Eligibility Criteria

Click on the tabs below to learn about how to get started and what to expect.

Application Roadmap

Below you will find a step-by-step description of the process for getting into housing with AMHA. Follow these steps and start your journey toward a new home.

1

Eligibility

Eligibility is different, depending on the housing program/location. However, ALL applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Pass a Criminal Background Screening
  • All previous balances owed to AMHA must be paid in full
  • Applicant must meet HUD-established income limits. These can be viewed online.
2

Program & Locations

Review program types and locations to determine which developments are suitable for your family.

3

Information

Collect the names, dates of birth, Social Security numbers, and incomes for each member of your household.

4

Apply

Complete an online application at any “Apply Here” link on the website. Be sure to request all waitlists that you have identified in your earlier review of our programs to ensure that you have the best possible opportunity for housing.

5

Confirmation

Once you have submitted the preliminary application online, you will be provided with a confirmation number as proof of the date and time of your application.

6

Waiting Lists

You will be placed on the requested waiting lists, which use Local Preference Points and the date/time of application to determine your place in the list.

7

Application Status

You can check your application status by calling 330-252-9284. You will need your social security number to use this automated system.

8

Receive a Letter in The Mail

Once your name nears the top of one or more waitlists, you will receive a letter in the mail requesting your attendance at an Eligibility Determination Interview. This letter will include a list of information that you will be required to provide, as well as a date and time of your appointment. All adult household members will be required to attend this appointment.

9

Interview

On the date of your interview, AMHA staff will ask you to complete required forms and collect information that will allow us to determine your eligibility for housing.

10

Eligibility

Typically within a month of your interview you will receive a letter in the mail that describes AMHA’s decision regarding your eligibility. If you are found ineligible you will be given the right to appeal. If you are found eligible, your wait list status will be updated, and your application will be kept on file until a suitable unit is available.

Eligibility Interview Documents

If you have received an Eligibility Determination Interview letter from AMHA, please review the following information.

You are encouraged to fill out the Pre-Interview Questionnaire online before your appointment date. Doing so ahead of time reduces your total on-site interview time. Your interview letter includes a Household ID number in the top right corner of the letter.

You and all adult members of the household must have this number to fill out the appropriate online form.

videoForm – If you are applying as the Head of Household videoForm – If you are the spouse, co-head, or other adult member to the Head of Household


What if I can’t make it to my assigned appointment? If you are unable to make your designated appointment date and time and you need to reschedule, you must email or call the AMHA Housing Placement scheduler at HP- Scheduler@akronhousing.org or (330) 376-9159.

If you fail to attend this appointment and do not contact AMHA to reschedule, your application will be withdrawn without further notice.

What to Bring to Your Appointment

Please use the following list to prepare for this appointment. If you fail to bring required information, you may not be seen.

Household Member Information

  • Birth Certificates AND Social Security Cards for yourself and all household members on the application.
  • Driver’s License or State ID for all adult household members, eighteen (18) years of age and older.
  • If any household member is not a U.S. Citizen, you must bring a Green Card or Passport for each member.
  • All applicable court-ordered custody agreements or documentation regarding foster children.
  • If you have temporarily lost custody of your children, you must bring a copy of the case plan for reunification.
  • Military Veterans – please bring a copy of your DD-214.

Landlord / Personal References

  • Three (3) years of landlord history (JANUARY 1, 2020 – Current Date). Please bring each landlord’s first and last name, their full mailing address, telephone number, and email address/fax number.
  • Bring a copy of your current lease.
  • Bring your most recent rent receipt.
  • Bring your most recent utility bills: electric, gas, water/sewer, trash.
  • Please bring contact information for three (3) personal references, including first and last name, mailing address, telephone number, and email address/fax number. (Each reference must have a unique address.)

Income / Assets / Expenses / Students (bring all that apply)

  • Employment – two (2) months most recent consecutive pay stubs,
  • Unemployment, Social Security, Supplemental Security, DJFS cash assistance, pension funds – current benefit letters (printed within the last thirty (30) days),
  • Self-employment – most recent tax return,
  • Alimony or child support – twelve (12) month printout or proof of non-payment.
  • Six (6) current consecutive checking account statements
  • Most recent statement for savings, money markets, trust funds, certificates of deposit, stocks, bonds, IRA, Keogh, or other Retirement Investment Accounts.
  • For all debit card accounts, ATM receipt showing current balance.
  • Child Care (for Households paying for childcare for children under thirteen (13) years of age) – six (6) current consecutive receipts of payment or a printout of payment history from child care facility. Award Letter from Title 20/ODFJS is not acceptable.
  • Medical (for Households whose Head, Spouse, or Co-Head is sixty-two (62) years of age or older, handicapped or disabled) – current statement/print out (printed within the last thirty (30) days) of payments for a) medical insurance, b) health/dental/vision care professionals and facilities, c) prescription drugs, d) other medical expenses.
  • Adult students: Current printout from school regarding education status, tuition/required fees, and financial aid.

Frequently Asked Questions