How to Apply for HUD Assistance

HUD assistance provides affordable rental housing for families and individuals who are struggling. Public housing is available in a variety of formats, including high-rise apartments and small homes in suburban communities. According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, there are 1.2 million families living in public assistance housing. The first step in securing this housing is checking eligibility and completing application materials.

Instructions

1. Check eligibility. Public housing is limited to families and individuals who are low income. HUD sets income limits based on 50 percent of the median income for the county the tenant resides in. The disabled and elderly also are eligible. Applicants must be a U.S. citizen or have eligible immigration status.

2. Find your local housing authority through HUD's website. Assistance is administered through each state’s local housing authority.

3. Contact the appropriate county. On HUD's site, after you select a state, the agency will list each housing authority by county.

4. Request an application from your county office. List information about all prospective tenants (date of birth, sex and relationship to the applicant). Summarize the circumstances that qualify you for the program. Employers (past and present) will need to be listed.

5. Set up a home visit. After reviewing your materials, HUD will schedule a home visit. During this visit, they will interview you and family members to determine if you would be a good fit for HUD housing. The representative also will answer questions you may have.

Tips & Warnings

• When reviewing application materials, HUD will check your references. The organization has the right to deny applicants with habits that may negatively affect other tenants or create a poor living environment for the community. Make sure to list references that will provide a favorable recommendation.

• The demand for HUD housing is high. Depending on the demand in your area, you may be put on a waiting list until housing is available.

References

• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development: Find Local Housing Authority
• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development: HUD’s Public Housing Program

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish