How to Get Government Assisted Housing for Low-Income Families

Government assisted housing can be a tremendous help to those who are on a fixed income or who don't make enough money to live in other housing. You can get help from the housing assistance program.

The federal housing program is not new. It was originally instituted during the Great Depression as a means of response to the Nation’s housing crisis.

Later in the century the government devised subsidy programs to help with the development of low-income housing to meet the need of those having difficulty paying rent.

Let me address the myth that this type of housing is only for people on welfare, addicts and ex-cons. Many people living in public housing, are hard working Americans, yet their salaries are not sufficient to meet their living needs.

They have to provide proof in income, have no felonies, and be law abiding citizens. If rules of the government housing are violated, these persons are subject to losing the privilege of their subsidized living.

In 1962, the US Housing Act expanded the program with Section 23. Potential tenants are place on is a list for housing. Many people are in need of this service and often, the waiting period can be extremely long. Single woman with children have priority over single residents, for the obvious reasons. It is important for children to have a safe and comfortable home.

The Housing Authority partners with privately owned housing to provide subsidies for those in need. It is the Housing Authorities responsibility to screen applicants for this housing.

Once a tenant is approved, the Housing Authority signs the lease and pays the difference between what the tenant pays and the market rate.

This is why there is such a long waiting list and it is a tremendous need for low-income housing all over the US.

The government is now talking about cutting some of these entitlement programs, so the future of subsidized housing is subject to change in the near future. Check with your city and state for changes.

Qualifications for receiving Section 8 housing:  In order to receive Section 8 you must be below 50% of the area median income.

The process of applying for low income housing is free.  If you come across anyone who what’s to charge you or the application, say no thanks and look a little further.  When looking for hosing programs you can also go to www.hud.gov to locate housing programs in your state. or housing authority agencies in you area.

Housing Programs

• Subsidized housing by privately own properties - With the assistance of HUD apartment owners can offer reduced rent options to low income families. 800-998-9999

• Public housing sometimes called projects – Assist the elderly, disabled and low income families find affordable housing. 704-336-5183
• Section 8 Housing – Is a voucher program, which issues prospective tenants with an acceptance voucher for low-income housing. They prospective tenants have the responsibility of locate a property owner that will accept their voucher. 704-336-5183

• Mortgage Assistance Programs - This program works similarly to the other programs, except mortgage assistance helps those who need help to pay your mortgage. 888-995-4673

When apply for low-income housing, you will need to bring documentation to prove your status is accurate.

To avoid having to come back to bring this paper work. If you are not sure what is required, simply make a phone call before you head out so that you are prepared.

You will need, pay stubs from you job, letters from SSI, DSS or any agency that is assisting you as proof of income.

It is also advised to bring with your current proof of address, picture identification, social security cards, birth certificates of children and your residency status for you and everyone who will be living the dwelling.

You can actually wait for years, to be called for low-income housing.  If you go to HUD, ask for a list of landlords that take Section 8 and you could be moved up on the list quicker..

Be patient and if your situation changes, such as experiencing a disaster in your city, be prepared to bring this proof to the housing agency.

This will possible entitle you to be moved up on the list! Soon they will be calling you and your family to move into your new affordable home.

Housing prices vary from state to state, but usually you will be required to pay anything above 30% adjusted monthly income. Your rent will be based on your ability to pay more or less.

If down the road you receive a raise on your job, your rent will be increased according your you salary increase. There are periodic requirements to bring updated pay stubs to continually verify your income.