Finding a safe, stable place to live can feel impossible when rent takes up most of your income. Despite their best efforts, many families still find it difficult to make ends meet on a monthly basis. Growing housing expenses may make it difficult to pay for other necessities like food, transportation, or medical care. That’s why affordable housing options matter now more than ever. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by high rent, help might be available—you just need to know where to look.

Your Guide to Section 8 Assistance

Even though this program goes by either the housing choice voucher program or Section 8, it is the same support opportunity. Even though it is a federal program since it is funded by HUD, it is administered at the local level thanks to local public housing agencies (PHAs). The way that this program can help those in need is through housing choice vouchers. Recipients will be able to move into a property that accepts these vouchers as a form of payment. Once the family moves in, the local PHA will pay the landlord directly on behalf of the receiving household to cover a portion of the rent. Any remaining difference is the responsibility of the recipients. It’s important to note that not every property is an option.

Can Section 8 Actually Help?

Yes! When households overspend on housing by more than 30% of their gross income every month, they can become cost-burdened. When households are cost-burdened, they can have a harder time handling other necessary expenses like groceries, healthcare, clothes, transportation, and more. Through the help of vouchers, recipients will generally not spend more than 30% of their income.

Who is Eligible for Section 8?

It is important to keep in mind that the specific eligibility requirements will vary depending on the area. However, there are four main factors that local PHAs will consider when determining eligibility! These four factors include:

• Income Level
• Citizenship Status
• Family Status
• Eviction History

For applicants to qualify, they must satisfy all of the eligibility criteria. There may be exceptions to some of the criteria, but again, it will vary by area! If approved for the program, recipients will typically be placed on a waitlist. That’s because there are so many people sending in applications that qualify but not enough support available to handle them all at once.

Income Level

This program is designed to help those who need it most. That is why income level plays an important part in eligibility. Only low-income applicants will be able to qualify. If you want to know what the specific limits are for your area, you can ask your local PHA. The specific documentation that you will need to provide to prove your income may vary depending on your local PHA.

Citizenship Status

Not everyone will be able to qualify for this program even if they are low-income. It’s a federal program which means only those with an eligible citizenship status can qualify. That’s why during the application process for Section 8, applicants will need to sign a certification form. This includes members of the household as well! This certification form will state the citizenship status of the members of the household. Local PHAs may require even more documentation like:

• Social Security cards
• Passports from the U.S.
• Resident alien cards
• Registration cards

Luckily, even if everyone in the household doesn’t have qualifying citizenship status, that doesn’t mean the entire household can’t benefit. Instead, the amount of support will only be based on the number of eligible individuals.

Family Status

A family must meet certain conditions. While there is a HUD definition of a family, local PHAs have permission to set their own definition. To get a better understanding of your local PHA’s definition, you will need to reach out to them directly. However, the following conditions are general guidelines that families should meet:

• Your family has children.
• There’s at least one person over the age of 62.
• Your family doesn’t have children.
• There’s at least one family member with a disability
• Your family was displaced involuntarily for eligible reasons.

It’s important to keep in mind that households don’t need to meet all of these conditions. These are just some general guidelines. If there are any changes to your household size, like someone passing away or a baby is born, it is important to report any changes as soon as possible to your local PHA!

Eviction History

Last but not least, one of the factors that impact your Section 8 eligibility is your eviction history. This is an important factor because it lets the PHA know if you would be a good tenant or not. That’s why generally households will need to have a good rental history to be eligible. For example, applicants may automatically be disqualified if they have a history of eviction from a property for a drug-related activity or other criminal activity.

Bottom Line

If you need affordable housing then Section 8 may be a great fit for you. This is a program that gives qualifying recipients housing choice vouchers that they can use towards a rental that works within their budget. However, not every property will accept these vouchers as a form of payment. Instead, only properties that meet the criteria set by the local PHA will qualify. While the specific eligibility requirements for this program can vary, there are typically four factors that matter. These four factors are:

• Income Level
• Citizenship Status
• Family Status
• Eviction History

If you want to benefit from this program, you will want to get in touch with your local PHA. They will be the ones to provide more information and help you with the application process.