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Do you need safe housing for your family, but are having a hard time affording it? You may be able to get aid from the federal government in the form of housing assistance. If you are in need of help with your rent, read through this guide on how to apply for a housing voucher.
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Introduction
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, or HUD, has a voucher program in place to assist low income families (as well as the elderly and disabled) in affording safe housing. Participants are able to choose their own place of residence (so long as it fulfills some basic requirements), and a housing subsidy is paid to the landlord so that the family only needs to pay the portion of rent that is not covered by the voucher. -
Step 1: Determine Eligibility
In order to receive a housing voucher, certain requirements must be met. First of all, the income of the family must, in most cases, not exceed 50% of the median income in their county or metro area. In addition, housing must be found by the family, and a security deposit may need to be paid to the landlord. A lease of at least one year must be drawn up, although after the lease expires it is acceptable to go month-to-month. Tenants must abide by all regulations, pay rent on time, and keep their house or apartment in good condition. http://www.hud.gov/offices/pih/programs/hcv/about/fact_sheet.cfm#3Step 2: Apply
To apply for a housing voucher, start by contacting your local Public Housing Agency (PHA). You can find the office nearest you on the www.hud.gov website. You may usually contact them by phone or email, and you may also inquire about housing help other than vouchers. Be prepared to show identification as well as proof of income, in addition to any other documentation that may be required. http://www.hud.gov/offices/pih/pha/contacts/Step 3: Be Prepared to Wait
Because the demand for housing vouchers is high, there is a good chance that you will be put on a waiting list until help is available for you. Keep in mind that preference generally goes to those who are homeless or in an unsafe housing situation, those who have been involuntarily displaced, and those whose income is less than half of their rent.- Because waiting lists can sometimes be very long, some patience is required. There are often more applicants than can be served in the near future, so a significant amount of time may pass before you are able to receive your voucher, even after you have been deemed eligible. http://www.hud.gov/offices/pih/programs/hcv/about/fact_sheet.cfm#3
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