What is Section 8 Housing and How to Find Housing Near You
There are many benefits in the United States that were created for low-income individuals to provide additional assistance and even out the playing field. Some of these benefits are well known, such as food stamps, Social Security, and Medicaid. Others are talked about much less, and people often find out about these benefits through social workers or other means.
Section 8 Housing is a benefit that is not as well-known as the others, but it can make all the difference for a family that is in need. In this article, we will discuss what the Section 8 housing benefit is and how you can find housing that is covered under Section 8.
What is Section 8 Housing and How to Find Housing Near You
What is Section 8?
Section 8 is a housing choice voucher that is offered by the federal government to assist low-income families, the elderly, and disabled individuals in finding housing and affording housing.
This program is important because it provides dignity to those who need housing assistance by allowing them to select their own housing to use their vouchers on (so long as the housing meets program requirements).
The eligibility requirements for Section 8 housing must not exceed 50% of the median income for where the family will be living. These requirements are decided by the Public Housing Authority.
How to Find Section 8 Housing?
Section 8 housing can be found by searching for subsidized housing online. You can find available housing through online resources, such as the Housing and Urban Development portal. This portal is a map that details each available low-income and Section 8 available rental space.
On this map, you will find homes and apartments that accept Section 8 housing vouchers to provide assistance to those who need it. You may also be able to find additional websites that list homes and apartments that are available for Section 8, including some on Zillow and even Facebook Marketplace.
These dwellings will need to be inspected and approved after you secure where you want to live. The housing authority will then need to approve where you have chosen in order for you to receive vouchers to live there. Finally, after you sign your lease, you will be able to live with rent assistance as long as you are eligible!
Conclusion
To conclude, we hope that you have learned enough about Section 8 housing to take advantage of this useful benefit for American families. If you qualify for Section 8, it is likely that other government benefits are available to you as well. You should look into food stamps, Medicaid, and SSI benefits to see if you also qualify.
Another government benefit that is available to those who are below the federal poverty line is the Lifeline benefit. Lifeline is a federal communications assistance program that uses cellphone providers to implement reduced communications bills for low-income Americans. Those who qualify for Lifeline can use Safelink Wireless to receive this benefit and may be eligible for a free smartphone. If you are interested in the Lifeline benefit through Safelink Wireless, click here! Learn more on how to get Low Income Cell Phone Service Kentucky.
