The Home Center provides Financial Literacy Classes, Homebuyer Education Classes, Counseling Services, and Rental Information.
and 301 started working toward a new home in Home Buyer Education.
The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program helps families to secure affordable, safe, and sanitary housing by paying a portion of the rent in an approved dwelling unit. HRDC administers Section 8 in Big Horn, Carbon, Stillwater, Sweet Grass, and greater-Yellowstone counties (not including the City of Billings).
Families and individuals with incomes at or below 50% of the area median family income for their county are eligible. Income guidelines can be found here.
How much will my portion of the rent be?
Your portion of the rent will be determined based on the size of your family and your income. Normally, you’ll pay 30%-40% of your income for rent and the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program will pay the other portion directly to the landlord.
First, apply online at housing.mt.gov/S8Apply. Mail paper application to Montana Department of Commerce, Housing Assistance Bureau, Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program, PO Box 200545, Helena, MT 59620-0545. It is recommended to complete the online application to ensure prompt receipt and processing. You do not need to submit any verification at this time.
If approved, you will be placed on a waiting list. Then, when selected from the waiting list, you must attend an orientation where you’ll complete a federal application and your eligibility will be verified.
*Please note that you will never be asked to pay for applying online.
Can I check my status or position on the wait list?
You can check your status or position number anytime at waitlistcheck.com.
How do I change my mailing address or area?
You should call MDOC at (406) 841-2830 to request a Waitlist Change Form to make the address change.
What do I bring to the orientation?
If you are determined eligible and your application is complete, you’ll be issued a Housing Choice Voucher and will have 60 days to find a suitable unit. The unit will need to be inspected by the HRDC Housing Inspector to ensure it meets the housing quality standards.
How do I find a Section 8 unit to rent?
You may use your current unit with landlord’s consent, or you may shop for a suitable unit in the local housing market. The unit must undergo an inspection and meet housing quality standards before approved.
What if my family size changes when I’m in a Section 8 unit?
You are required to inform the HRDC Section 8 field office of any changes in your family size within 30 days of the change. Failure to do so may result in termination from the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program.
What if my income changes or I no longer receive Child Support?
You are required to inform the HRDC Section 8 field office of any change in your family income (job loss, raise, benefit change, etc.) within 30 days of the change. Your rent portion may increase or decrease depending on the change. Failure to inform us of the change may result in termination from the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program.
I’m in a Section 8 unit, but want to move to a different unit. What do I need to do?
You are required to complete a 12-month lease, then give the landlord and the HRDC Section 8 field office a 30-day written notice of your intent to move. You may continue to receive Section 8 rental assistance in another dwelling unit as long as the unit undergoes an inspection, meets housing quality standards, and meets the rent limitations for the area.