Do you need to know how to apply for housing assistance? One of the most basic needs of every individual is good shelter. No matter if you are in a home that is inadequate for the needs of your family, you have low income or have medical issues that make it difficult for you to obtain affordable housing, housing assistance may be available to help you provide a safe and secure home for your family.

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is the federal department in charge of ensuring families have access to affordable housing. HUD works with state and local agencies to help provide subsidized housing, rent assistance, emergency housing options and even links to home purchasing programs. While each program may have different income caps and qualifications, you can learn how to apply for housing assistance through this helpful guide.

One of the most common forms of housing assistance is rent assistance. Public housing can be in the form of apartments, single-family homes or other living accommodations. According to HUD, more than 1.2 million families live in public housing in the United States.http://www.hud.gov/offices/pih/programs/ph

To apply for Rental Housing Assistance:

1. Contact your local HUD office for a list of subsidized rentals in your area.
2. Fill out a rental assistance application. You will usually need to provide proof of income, benefits statements if you are on public assistance, and proof of your recurring expenses such as child care and medical expenses.
3. If there is not a public housing unit that meets your needs, apply for a Section 8 Rent subsidy that allows you to arrange your own housing, but receive a subsidy to offset the higher cost of a regular rental over the cost of public housing.
4. Once you have been approved by HUD for assistance, locate a rental apartment or home that meet’s your family’s needs.

If you are currently in a home and struggling to pay your mortgage, there is help available through the Making Home Affordable government program.

To apply for Mortgage refinancing or modification assistance:

1. Determine if you are eligible for assistance by using the free eligibility tool on MakingHomeAffordable.gov website.
2. If you pass through the pre-qualification tool, contact your current mortgage company. Ask to be considered for a Home Affordable Modification or Refinancing.
3. Process all paperwork as requested by your mortgage company
4. If you are already behind on payments, or have difficulties working with your mortgage company, contact a HUD housing counselor at 888-995-4673.http://makinghomeaffordable.gov

If you are facing foreclosure on your home and need assistance, you can obtain housing assistance that may be able to help you save your home.

1. Contact Hope Now at 888-995-HOPE and talk to a housing counselor. They work with mortgage companies, Home Affordable programs and local organizations to help you work through a financial plan that can help you save your home.http://www.hopenow.com
2. After discussing your options with a counselor, contact your mortgage company to work through a plan to obtain housing assistance.