Federal grants can help you find a safe, sanitary, and decent place to live.

The HUD Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program helps very low-income families, the elderly, and the disabled rent an apartment by providing housing vouchers. Housing vouchers allow you to find and rent a housing unit in the private market at an affordable price. This is administered locally by public housing agencies (PHAs). They also determine if your family meets the HUD Section 8 housing requirements.

To qualify for the program, you must:

• Be a U.S. citizen or have eligible immigration status for non-citizens
• Have an annual gross income that doesn’t exceed 50% of the median income
• Choose a housing unit that meets minimum standards of health and safety
• Reach an agreement with the landlord over the lease terms
• Make sure that you can pay rent on time

You are free to choose any housing unit as long as it meets HUD Section 8 housing requirements. This includes single-family homes, townhouses, apartments, and even your present residence. The PHA will inspect the unit and decides if the rent is practical. The PHA pays a housing subsidy directly to the landlord on behalf of your family. You would only have to pay the difference between the rent and the amount paid by the program.  

Housing units must also meet HUD Section 8 housing requirements:

• Each house/apartment must have at least a living room, bathroom, and kitchen
• One-room efficiency apartments must have one kitchen area and a separate bathroom for your family’s private use
• There must be one living/sleeping room for every two family members

Fill up the box above to find out what housing assistance programs you may qualify for.