Applying for Rental Assistance

Where to Apply for Assistance

The agency is currently not accepting new applications for the waiting list. When the application process is re-opened, you may complete a preliminary application at the Brunswick County Public Housing office. The office is located in building B of the government complex (60 Government Center Drive, Bolivia, NC). Hours of operation are from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. You may also telephone our office at 910-253-2222 and we’ll mail you a preliminary application.

Process for Receiving Rental Assistance

• Family completes a preliminary application (if waiting list is open).
• An initial determination of eligibility is made, and if eligible, the application is placed on the waiting list.
• When the application reaches the top of the waiting list, the family will be notified by mail of the date to come in to complete the formal application and verify all household income and family composition.
• If determined to be eligible, the family will be required to attend a Certification and Briefing session. The family will be issued a Housing Choice Voucher and a Request for Tenancy Approval (RFTA).
• The family locates housing from an owner who is willing to participate in the Section 8 program.
• The owner and family will complete the RFTA and submit it to the office along with a copy of the proposed lease agreement.
• The Section 8 inspector will schedule an inspection to ensure the unit meets minimum Housing Quality Standards (HQS).
• The owner and participant schedule an appointment for execution of the Housing Assistance Payments (HAP) contract.

 Certification and Briefing Session

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requires all new voucher holders to attend a Certification and Briefing session that will be presented in a group setting. If needed, an individual session may be requested. The Certification and Briefing session will last approximately two and a half (2 ½) hours.

During the briefing session, the family will be given a briefing booklet and will be issued a Housing Choice Voucher. The voucher is the family’s verification that the family is eligible for program participation. The voucher tells the family and landlord the unit bedroom size the family is eligible to receive and the date the voucher is scheduled to expire.

A briefing specialist will review the voucher and the booklet and will give a detailed explanation on how the program works, including an explanation of how to calculate your Gross Rent and 30% of your monthly adjusted income. The session will also include information about how to assist the owner in completing the Request for Tenancy Approval and will discuss family and owner obligations. The owner may request assistance from the housing agency for completion of the RFTA.