How does Section 8 help with housing costs?
Getting to Know the Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8) for Those in Need
The Housing Choice Voucher Program, often just called Section 8, is set up by the federal government to help folks with lower income, people with disabilities, and the elderly get into affordable homes.
This program gives them a choice in housing that fits within some set rules, and it helps with their rent. For all the specifics on what’s available and who can apply, Benefits.gov has the full scoop.
What’s Section 8 All About?
Local Public Housing Agencies (PHAs) handle the nitty-gritty of Section 8, which gets its funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). They give out vouchers that help cover rent and sometimes utilities. Here’s the deal: the PHA pays part of the rent directly to landlords, and the family pays about 30% of their monthly income towards their rent and utilities.
After a family gets approved, they sign a lease with the landlord, and then the PHA steps in to take care of the payment side of things.
Who Can Get Help from Section 8?
There are a few boxes you gotta tick to qualify for Section 8 help:
- Income Limits: Your family’s income has got to be pretty low—think 135% or less of the federal poverty line.
- Family Status: There are specific rules about what makes up a ‘family’.
- Citizenship or Immigration Status: You need to be a U.S. citizen or have the right immigration status.
- Student Status: If you’re an independent student, there are some extra rules to look at.
You can dig into the details by checking out HUD’s guidebook or getting in touch with your local PHA.
How to Sign Up for Section 8?
If you think you fit the bill, here’s how you can throw your hat in the ring:
- Get in Touch with Your Local PHA: They’re the ones who can get your application started. Sometimes there’s a waiting list, depending on how many funds are up for grabs.
- Or Check Out the Local HUD Office: They can offer help or more info if you need it.
Need More Help?
HUD’s got a tool to help you find more local services, like where to find shelters or help if you’re facing foreclosure. And over at Benefits.gov, they’ve got a tool that’ll help you see if there are other benefits you might qualify for. Just head to their Housing and Public Utilities section for more resources.
Section 8 is all about helping people get into homes they can afford, making sure they’ve got a roof over their heads without breaking the bank. If you think you might qualify, it’s worth looking into to get the support you need.