Low Income Housing

Finding a safe and affordable place to live is your right as an American thanks to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Through the use of Section 8 services you can receive a rental subsidy or a housing unit to rent. Find out how you can receive affordable housing assistance in your state.

Public Housing Authorities and HUD Offices

The first step in applying for low-income housing is to contact your public housing authority. There are several PHA offices in every state, each serving different cities or regions. You can also contact your Section 8 HUD office to learn how to apply for assistance in your state.

Qualifying for Low-Income Housing

To qualify for low-income housing your household must meet certain requirements. The most important requirement is that your household meets the low-income requirement. Each state has a low-income limit summary that helps you determine if you qualify according to how many people are living in your household.

Your household composition is also important when applying for services. For example, if you have anyone living with you who is elderly or disabled, HUD requires that you receive priority when applying for low-income housing. You must also provide proof of residence for everyone in your household. You cannot have any one living with you who is not legally in the US. Furthermore, your household must currently live in the state where you are applying for Section 8 assistance. You will also have to provide proof of your previous rental history to ensure you are in good standing. Finally, all of the adult members of your household will have to undergo a criminal background check. Individuals with criminal histories will most likely be disqualified for low-income housing.

To prove you qualify for low-income housing you will have to provide extensive documentation. This includes IDs, birth certificates, and Social Security cards for all household members. You will also have to provide proof of income, such as with last year’s tax return, as well as payroll stubs and bank statements for all working and able-bodied household members. Your public housing authority agent will also conduct an interview with all members of your household to verity and cross-check information for the application.

Low-Income Housing Programs

There are two types of low-income housing programs that are available in every state under Section 8. These include the Housing Choice Voucher program and project-based housing. If you need help paying for your rent, the Housing Choice Voucher program is the right service for you. If you cannot find housing in your state, the project-based low-income housing program will be your best bet. Either of these programs will require you to get placed on a waitlist for services. This is due to the high demand for low-income housing across the US.