Increasingly, seniors in America are struggling financially. As things have become more expensive, they are finding it more challenging to make ends meet. This is especially true when it comes to paying for their housing needs. Many seniors around the country are finding it difficult to pay for their rent or mortgage, which leaves them wondering how they will afford housing or if they will become homeless.
The good news is that there is a federal program that seniors can turn to for help with their housing needs. The program, referred to as Section 8, is provided by the federal government and is open to all seniors who meet the program’s qualifications. Those who meet the program’s qualifications will find they get the help they need to pay for their rent and will not be faced with homelessness.
About Section 8 for Seniors
The federal government created programs such as Section 8 to reduce homelessness and help vulnerable populations with their housing needs. Seniors are one of the country’s most vulnerable groups because they tend to live on fixed incomes and may not be able to work to supplement their income. It is essential that they have help ensuring their housing needs are being met.
The Section 8 program is also known as the Housing Voucher program. It is administered by the Housing and Urban Development (HUD), which is an agency of the federal government. HUD has an office in every state and their mission is to help the people in that state with their housing needs. Anyone, including seniors, who have housing needs or are struggling with having a place to live can contact their state’s HUD office to inquire about options available to them. One of those options is the Section 8 program, which helps many seniors avoid homelessness and helps keep their rent paid.
How Section 8 Works
Seniors who need assistance paying their rent can apply for Section 8, and if they are approved, the program will help them pay their rent each month. Here is how the program works for seniors who need financial assistance to pay for housing:
- Seniors should find an approved place to live. They may already live in the housing unit they want help paying for, or they may look for a new location. The one qualification that must be met is that the house has to meet the safety standards set forth by HUD. If the house meets these safety standards, then it should qualify.
- Next, seniors will want to apply for the Section 8 program. This can be done by contacting your state’s HUD office. That office can walk you through the procedure to apply for the rent assistance program. You may need to visit a local HUD office or public housing authority office. There are many public housing authority offices in each state, and they are often located near larger cities.
- Those having difficulty finding affordable housing options in their area should contact HUD or their local public housing authority office. They will be able to provide information about affordable housing options in each area of the state.
- When applying for the program, you will have to submit financial information as well as asset information. Seniors will need to meet low income requirements in order to be approved for the program. The general rule of thumb on the amount you can have and still be approved is that the household income cannot be more than 50% of the median income for the metropolitan area or county that you live in. This differs around the country, so there’s no set amount. That figure will be determined by the area of the country that you live in, as well as the area of the state you live in.
Other Things to Know
It is important to be aware that this program is very popular and helps many people around the country. As such, it may not provide everyone with immediate assistance. There are waiting lists in some areas, which means that you may apply, and it could be weeks or months before you get the assistance you need. This is due to more people needing assistance than what the program can comfortably provide.
There are some instances that can move you up the waitlist, including if you are homeless, living in what is considered substandard housing, or if are paying more than 50% of your income to house. People who have been displaced involuntarily are also given a quicker response time. No matter what the response time may be, it is important to apply as soon as you know you will need the assistance.
Taking the Next Step
To take the next step and get help from the Section 8 program, it is important to contact your state’s HUD office or your local public housing authority office. There you will be able to get detailed information, instructions on applying, and get the process started. The sooner you get the application process started, the sooner you will be able to get help paying for you rent.
To get more information about Section 8, click here.
To find your state’s HUD office, click here.
HUD helps more people with their housing needs in the country than any other single program. Each year, they help millions of people around the country, including many seniors. The federal government allocates around $60 billion per year to help people in all states with their housing needs, with about half of that going to Section 8 programs alone.
Section 8 is a program that helps many seniors who are struggling to pay for their rent. The program will ensure that rent is paid and that seniors are living in housing units that meet basic safety standards. This brings comfort to many people who would otherwise be living in substandard housing units or would otherwise be homeless. HUD can also help ensure that people are able to find affordable options in their area, if they are having difficulty locating such places.
