Who Qualifies for Low-Income Housing?
The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) reports that 1.2 million people live in low-income housing complexes across the United States. These housing complexes offer a safe home at a reduced rental rate for low-income families and individuals. To qualify, an applicant will need to pass basic screen checks, meet income guidelines and pass a thorough background check. Those with special circumstances may receive higher preference.
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Basics
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Both single individuals and families can qualify for low-income housing. A single person must be at least 18 years old to apply. A family counts as married adults, those related by blood and children who are under legal guardianship. A family must have at least one adult to act as a primary applicant. The primary applicant will need to supply Social Security numbers for every person in her family. U.S. citizens can apply for low-income housing. Certain legal immigrants who meet qualification guidelines also can apply.
Income
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A family or individual must have an annual income that falls at or below the guidelines set by the Housing Authority in their area. HUD reports that applicants with an income at or below 80 percent of the median income in the applicant's area qualify as low-income. Applicants with an income at or below 50 percent of the median income qualify as very-low-income.
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Standards
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The Housing Authority may deny any applicant if it believes any member of the family may put the other tenants at risk. The family will need to provide personal references and go through a background check. The Housing Authority may deny the application if the family's personal references do not check out, or if a family member has a criminal past. The Housing Authority also will complete an in-person or at-home interview with the family to determine the family's stability.
Special Eligibility
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Many low-income housing programs have waiting lists. Families with special circumstances may receive preference over other applicants. For example, a family with at least one senior citizen may qualify for elderly housing, or the Housing Authority may allow the family to bypass the wait list for regular housing. A family with a disabled family member may also get to bypass the wait list. Some housing authorities may recognize other special circumstances, such as an individual with veteran status.
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