How to Quailfy for Low Income Housing in New Jersey

When money is tight, there are options for affordable housing.

There are several types of low-income housing offered in New Jersey: Section 8, Section 32 and the State Rental Assistance Program (SRAP). There is usually a wait list for Section 8 housing, but if you contact privately owned low-income housing directly, you may be able to find a place sooner. In cases where the landlord determines your eligibility, you would need to fill out a separate application for each housing unit you're interested in, unless it's the same landlord for the different units.

Things You'll Need

• Pay stubs for the last 3 months
• Expenses report for the last 3 months
• Social Security numbers of all household members
• Driver's License or identification

Instructions

Section 8

1. Check Department of Housing and Urban Development's 30 percent median income for New Jersey to see if you qualify. As of 2010, it's $18,100 for one person in New Jersey and increases to $34,150 for eight people in a household.

2. Apply for Section 8 at your local Public Housing Agency. Check HUD's website for a list of locations.

3. Bring your proof of income and required documents so you don't slow down the process. You have to be able to pay 30 percent of your income towards rent.

New Jersey State Rental Assistance Progam

1. See if your income qualifies under HUD's published income limits. The income limits are the same as Section 8.

2. Apply at your nearest New Jersey Human Services Department. Bring your ID and proof of income, otherwise your application will be delayed.

3. Find housing that accepts the New Jersey SRAP. It allows you to rent privately owned housing and has a limit of five years of assistance with the option to extend another two years for families. The time limit for ages 62 and over or disabled households is unlimited.

Section 32 Homeownership Program

1. Check with your local housing authority for income guidelines. As of 2010, Atlantic City Housing Authority requires an adjusted gross income of $25,000 a year with a down payment of 3 percent, of which 1 percent must come from the applicant.

2. Check your credit for free at Annual Credit Report's website. You want to see if you need to pay off any debts to increase your credit score in order to meet the lender's requirements.

3. Make sure your expenses are at or below 41 percent of your monthly income.

4. Fill out a Section 32 application at your local housing authority if the program is available in your area.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure to check your income against the guidelines. If you are even just $20 over the income limit, you will not qualify. If you are just a few dollars over the limit, talk to your boss to see if they'll work with you on your hours to make sure you don't lose your assistance over a few dollars.

• If your income goes above the income limits, you are required to report it and may lose your housing benefits.

References

• New Jersey Department of Community Affairs: 2009 DCA Programs Book.
• Housing and Urban Development: HUD income limits.
• New Jersey Department of Community Affairs: Guide to Section 8.

Resources

• New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency: List of affordable family housing in New Jersey
• New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency: List of affordable senior housing in New Jersey
• New Jersey Housing Resource Center: Find affordable housing in New Jersey online.
• New Jersey Council on Affordable Housing: 2010 New Jersey income limits by region.
• HUD: List of public housing agencies in New Jersey.