How to Get Government Assistance for Housing

Government funding

The United States has established several forms of government assistance programs relative to housing. Each individual state has housing assistance regulations. The federal government also offers programs that assist with housing needs. Individuals and families must be eligible based on the Federal Poverty Guidelines set forth by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The elderly, disabled, veterans and individuals and families are the largest recipients of housing assistance. Eligibility determination is strongly considered based on annual income and status of United States citizenship. For qualified recipients, modified rental amounts are calculated according to 30 percent of their adjusted monthly income.

Things You'll Need

• Proof of birth for all persons residing in a dwelling
• Proof all income, earned and unearned
• Proof of U.S. citizenship
• Social Security Numbers
• Valid ID

Instructions

1. 

   U.S. Government

   Contact government agencies to determine which ones offer housing assistance appropriate for your situation. A logical place to start is your local Public Housing Authority. Every municipality or county has at least one Public Housing Authority managed within the jurisdiction of local government.

2. 

   Get the information you need to decide what housing options are appropriate.

   Speak with a housing counselor at a Public Housing Authority to find out which specialized area of housing assistance fits your needs: supportive housing for people with disabilities, subsidized housing, public housing or housing choice vouchers are some the options that may be available. Not all Public Housing Authorities will have all these programs. Obtain information on how to apply and the household documentation and eligibility requirements.

3. 

   Be familiar with housing program requirements.

   Inquire about deadlines, time restrictions and waiting lists, and how to ensure that your name stays on a wait list. Ask about additional programs and services that coincide with your needs. Public Housing Authorities should be familiar with housing assistance programs offered by other agencies such as state government agencies.

4. Fill out, accurately and completely, all required forms. Supply the agency with copies of proof of birth for all persons who will reside in the assisted dwelling, proof of income, proof of U.S. citizenship, Social Security cards and valid picture ID.

5. Report any pertinent changes that may have occurred during the application process to the agency to which you applied. Changes in your contact information, family size and income are very important and must remained updated.

6. Follow up on your application status. Stay in contact with agencies where you have applied for assistance and check your status periodically to ensure that your application is on track.

Tips & Warnings

• An authorization for release of information may be requested to obtain other documents needed to verify eligibility, including bank statements and valuable assets.

• Housing assistance programs are also available for those that have experienced a crisis. Emergency situations of fire, domestic abuse and homelessness are aspects of life for which persons seek government housing assistance. Most housing assistance programs retain a wait list. Eligible recipients can remain with the housing programs as long as they continue to meet the requirements. Agencies strongly promote self-sufficiency for their clients. Rental assistance programs are not the only programs created by government to aid citizens with housing needs; home buyer programs have also been formulated and implemented by government entities to better serve and enlighten citizens that have the desire and ability to achieve the American dream.

• Applicants and all members of the household will be subject to a criminal background search. Felony convictions are extremely unfavorable to potential applications. The United States government does not offer federal resource funding for people with felony drug convictions. Recipients must adhere to the firm policies and procedures outlined in the participant regulations guide.

References

• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development: Rental Assistance
• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development: Talk to a Housing Counselor

Resources

• HUD: Directory of Public Housing Authorities