The White House has just announced the return of one of the most popular and sought-after welfare benefits since the pandemic. The Housing Choice Voucher program is a proposal aimed at those who cannot achieve financial independence even with SNAP. Here’s what Section 8 just passed and how you can apply now.
Housing Choice Voucher program unveiled: Section 8 changes
The Housing Choice Voucher Program which is meant for the low income families and commonly known as Section 8 is a federal government program intending to help such families obtain decent, safe, and sanitary housing. The program is being financed the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
Under the plan, landlords receive vouchers that they can use to aid tenants a part of their rental costs. The program offers beneficiaries an option to get access to the private sector housing as long as the apartment/house/flat they choose meets specific requirements.
The rent under subsidized housing is split into two parts; the first part offerered by the individual will be paid to the landlord. The voucher program is a radical departure from the restricted living space typical of public housing since it explores alternative sources.
Housing Choice Voucher program eligibility: how to find out if you qualify
To qualify for the Housing Choice Voucher program, your household income must be below 50% of the median income for your area. The exact income limits vary by location and depend on the median income and fair market rents in your county or metropolitan area.
Some key things to know about income requirements:
-
Income eligibility is based on your household’s gross annual income. This includes income from all sources for all members of your household over the age of 18.
-
There are some exceptions. For example, income earned by live-in aides or children under 18 is not counted.
-
Your eligibility is not based on what you make right now, but on anticipated income over the next 12 months. The housing authority will ask for documents like pay stubs, tax returns, and statements to verify income.
-
Income limits are adjusted for household size, so larger families can earn somewhat more. There are also special exceptions for elderly and disabled households.
-
Even if your income exceeds the limit right now, you may still qualify if you have lost a job or had another significant loss of income recently.
The social benefits you can get with this housing program
The Housing Choice Voucher Program provides rental assistance to eligible low-income families, seniors, and people with disabilities. Recent legislation has expanded eligibility and increased funding for the program, making vouchers available to more households than ever before.
Some of the key changes include:
-
Income limits have been raised in many areas, allowing households earning up to 80% of the area median income to qualify. Previously, eligibility was capped at 50% of area median income in most communities.
-
Voucher set-asides have been increased for vulnerable groups like homeless veterans and families with children. This targets assistance to those most in need.
-
The definition of disability has been broadened to include more medical conditions. Applicants with a wider range of disabilities can now qualify.
-
Voucher time limits have been eliminated in some cases. Previously a household could only receive assistance for a certain number of years. Now some vouchers are renewable based on need.
-
More funding has been allocated to allow housing authorities to support more families. The number of vouchers available has substantially increased.
Thanks to legislative changes, updated income limits, and expanded eligibility criteria, Section 8 rental assistance is now accessible to a wider segment of the population. The program can help even more low-income families, seniors, and disabled individuals obtain quality, affordable housing.
As you can see, the Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8) is available now, although the application period is limited. The key is its compatibility with new social benefits that have been granted, such as SNAP or the new brackets to apply for stimulus checks. These are the changes we have been showing you, and we will let you know if there are more.
