Housing Assistance Requirements
Housing assistance exists to help those with low incomes, the disabled and the elderly obtain affordable housing. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, or HUD, has programs at the federal level and there are additional programs available through individual states. Each has unique requirements but there are some similarities to every program.
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Find the HUD Office
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To see if you qualify for HUD programs or other programs, contact the local Public Housing Agency (PHA) office. They can usually be found in the phone directory or online at the HUD website. The PHA oversees housing choice vouchers and local public housing facilities, and can direct you to local privately owned housing assistance programs. When you call the office for an appointment be sure to ask what forms of documentation you will need, including pay stubs and tax information.
Application Process
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At the PHA office you will complete an application for yourself and your family, if applicable. The questions will determine your family size, income and whether you have any disabilities or special needs. The PHA will look at your application and determine whether your income and family size qualify you for any of their programs, including rent subsidy or housing assistance. Eligibility requirements are set at 50 percent of the area's median income levels for low-income programs.
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Rent Levels
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The Department of Housing and Urban Development sets the rent levels for the Section 8 housing assistance program at 30 percent of the monthly adjusted income. For the rental subsidy program, the housing owners set the rent amount, which may be higher or lower than HUD's standards, but HUD only pays a set amount for each family. Section 8 housing assistance applications are available from the Public Housing Agency office and the agency can also supply you with a list of Section 8 housing properties in your area.
Waiting Lists
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Those who do not meet preferential guidelines may be put on a waiting list for housing assistance. Preference is given to homeless individuals and families, those who have been displaced, and those who are currently paying more than 50 percent of their income as rent. Also, families that are living in substandard housing are given preferential treatment, although the PHA may close its waiting list if there is not enough housing available to meet the need.
Housing Assistance and Relocation
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Since a family's needs change over time, it may be necessary at some point to move for job or school needs. Housing choice programs are designed to allow families to move without losing their rental assistance. Moves are permitted by the PHA as long as the agency is notified ahead of time that the family will be moving.
Tenant Requirements
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Once a tenant has selected a home and been approved for the program, he signs a lease, usually for the term of 1 year, and may need to pay a small security deposit. After that point the tenant is expected to observe all rules and regulations regarding renting the property, such as paying rent on time, keeping the home clean and in good condition and notifying the PHA if his income level changes.
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