How It Works
The government gives funds directly to apartment owners, who then decrease the amount of rent they charge to low-income tenants. This form of subsidized housing assistance is available for low-income families, as well as individuals, senior citizens, and people with disabilities. Low-income single mothers looking to participate in HUD’s subsidized housing program should begin by looking for an apartment on the HUD website.
Who Qualifies?
To qualify for this type of rental assistance, you must earn no more than the HUD’s current income limit, which varies by state and changes every year. To find the current income limit in your area, access the HUD’s income limit tables.
Benefits
In some cases, they can be used to purchase a homeThey reduce your rentThey’re usually the most flexible rental assistance available.You can choose where you want to live
Qualification Rules
By law, the government must give 75% of its Section 8 housing vouchers to families who earn less than 30% of the median income for that areaEligibility is based on income and family sizeTotal income cannot exceed 50% of the median income for your area
Keep in mind that median income rates typically change annually, so even if you’ve been denied Section 8 housing vouchers in the past, you may qualify in the future.
Pros and Cons
While HUD’s public housing program has made strides in recent years, significant challenges exist for families looking for safe, secure housing. Pros
HUD oversees public housing—and its landlords. This can mean that single mothers living in public housing have, in some cases, greater access to a landlord who can provide assistance with repairs when needed.Some public housing communities offer family-friendly activities and parenting classes, as well as financial counseling.
Cons
It can be difficult to transition to other forms of low-income housing.Many public housing communities are plagued with high crime rates.
