Transfer requests must be made by the head of household, your family members can’t request on your behalf.
Divorce and Section 8 Voucher Transfer
Can you transfer Section 8 to another person during a divorce or separation?
If you’re the head of the household planning to move out of Section 8-funded accommodation due to divorce or separation, you must notify your caseworker.
Reporting a change in family composition is an obligation you agreed to adhere to when you received your housing voucher.
Your caseworker will require information about your spouse/partner’s finances and child custody arrangements before deciding on the transfer.
As long as your partner meets the eligibility requirements, the housing authority should continue providing housing assistance.
Also Read: Can You Be Evicted For Having A Felony?
Can I Transfer My Section 8 To My Child?
Sometimes a Section 8 voucher holder needs to move out of the home they share with an adult child.
Common reasons include moving to an assisted living facility due to disabilities/age and moving in with a new spouse or partner.
If your housing authority agrees to a voucher transfer, the voucher amount will almost certainly be reduced and your adult child will need to downsize to a smaller home.
Speak to your Section 8 caseworker. Your adult child must meet Section 8 eligibility criteria and be an approved occupant listed on your lease and Section 8 agreement.
There’s no guarantee you’ll be able to transfer your voucher. Your adult child may need to make a new Section 8 application and join the waitlist.
How Can You Transfer Section 8 To Another Person?
To transfer your Section 8 voucher to another adult in your household, you must request a change to the head of household.
The person you want to transfer your voucher to must be an approved family member over 18 years of age. You cannot transfer your voucher to a live-in aid.
Step 1: Contact your caseworker
Step 2: Fill out the paperwork your caseworker provides
Step 3: Supply the requested financial information
Step 4: Sign the Request to Transfer Subsidy form
Step 5: Wait for a decision
If the voucher transfer is approved the new head of household must complete:
- Family Certification form
- Family Responsibilities form
- Drug & Violent Criminal Activity Consent form
- Fair Information Practises form
The application will then undergo background checks and a final review before completing the transfer. Your family member may need a smaller unit if the voucher size is reduced.
Related: Can You Be Denied Housing For Pending Charges?
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