Inside this FAQ

• Applying to the voucher list

• After you apply

• If you are drawn from the list

• Other housing assistance

Applying to the voucher list

How and when can I apply?

• You can apply to be on the SHA voucher list anytime.
• Application is online at SHA’s website at seattlehousing.org.
• Applicants must establish an SHA Portal user account on SHA’s website to log in and apply to the voucher list.
• Applicants who need assistance applying online, want a paper application, want to apply in person, need accommodation for a disability, or need translation or an interpreter can contact SHA’s Housing Choice Voucher staff at 206.239.1674 or by email at voucherlist@seattlehousing.org.

What do I need to know before I apply?

• Anyone who is 18 years or older or an emancipated minor can apply to the voucher list at any time.
• If you are drawn from the list, in order to receive a voucher your household must be eligible at the time you are drawn. For information about eligibility see Eligibility – Housing Choice Vouchers.
• SHA will review eligibility and verify income at the time applicants are selected from the list. Applicants who meet the voucher program eligibility requirements and meet the program preferences will be served. Those preferences are applicants with a total household income of 30 percent or less of Area Median Income at the time of selection or for the 12 months prior to selection and applicants who are homeless at the time of selection or have been in the prior 12 months. Applicants with a total household income of 31 through 50 percent will be returned to the list until all eligible applicants who meet the preferences have been served. Applicants with a total household income above 50 percent are not eligible for a voucher and will be removed from the list.
• It is important to have the following information ready before starting the application process:
  • An active email address to establish your SHA Portal user account
  • A valid phone number
  • The Social Security number and date of birth for each member of the household
  • Total annual income of the household
  • A mailing address where the household can receive U.S. mail from SHA 

Applicants who are missing this information or have questions, should call SHA’s Housing Choice Voucher program at 206.239.1674.

Can I apply more than once?

• No. Duplicate applications or applications by more than one member of a household will not be added to the list.

Do I have to live in Seattle to apply?

• No. However, recipients are required to initially use their voucher within the city of Seattle for a minimum of one year.

Do I have to pay to apply?

• No. Application is free. If any website asks for money to complete an application, it is not the correct site. To avoid misleading websites applicants should type seattlehousing.org into an internet browser.

After you apply

How do I know if you got my application?

• If you apply online, you will get a confirmation email with your completed application.

After I apply how will I know if I was selected?

• You will receive an email and a letter by U.S. mail when your name is drawn from the list.

Do I need to do anything to stay on the list?

• It is very important that you keep your contact and household information up to date with SHA after you apply so we can get in touch with you. If your income or household circumstances change, or if anyone becomes disabled, it may impact the type of assistance you qualify for.
• To update, log in to your SHA Portal account on SHA’s website at seattlehousing.org and enter any changes to your contact details and household information.
• To remain on the list, you must also check in once every month using Save My Spot, which lets SHA know that you still need a voucher. If you do not do this or we are unable to contact you, we will remove you from the list.
• If you are unable to submit changes through the SHA Portal or need assistance, call SHA’s Housing Choice Voucher program at 206.239.1674.

How can I know if or when I will get a voucher?

• There is no ranking on the SHA voucher list and no limit to when applications are accepted or the number of applicants on the list. All applicants on the list have an equal chance at being drawn every time SHA does a voucher drawing, which is when vouchers become available. Because of this there is no way to estimate if and when you will be drawn from the list.

If you are drawn from the list

What happens when my name is drawn?

• If your name is drawn in the random selection, SHA will contact you by email and U.S. mail to complete a full application so that SHA can verify income and other eligibility criteria. This full application can be completed using your SHA Portal account.
• SHA will review eligibility and verify income at the time applicants are selected from the list. Applicants who meet the voucher program eligibility requirements and meet the program preferences will be served. Those preferences are applicants with a total household income of 30 percent or less of Area Median Income at the time of selection or for the 12 months prior to selection and applicants who are homeless at the time of selection or have been in the prior 12 months. Applicants with a total household income of 31 through 50 percent will be returned to the list until all eligible applicants who meet the preferences have been served. Applicants with a total household income above 50 percent are not eligible for a voucher and will be removed from the list.
• If you are eligible, SHA will invite you to attend an issuance briefing where we will issue you a voucher and explain the process for using your voucher. SHA also offers help with your housing search and can provide other information and assistance.

Other housing assistance

What if I need help right away getting housing?

• Since the wait for a voucher is uncertain, it’s advisable to seek other options for housing assistance if you are in need.
• Visit SHA’s website at seattlehousing.org/housing to learn about other SHA housing opportunities and how to apply, or to learn about non-SHA housing resources.
• Go to the 2-1-1 Washington Information Network website for help with shelter, housing and other services.