by Victoria Rose Perkins

Created on: December 19, 2011   Last Updated: April 30, 2012

Applying for low-income housing is not a difficult process.  It can be done in person at your local state county welfare office, or Department of Health and Human Services. Applicants can apply online, too, at this website and also here.  However, please be advised there is generally a waiting period and in some places it can be somewhat lenghty.

The US Department of Housing and Urban Renewal (HUD) helps low-income families and certain indiviudals who qualify to gain affordable and safe housing.  Generally, HUD will pay your landlord up to 2/3's of the monthly rent, and the tenant pays 1/3.  However, the amount varies depending on income and how many members are in a family, and other factors. Those who are disabled or homeless may recieve assistance more quickly.

HUD issues housing vouchers, sometimes known as Section 8, once you have qualified.  Once a voucher has been issued, the recipient can either be on a list for public housing, or shop around on their own for a suitable apartment. 

If the decision is made to look outside public housing, then the voucher holder must do some leg work. This includes getting an agreement from the landlord to verify he/she is willing to rent to a tenant and be willing to work with HUD to accept  approximately 2/3 of the rent payment from them and trusting the tenant to pay the balance.

All apartments and housing must meet HUD's standards. This ensures safety and sanitation standards are met and protects the tenant from renting a place that is unsafe and not sutiable for all family members.

Documentation you will need to bring

1.  Proof of all annual gross income for all family members

2.  US citizenship or eligible immigration documents

3. Birth certificates

4.  Proof of disability (if any)

5.  Previous landlord references (if applicable)

In some circumstances housing vouchers have been used to purchase a small home. HUD will provide the applicant with a Housing Authority agent. The agent works for the federal government and is well qualified to help individuals with their particular housing needs.  As noted, there is a waiting list in most states.  Currently there are approximately 1.2 million families living in public assisted housing. 

This federally funded program is a valuable tool in helping lown-income families gain affordable and decent housing.  

Learn more about this author, Victoria Rose Perkins.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.