Montana Reopens Section 8 Voucher Waitlist After Successful Challenge to Fair Market Rent Calculation

Montana has reopened its Housing Choice Voucher waitlist, also known as Section 8 vouchers, following a win in a crucial decision about how much rent these vouchers can help cover. This waitlist had been closed since August 2024.

The Housing Choice Voucher program is meant to help people with very low incomes, the elderly, and persons with disabilities pay for housing.

It allows them to choose where they want to live among approved properties. Typically, those who get help through this program pay about 30% of their monthly income toward their rent and utilities.

The chance to apply for these vouchers again comes after Montana successfully challenged the federal government's calculation of "fair market rent" for the entire state. This calculation is important because it affects how much help voucher holders can get with their rent.

Michael O'Neil, who leads the Helena Housing Authority, mentioned that before this win, the amount of money voucher holders could use for rent did not match up well with the actual costs of living in Montana.

This made it difficult for people to afford living in their communities. Addressing these issues is critical, as struggling to afford housing can lead to severe problems, including families living in cars or becoming homeless.

O'Neil pointed out that it's essential for anyone on the waitlist to keep their information current. If you're not sure if you qualify or if you need more information, you should reach out to your local public housing authority.

For those in the Lewis and Clark County area, this means contacting the Helena Housing Authority.

This move to reopen the waitlist and adjust the rent calculations could be a significant help to those struggling to find affordable housing in Montana.

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