Section 8 + Housing Assist

Requirements

The Section 8 program is one of the largest—and oldest—government programs aimed at helping people find affordable housing.

The qualifications are different for every state. Make sure to look up your state requirements to find the specific qualifications needed for the application.

• A household must make a total income below 50% of the median for their area. If you qualify, you would need to pay 30% of your total income towards rent. 
• The applicant must be a current citizen of the United States or have eligible immigration status. Social securities numbers will be asked along with this information.
• Certain crimes bar the acceptance into the Section 8 program, which include malpractice with past federal housing and others which depend on the state. 

http://hud.gov/contactus/public-housing-contacts 

The information required on the application includes: names, social security numbers, birthdates and income information for all individuals living in the household must be included. Income is defined as: Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF), Social Security Retirement, Social Security Disability, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), pensions, child support, alimony, unemployment, temporary disability, wages, self-employment earning, etc., for all individuals living in the household.

Upon successful completion of the application process, you will be placed on a waiting list. Unfortunately, due to long waiting lists, 1 in 4 households eligible actually receive it.

The waiting time may be years, so you should apply to the other programs listed in the email while you wait. Priority is given to families who earn less than 30% of the median area income. 

Good luck if you choose to apply!