Finding affordable housing in Wyoming can be a real challenge, especially when rental costs keep climbing and options are limited in many parts of the state. The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program is one of the most important federal resources available to help low-income Wyoming residents afford safe, quality housing. This guide walks you through every step of the application process, from checking your eligibility to getting placed on a waiting list and finally receiving your voucher.
If you are not sure whether you qualify for Section 8 or other assistance programs, try our free benefits screener to check your eligibility for multiple programs in minutes.
What Is the Section 8 Program?
Section 8, officially called the Housing Choice Voucher Program, is a federally funded rental assistance program run by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The program helps low-income families, elderly individuals, and people with disabilities afford housing in the private rental market.
Here is how it works: once you are approved and receive a voucher, you find a rental unit that meets the program's housing quality standards. Your local Public Housing Authority (PHA) pays a portion of your rent directly to the landlord, and you pay the rest. In most cases, participants pay roughly 30% of their adjusted monthly income toward rent, with the voucher covering the difference up to a limit set by HUD called the Fair Market Rent (FMR).
The best part is that you get to choose where you live. Unlike public housing, where you are assigned a specific unit, Section 8 lets you pick any rental property where the landlord agrees to participate in the program.
Who Is Eligible for Section 8 in Wyoming?
Eligibility for the Section 8 program in Wyoming is based on several factors. Here are the key requirements:
Income Requirements
Your household income must fall below a certain percentage of the Area Median Income (AMI) for the county where you are applying. HUD sets these limits and updates them each year. There are two main income categories:
- Very Low Income (50% AMI): The general eligibility cutoff for Section 8. Your household income must be at or below 50% of your area's median income.
- Extremely Low Income (30% AMI): By law, PHAs must provide at least 75% of their vouchers to applicants whose incomes do not exceed 30% of the area median income. This means the majority of vouchers go to households with the lowest incomes.
Income limits vary by county and household size across Wyoming. Below is a general reference table showing approximate income limits for selected Wyoming areas. These figures are based on HUD data and may change annually. Always check with your local PHA or visit the HUD Income Limits page for the most current numbers.
| Household Size | Extremely Low Income (30% AMI) | Very Low Income (50% AMI) | Low Income (80% AMI) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | Approximately $15,000 - $19,000 | Approximately $25,000 - $32,000 | Approximately $40,000 - $51,000 |
| 2 Persons | Approximately $17,000 - $22,000 | Approximately $29,000 - $36,000 | Approximately $46,000 - $58,000 |
| 3 Persons | Approximately $19,500 - $24,500 | Approximately $32,000 - $41,000 | Approximately $51,000 - $65,000 |
| 4 Persons | Approximately $21,500 - $27,000 | Approximately $36,000 - $45,000 | Approximately $57,000 - $72,000 |
Note: These ranges reflect variation across different Wyoming counties. Teton County (Jackson Hole) has significantly higher limits due to higher area median incomes, while rural counties may have lower limits. Always verify your specific county's limits with HUD or your local PHA.
Other Eligibility Requirements
Beyond income, you must also meet these criteria:
- Citizenship or Immigration Status: You must be a U.S. citizen or have eligible immigration status. At least one household member must have eligible status.
- Background Check: PHAs conduct criminal background checks. Applicants with certain criminal histories (particularly drug-related offenses or violent crimes) may be denied.
- Rental History: PHAs may review your rental history, including prior evictions or money owed to other housing authorities.
- Family Status: Single individuals, families with children, elderly persons, and people with disabilities can all apply.
Wyoming Public Housing Authorities
In Wyoming, Section 8 is administered at the local level by Public Housing Authorities. Each PHA manages its own waiting list, application process, and voucher allocation. You need to apply through the PHA that serves the area where you want to live.
Here are some of the major housing authorities in Wyoming:
| Housing Authority | Location | Phone | Coverage Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cheyenne Housing Authority | 3304 Sheridan St, Cheyenne, WY 82009 | (307) 633-8320 | Laramie County |
| Casper Housing Authority | 1400 E 12th St, Casper, WY 82601 | (307) 266-6674 | Natrona County |
| Housing Authority of Laramie | 104 S 3rd St, Laramie, WY 82070 | (307) 742-2814 | Albany County |
| Rock Springs Housing Authority | 233 C St, Rock Springs, WY 82901 | (307) 352-1471 | Sweetwater County |
| Housing Authority of Douglas | 120 S 5th St, Douglas, WY 82633 | (307) 358-2961 | Converse County |
| Evanston Housing Authority | 155 Apache Dr, Evanston, WY 82930 | Contact via HUD | Uinta County |
The Wyoming Community Development Authority (WCDA) also plays a role in statewide affordable housing efforts. For a complete list of all PHAs in Wyoming, visit the HUD Wyoming page or use HUD's online PHA search tool.
Step-by-Step: How to Apply for Section 8 in Wyoming
Step 1: Check If the Waiting List Is Open
This is the most important first step. Section 8 waiting lists in Wyoming open and close based on demand and available funding. Many PHAs keep their lists closed for months or even years at a time. When a list does open, it may only stay open for a few days or weeks.
To find out which waiting lists are currently open:
- Call your local PHA directly
- Check the PHA's website for announcements
- Monitor sites like HUD Housing Network for updates
Some PHAs, like the Wyoming Housing Commission, use a lottery system during open enrollment periods. During these windows, all eligible applications are collected and then randomly selected for placement on the waiting list.
Step 2: Gather Your Documents
Before you start the application, collect the following documents for every member of your household:
- Proof of identity: Driver's license, state ID, or passport
- Social Security cards for all household members
- Birth certificates for all household members
- Proof of income: Recent pay stubs, tax returns, Social Security award letters, pension statements, or documentation of any other income sources
- Proof of assets: Bank statements, investment account statements
- Verification of citizenship or immigration status
- Current lease or rental agreement (if applicable)
- Documentation of disability (if claiming a disability preference)
- Proof of veteran status (if applicable, such as DD-214)
Having these documents ready before you begin will help you avoid delays in the application process.
Step 3: Complete the Application
Depending on your PHA, you can typically apply in one of these ways:
- Online: Some Wyoming PHAs offer online applications through their websites or third-party portals
- In person: Visit the PHA office during business hours to pick up and submit a paper application
- By mail: Some PHAs accept mailed applications
Fill out every section of the application completely and accurately. Incomplete applications can result in delays or denial.
Step 4: Submit Your Application
Turn in your completed application along with all required documents before the deadline. If the PHA is using a lottery system, make sure you submit during the open enrollment window.
Keep copies of everything you submit, and ask for a receipt or confirmation number if one is available.
Step 5: Wait for Your Application to Be Processed
After submitting your application, the PHA will review it to verify your eligibility. This process includes:
- Income verification
- Background checks
- Rental history review
- Verification of household composition
If your application is approved, you will be placed on the waiting list.
Step 6: Wait on the Waiting List
This is often the hardest part. Wait times for Section 8 in Wyoming vary widely depending on the PHA and local demand. Typical wait times range from 6 months to over 2 years, and in some areas, the wait can be even longer.
While you are on the waiting list:
- Keep your contact information current with the PHA. If they cannot reach you, you may lose your spot.
- Respond promptly to any correspondence from the PHA.
- Report changes in income, household size, or address.
Step 7: Receive Your Voucher and Find Housing
When your name reaches the top of the list, the PHA will contact you for a briefing session. At this briefing, you will learn:
- How the voucher works
- Your rights and responsibilities as a voucher holder
- The rent you will be expected to pay
- The timeline for finding a rental unit
You will then have a set period (usually 60 to 120 days) to find a qualifying rental unit. The unit must pass a Housing Quality Standards (HQS) inspection, and the landlord must agree to participate in the program.
How Much Does Section 8 Pay in Wyoming?
The amount your voucher covers depends on two main factors: the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for your area and your household income.
HUD publishes FMRs annually for every county in the country. For FY 2025, the average FMR for a two-bedroom unit in Wyoming is approximately $1,010 per month, though this varies significantly by county:
| County | 1-Bedroom FMR | 2-Bedroom FMR | 3-Bedroom FMR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Laramie County (Cheyenne) | ~$800 | ~$1,000 | ~$1,400 |
| Natrona County (Casper) | ~$750 | ~$950 | ~$1,300 |
| Teton County (Jackson) | ~$1,200 | ~$1,570 | ~$2,100 |
Note: These are approximate FMR values for reference. Actual FMRs are updated annually by HUD. Check the HUD FMR page for current figures.
As a voucher holder, you generally pay about 30% of your adjusted monthly income toward rent. If your monthly adjusted income is $1,200, for example, you would pay around $360, and the voucher would cover the remaining rent up to the payment standard set by your PHA.
Tips for a Successful Section 8 Application
Getting approved for Section 8 in Wyoming takes patience and preparation. Here are some tips to improve your chances:
- Apply to multiple PHAs. You are not limited to one housing authority. Apply to every PHA in the areas where you would be willing to live.
- Apply as soon as waiting lists open. Lists can close within days. Sign up for notifications from your local PHAs and check frequently.
- Be completely honest on your application. Any false information can result in permanent disqualification from the program.
- Keep all documents organized and up to date. Having everything ready speeds up the verification process.
- Respond immediately to PHA communications. Missing a deadline or failing to respond can cost you your spot on the list.
- Check if you qualify for a preference. Many Wyoming PHAs give priority to veterans, elderly applicants, people with disabilities, families with children, or households that are currently homeless or living in substandard housing.
Other Housing Assistance Programs in Wyoming
If Section 8 wait times are long or waiting lists are closed, you may qualify for other housing and assistance programs in Wyoming:
- Public Housing: Some Wyoming PHAs operate public housing units with shorter wait times than Section 8. Contact your local PHA to ask about availability.
- LIHTC Properties: Low-Income Housing Tax Credit properties offer reduced rents to qualifying tenants. Many LIHTC landlords also accept Section 8 vouchers.
- LIEAP (Low Income Energy Assistance Program): Helps pay heating and utility bills for qualifying households. Learn more at the Wyoming DFS website.
- SNAP (Food Assistance): If housing costs are straining your budget, SNAP benefits can help cover food expenses.
- USDA Rural Development Housing: Wyoming's rural areas may have USDA-backed rental assistance and homeownership programs.
Use our free benefits screener to check your eligibility for all of these programs at once.
For more information about assistance programs available in Wyoming, visit our Wyoming Benefits Overview.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Section 8 waiting list in Wyoming?
Wait times vary by housing authority and can range from several months to over two years. Some PHAs use a lottery system, which means placement depends on random selection rather than application order. Contact your local PHA for the most current estimate.
Can I transfer my Section 8 voucher to Wyoming from another state?
Yes. The Section 8 program includes "portability," which allows you to transfer your voucher from one PHA to another, including across state lines. You will need to work with both your current PHA and the receiving PHA in Wyoming to arrange the transfer.
What happens if I am denied Section 8 in Wyoming?
If your application is denied, the PHA must provide you with a written explanation of the reason. You have the right to request an informal hearing to appeal the decision. Common reasons for denial include income above the limits, criminal background issues, or prior housing authority debts.
Can I choose any apartment with my Section 8 voucher?
You can choose any rental unit where the landlord is willing to participate in the program and the unit passes a Housing Quality Standards inspection. The rent must also be within the PHA's payment standard for your area.
Do I need to be a Wyoming resident to apply?
No. You do not need to currently live in Wyoming to apply for Section 8 in the state. However, some PHAs may give a residency preference to applicants who already live or work in their service area.
How often do Wyoming Section 8 waiting lists open?
There is no set schedule. Each PHA decides when to open its waiting list based on voucher availability and funding. Some lists may open once a year, while others might remain closed for several years. Monitoring PHA websites and calling regularly is the best way to stay informed.
What is the income limit for Section 8 in Wyoming?
Income limits depend on your county and household size. Generally, your household income must be at or below 50% of the Area Median Income. The majority of vouchers (75%) go to households at or below 30% AMI. Visit the HUD Income Limits page to look up current limits for your specific county.
Take the Next Step
Applying for Section 8 in Wyoming takes time and patience, but the financial relief it provides is well worth the effort. Start by contacting your local housing authority to find out if the waiting list is open, and make sure you have all your documents ready to go.
Not sure if Section 8 is the right fit, or want to see what other programs you might qualify for? Use our free benefits screener to check your eligibility for housing assistance, food programs, healthcare coverage, and more in just a few minutes.
