Low income families can find affordable housing through Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers, public housing, USDA rural housing programs, and state and local rental assistance programs. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) provides billions of dollars annually to help low income Americans afford safe, decent housing.
With rising rent costs across the country, housing assistance programs are more important than ever. Whether you need help paying rent, finding affordable apartments, avoiding eviction, or becoming a homeowner, there are federal, state, and local programs available to help.
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Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers
Section 8 is the largest federal housing assistance program, helping over 2 million low income families afford rental housing in the private market. Participants receive a voucher that pays a portion of their rent directly to the landlord. Tenants typically pay 30% of their adjusted gross income toward rent, with the voucher covering the difference up to a fair market rent limit.
Section 8 Eligibility
- Income limit: Generally 50% of area median income (varies by location)
- Priority: Families below 30% of area median income
- Citizenship: At least one household member must be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen
- Background: Criminal background screening varies by housing authority
Public Housing
Public housing provides affordable rental units owned and operated by local housing authorities. There are approximately 1 million public housing units across the country. Rent is typically set at 30% of the family's adjusted gross income. Eligible families include those with very low incomes, elderly individuals, and persons with disabilities.
Rental Assistance Programs
Beyond Section 8, many rental assistance programs help low income families. Community action agencies administer Emergency Rental Assistance. Churches provide rent help. The Salvation Army, Catholic Charities, and St. Vincent de Paul offer emergency rent payments. State and local governments have their own rental assistance programs.
First-Time Homebuyer Programs
Low income families can become homeowners through HUD's FHA loans, USDA rural development loans, VA home loans for veterans, state housing finance agency programs, and down payment assistance grants. Many programs offer low or zero down payment options and below-market interest rates.
Emergency Housing Assistance
If you face eviction or homelessness, emergency housing options include homeless shelters, transitional housing, emergency hotel vouchers through social services, rapid rehousing programs, and domestic violence shelters. Call 211 for immediate housing assistance or the National Homeless Hotline at 1-800-786-2929.
USDA Rural Housing Programs
The USDA offers housing programs for rural communities including direct home loans with no down payment, home repair grants and loans for elderly homeowners, rental assistance in rural areas, and mutual self-help housing programs where families build their own homes.
How to Apply for Housing Assistance
Application Steps
- Section 8: Apply through your local Public Housing Authority (find at HUD.gov)
- Public Housing: Apply at your local housing authority
- Rental Assistance: Contact your local community action agency or call 211
- Homebuyer Programs: Contact your state housing finance agency
- Emergency Housing: Call 211 or visit your local social services office
Frequently Asked Questions
Apply through your local Public Housing Authority. Find your PHA at HUD.gov. Due to high demand, many PHAs have waiting lists that can be months or years long. Apply to multiple PHAs to increase your chances.
Section 8 requires income below 50% of area median income. Public housing eligibility varies by location. Emergency rental assistance typically serves households below 80% of area median income. Income limits vary by family size and location.
Section 8 waiting lists vary dramatically by location, from several months to several years. Some housing authorities have closed waiting lists. Check with multiple PHAs in your area and apply whenever lists open.
