Fortunately, housing assistance exists for low-income families, as well as the elderly and disabled, to ensure they can afford to live in clean and safe housing. It’s called the Housing Choice Voucher Program (aka Section 8), and if you’re living off a low income, you may qualify for some help. Read on to learn the basics of Section 8 housing.
What is Section 8 Housing?
Rental properties that accept participants in the Housing Choice Voucher Program are known as Section 8 housing. The federal government-funded voucher program is designed to make it possible for the disabled, the elderly and very low-income families to afford housing on the private market.
This means they don’t have to live in subsidized housing projects—they can search for apartments on websites like Rent. just like everyone else. (Rent. even has a filter so that you can search specifically for apartments that accept Section 8.)
If you qualify for Section 8, this program will help you pay your monthly rental fee. How great is that? Plus, Section 8 housing is available all across the U.S., so no matter where you live, if you are struggling to find safe and affordable housing, you may be able to use vouchers to afford the rent of a more suitable apartment.
How Does it Work?
Here’s how the Housing Choice Voucher Program works: The federal government gives public housing agencies (PHA) money to administer housing vouchers. When a family or individual is approved and receives a housing voucher, they can begin their search for Section 8 housing.
They must find a rental apartment, townhouse or single-family home owned by someone who has agreed to participate in the program. The rental also has to meet the health and safety standards specified by the federal government.
When you are approved for participation in the program, you’ll be told what type of housing you’re eligible for (this will largely depend on the size of your family). After you’ve found a rental unit (and before you sign a lease), the PHA will have to inspect it.
You’re probably wondering, “How do these vouchers actually lower my rent?” Well, your local PHA will pay your landlord a housing subsidy on your behalf. To figure out how much rent you’ll be responsible for paying each month, simply subtract the subsidy amount from the original rental cost charged by the landlord.
You’ll be expected to pay 30 percent of your monthly adjusted gross income (that’s income before taxes are taken out) for utilities and rent. However, keep in mind that if you choose to rent an apartment that’s above the payment standard set by the PHA, you will have to pay the difference.
The payment standard (what is needed to rent moderately priced housing) is based on the local housing market. That means that if you live in San Francisco, you won’t have to worry about finding an apartment using the payment standard in Flint, Michigan. Phew.
Once the PHA gives the stamp of approval, the agency will sign a housing assistance payment contract with the landlord. Just as you would do when renting any apartment, you and the landlord will also sign a lease.
Am I Eligible for Section 8?
Eligibility for Section 8 housing is based on a number of requirements. First and foremost, you have to either be a U.S. citizen or have eligible immigration status. PHAs base voucher program eligibility on your family size and annual gross income. Head to the website of your local PHA to see what the family size and income limits are in your area.
How Do I Apply?
To apply for the Housing Choice Voucher Program, you’ll need to contact your local PHA (you can find this information through this handy map on the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s website). It will even tell you which housing authority offices can help you with Section 8 housing!
As you might expect, the program is extremely competitive—you will likely be put on a waiting list. Don’t forget to talk to your PHA about whether they give preference to particular individuals or families, such as those who are homeless.
