What many people don’t realize is that Section 8 encompasses an entire housing program at the federal level. Part of Section 8 is the housing voucher program. Its purpose is to make affordable and safe housing available to low income and below-the poverty line households.
Over the last 10 years, the housing voucher program has undergone several changes to accommodate low income families n changing markets and increased housing demands. For households who were previously unable to access housing in decent neighborhoods, these programs have made a significant difference to their lives including their futures.
How to Qualify for Section 8 Housing?
According to the housing voucher program, applicants must earn 80% of the region or state’s median income. As more people have relied on the financial assistance programs owing to fewer affordable housing options in the US, there is a waiting list for section 8 applicants. World events including COVID-19 have seen a significant rise in the number of people who are seeking financial relief and rental aid with housing voucher programs.
In the US alone, cities have seen an exponential rise in applicants with some including over 300 000 applications. The state believes in providing very low income families priority in housing applications which have resulted in many people waiting for voucher assistance for years.
Who Can Apply for Section 8 Housing
A household can apply for section 8 and is defined as any applicant consisting of 1 person or 10 people.
Qualifying income is another important factor. Households should not earn a combined income in excess of $20 000 per year.
Households with children will receive preference and may access additional government benefits with housing vouchers.
While Section 8 has provided successful rental assistance for many households. Unfortunately, the rising demand for housing and an inability to provide low income rentals to applicants has resulted in a backlog for singles and for many families.
Additional programs involving rent assistance and second chance apartments provide relief for those who need support; however, the ability for US agencies and government to continue to provide decent and secure housing for qualifying persons.
