Being disabled gives people a number of challenges. One thing that people are not always familiar with are the challenges that arise when finding housing when you are disabled. Not only do those who are disabled often need special accommodations to help them in the home, but they may have more difficulty paying for housing, too. The good news is that the federal government offers Section 8 housing for disabled adults.
Section 8 housing is a program that is offered through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The program has a mission of ensuring that everyone has access to affordable housing, including those who are disabled. There are a variety of ways that they help to ensure that people get their housing needs met, including having specific units owned by the government that people can live in, and helping people to pay their rent at a place they picked out to live at.
What to Know About Section 8 Housing for Disabled Adults
If you are disabled or know someone who is you will want to know about section 8 housing before applying for it. This way you will have a good understanding of what the program includes, who it is for, and what to expect if you do get approved. The more you know going into it, the less surprised or disappointed you will be with the process and outcome.
Here are some important facts to keep in mind about Section 8 housing for disabled adults:
- The Section 8 program, as it was once called, is typically now referred to as the Housing Choice Vouchers program. The program is federally funded, so it is available across the country. There are offices in each state that handle the Section 8 program for that state.
- While the program is open to disabled adults, it can also include your family as well. If you are disabled and have others who live with you, you have kids, or you are married, then the whole family may qualify for the housing assistance.
- The government owns some publish housing structures, such as apartment buildings, around the country. They allow people to live in these buildings if they have a low income. Typically, people live rent free in the Section 8 units.
- In addition, the government will allow you to choose wherever you want to live, as long as it meets their basic guidelines. They will provide a voucher to help pay for your housing. The voucher will pay for all or part of what your monthly rent is. When opting to go the route of using a voucher you are not bound to having to choose the subsidized housing that they have.
- Vouchers are paid directly to the homeowner. If you are approved for the program you will not receive the payment. This way they can ensure that the rent is paid for each month on your behalf.
- All houses in the voucher program must meet some safety guidelines, including having a HUD inspection. This is a requirement so they know you will be living in a home that is safe and not in need of serious repairs. HUD wants everyone receiving help to be in safe, sanitary housing conditions.
Eligibility Requirements and Applying
To qualify for Section 8 housing or the Housing Voucher Program you will have to meet some eligibility requirements. The main requirement is that your income must be low income and meet their guidelines. They will review your income, as well as your asset information.
You can apply for Section 8 housing for disabled with an office in your state. Each state has a HUD office, so locate the one that is near you, and begin the application process. Some states or particular areas may have a wait list. This happens if you live in an area that has a high Section 8 housing demand. Your current housing situation will help determine where you get placed on the wait list.
In addition to these programs, they will also help you pay your rent if you are disabled and low income and need assistance. You will still need to meet the low-income requirements, but depending on your situation you may be able to stay in your current housing situation and get help paying the monthly rent. The HUD programs also help people to stay in their home, so if you are a homeowner who is having financial difficulties they may help you prevent losing your home.
To get more information or apply, click here.