Low-Income Housing Eligibility
The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) exists to help meet the housing needs of low-income families and individuals by providing affordable rental properties, helping improve their quality of life and building sustainable communities that is free from discrimination. Low-income housing reduces the prevalence of homelessness and helps increase the financial independence of those who access the services provided.
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Types
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HUD provides low-income housing assistance to those in different housing situations -- the homeless, those with little to no income and homeowners. Homeless individuals and families, or those at risk for homelessness, can participate in the Homeless Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program, which helps pay for rent, security deposits and back-rent. HUD's Public Housing program allows families and individuals to live in government-subsidized rental properties. A household's income helps determine the rent cost in Public Housing dwelling. The Section 8, or Housing Choice Voucher Program, allows a household to live in any rental property that accepts the vouchers. Generally, a household's rent cost is 30 percent of its monthly income. Low-income housing assistance also comes in the form of down payment assistance to purchase a home through the American Dream Downpayment Initiative. Homeowners facing a foreclosure may benefit from the Emergency Homeowner Loan Program if they cannot pay their mortgage because of a medical condition or loss of work.
Income Guidelines
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A household must meet the income limits set by HUD in order to qualify for low-income housing benefits. HUD states that "lower income" households earn 80 percent of the median income for their respective metropolitan city or county. "Very low income" households earn 50 percent of the median income for their respective metropolitan city or county. It is important to bear in mind, however, that income limits may vary by state, city and county. In order to qualify for low-income housing, a family must have a very low income or have a low income and receive public housing or Section 8 benefits.
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Citizenship Guidelines
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HUD states that those eligible for low-income housing are U.S. citizens or are legal immigrants in the country. Depending on the city or county, a legal immigrant may be eligible to live in low-income housing after living legally in the U.S. for five years. Alternatively, an immigrant who is legally in the country because of humanitarian reasons, such as refugees or those who have sought asylum, may also be eligible to live in low-income housing properties.
Considerations
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Those who are also eligible to live in low-income housing include the elderly and disabled. If a Housing Authority deems that a household is eligible for housing benefits, it will check the applicant's references to make sure those in the home were good tenants in the past. A Housing Authority may also conduct a background check, as warrants and legal offenses can disqualify an individual from living in low-income housing.
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