Tough Times? Rent Assistance Options to Consider

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Tough Times? Rent Assistance Options to Consider

Emily Gojko · Sep 30, 2009

If you have a late rent payment, or can’t pay your rent at all, it may be time to consider rent assistance. There are different programs available to U.S. citizens that can provide assistance in these tough economic times.

Public Housing Program

The Public Housing Program is offered through HUD (Department of Housing and Urban Development). It must be applied for through your local HUD field office, or local PHA (Public Housing Authority). Public housing provides low-rent housing to low-income families and individuals. Income limits are established by each PHA, and can greatly vary. Generally to qualify, your income must be no more than 80% of the set income limits for your area and family size. Public housing developments are managed by the PHA. You may or may not be able to choose where you live depending upon the housing resources at that time. Rent is determined based upon your income, and generally you are required to sign a lease for the apartment.

Housing Choice Voucher Program

The Housing Choice Voucher Program, also known as Section 8 Housing, is another option available when rent assistance is required. This program is also run by the HUD, and your local PHA, and must be applied for through them. Like the Public Housing Program, their are income limits established for individual areas. The difference between the Housing Choice Voucher Program and the Public Housing program is that the Housing Choice Voucher Program gives accepted applicants the ability to choose where they live. Qualifying apartments or homes are not managed by the HUD or PHA, but private landlords. The government subsidizes the rent and pays a portion directly to the landlord. The tenant is responsible for the remainder, as determined by the HUD or PHA.

Other Government Programs

If you do not qualify for the Public Housing Program of Housing Choice Vouchers, you may qualify for other government programs, such as state run health insurance or state assistance with child care expenses. By saving money on health insurance, child care, or other expenses, you will have more money available to cover your rent payments. For example, instead of paying the full cost out of pocket for health insurance, you may be able to qualify for substantially less expensive health insurance through your state government. This could save you for a family of four $1000 or more per month.

Private Charities for Assistance

Private charities should not be discounted either during these hard times. While not a permanent solution, there are charities that offer temporary housing until you get back on your feet. Some of these charities also offer assistance to low-income families and individuals to find low-rent apartments. In the same way as through other government programs, charities are also available to assist with non-rent items, such as clothing, utilities and child care, freeing up money for you to use towards rent payments.

If you are unable to pay your rent, and require rent assistance, there are options out there. Research, investigate and be resourceful. During these touch economic times it is important to stay positive.

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Emily Gojko: I am a writer, marketer, and manager with a strong background in real estate development and management. I am also a native New Yorker with an obsession for home design shows, so I have personal and professional experience making the most of small spaces, and dealing with good and bad living situations.

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