Subsidized Housing Eligibility
Twelve million people in the United States pay an astounding 50 percent, or more, of their income for housing, according to the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Subsidized housing programs provide eligible households the ability to rent or purchase safe, decent housing. HUD administers one of the largest subsidized housing programs in the United States.
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Citizenship Eligibility
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United States citizens and noncitizens with eligible immigration status can apply for subsidized housing. Applicants are required to submit evidence of citizenship or immigration status for the entire household at the time of application.
Noncitizens are required to submit a verification consent form and documentation of their immigration status. Families with both eligible and ineligible members "may receive prorated assistance, continued assistance, or a temporary deferral of termination of assistance" if the spouse, head or co-head of the household had citizenship or eligible immigration status before June 19, 1995, according to HUD.
Income Eligibility
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HUD publishes subsidized housing income limits annually to ensure low-income families receive the subsidy. The geographical area for the rental unit determines the limit by calculating the median income for a specific county. The program utilizes four income calculations --- extremely low income, very low income, low income and Below Market Interest Rate income --- to determine eligibility. Applicants can review the current income limits for a specific area at the HUD user website (see Resources).
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Household Composition
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Low-income housing subsidies provide support for families, the elderly and the disabled. Household composition examines family size, child custody and elderly and disabled status. The size of the family has a direct effect on the income verification process. As the number of persons in the household increases, so does the income limit for the geographical location.
To qualify as an elderly household, the head of household or spouse must be at least 62 years of age. A disabled household includes one or more persons at least 18 years of age who suffer from a mental, physical or emotional impairment that may last indefinitely. These designations also include survivors of a disabled or elderly head of household.
Compliance for Continued Eligibility
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The goal of subsidized housing is to ensure access of low-income households to safe and decent housing. As a result, the annual recertification process includes inspection of the unit and a review of the household's income and composition eligibility.
The recertification process involves the completion of a questionnaire similar to the original application for assistance. The household must supply proof of income, citizenship, Social Security cards and assets. The public housing authority (PHA) schedules an inspection to ensure the unit meets quality standards, and the family must have an adult present for the procedure. If the unit passes the inspection, the PHA issues another voucher for monthly payments. If not, the owner of the property must repair the items indicated on the report.
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References
Resources
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