The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development can help you afford the cost of rental housing through the Section 8 program, commonly known as housing choice vouchers. With Section 8 housing benefits, you can reduce your monthly rent expenses, as the government will pay a portion of your rent directly to your private landlord. This program also provides the flexibility to choose from any eligible property.
Established under Section 8 of the Housing Act of 1937, this initiative aims to stabilize the home ownership market. The Housing Act established the Federal Housing Administration and has supported the production of public housing agencies that assist low-income families and households. Millions of low-income individuals nationwide benefit from housing choice vouchers, and you can too.
Whether you live in an apartment, townhome, or single-family property, Section 8 housing benefits can help you manage your rent costs.
While this housing assistance program is beneficial, you'll need to qualify and apply for these benefits. The application process involves several steps, but it isn't as challenging as you might expect.
What Are These Benefits Worth?
Before applying, it's important to understand the potential benefits. You could receive assistance equal to the payment minus 30% of your adjusted monthly household income or the gross rent total minus 30% of that income, whichever is lower.
See If You Qualify First
The first step is to determine if you meet all Section 8 eligibility requirements. Generally, your household income must be 50% or less than the median income in your county.
HUD provides information on median incomes across different states and metropolitan areas. These amounts vary depending on where you live. For example, in Chicago, a four-person household earning less than $56,050 per year could qualify for housing choice vouchers. In contrast, in Peoria, Illinois, the threshold is $46,050, and in rural Hardin County, it's $40,700.
In short, the median income threshold is higher in more populated areas. Check the specific total for the area you plan to live in to determine your eligibility for Section 8 housing benefits.
Who Gets Priority?
The amount you receive from Section 8 benefits can vary, but those with lower incomes are more likely to receive assistance. Public housing agencies (PHAs) are required to allocate about 75% of their vouchers to individuals whose incomes are less than 30% of the local median income.
Referring back to Illinois, a four-person household in Chicago earning up to $33,650 annually would receive first priority for Section 8 benefits. However, households earning up to 50% of the median income are still eligible for support, regardless of location.
Consulting Your PHA
After confirming your eligibility, contact your local public housing agency (PHA) for assistance.
The specific PHA depends on your desired location. For instance, North Carolina has multiple PHAs dedicated to Section 8 housing. Individuals looking to reside in Orange County can reach out to the Orange County Housing Authority, while those in Caswell County can contact the Caswell County Housing Assistance Program.
You'll need to provide various pieces of information to your PHA, including details on your income, assets, and preferred living location. Proper documentation proving your legal residency in the United States will also be necessary.
Your local PHA can assist you further if you have other questions about managing the application process.
How Long Will It Take To Earn Your Housing Assistance Benefits?
While the application process is straightforward, receiving a response may take some time. The demand for Section 8 housing assistance often exceeds the supply, leading to wait times ranging from two to seven years.
PHAs generally prioritize individuals who are homeless, living in substandard housing, or have been involuntarily displaced due to circumstances like natural disasters.
Remember that there are no definite standards here, as all PHAs have criteria for determining who will require support the most.
What If Registration Is Closed?
If registration for benefits is closed, it's typically a temporary situation due to funding constraints or a high number of existing applicants. In such cases, regularly check back to see when new registrations open.
Conclusion
Section 8 housing benefits offer crucial support to low-income individuals and families seeking affordable housing. While the application process may involve some waiting, the assistance provided can significantly alleviate housing costs and offer stability during challenging times.