Section 8 Assistance Program for Veterans

There are over 18 million veterans living in the United States. Depending on where they live and what their financial circumstances are, many of them may find that they struggle to pay the bills. Some areas of the country, such as Los Angeles, New York, and San Francisco, have a much higher cost of living than other places. Whether some veterans find themselves short on cash due to being between jobs or because they are unable to find a job that pays a high enough wage, it can be a stressful situation. The good news is that there is help, such as the Section 8 assistance program for veterans, which will make it easier to make ends meet each month.

 Housing Assistance for Veterans

 Housing is one of the most challenging bills that veterans pay, because it’s usually such a large portion of one’s income. A recent research report by the National Low Income Housing Coalition stated that to afford the average one-bedroom apartment in the country, you would need to make a salary of at least $17.14 per hour. To afford an average two-bedroom apartment in the country, you would need to earn an average hourly salary of $21.21 per hour.

 With the high cost of rent for houses and apartments, along with the salaries that are not keeping pace with the rising costs, it causes a strain for many veterans. Affording an apartment or house can be a challenge, which makes it important for struggling veterans to consider housing assistance programs that are available. One of the most popular and widespread programs is the Section 8 assistance program for veterans.

 Section 8 Assistance for Veterans

 The Housing and Urban Development (HUD) department of the government is in charge of helping people around the country with housing assistance. They offer numerous programs that will help veterans pay their rent, locate affordable housing, and even obtain necessary repairs on their home. They will also help people to avoid foreclosure. One of the popular programs offered by HUD is Section 8, otherwise known as Housing Choice Vouchers.

 The Section 8 assistance program for veterans will help those who have a low income and need affordable housing options. With Housing Choice Vouchers, those who qualify for the assistance are given vouchers that can be used toward their rent payments. The vouchers are considered grants that help pay for the rent or mortgage payment. Unlike a loan, the funds never have to be paid back. The program doesn’t pay all of your rent, but it does pay a portion of it each month.

Here are some additional things to know about Section 8 assistance for veterans:

·         Participants are able to locate their own housing. They do not have to stick with living in any particular housing units. They can choose from apartments, houses, townhouses, etc.

·         The Section 8 housing vouchers are funded through the federal government, but they are distributed through local housing authorities.

·         The grant payments are made directly to the landlord. This means that you will need to select a housing unit where the landlord is willing to accept federal housing voucher payments.

·         Eligibility requirements for the Section 8 assistance program for veterans include meeting the low income requirements, and being a citizen or legal immigrant. You will also need to verify such things as your income and identity.

·         The housing unit that you select for the Section 8 voucher program will need to meet the health and safety requirements set forth by HUD.

·         You are not stuck in one housing until because you are receiving Section 8 assistance. Moving is permitted, providing the right plan is followed, such as following the terms of your lease.

 Applying for Section 8 Assistance

 Veterans who need help paying for their rent or mortgage may qualify for assistance through the Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers program. The program has made many changes over the years, and today you are not bound to staying in specific complexes. With the program today, you have the ability to live in the house or apartment of your choice, providing the landlord will accept the vouchers and the unit meets the HUD safety standards.

 Those interested in applying for Section 8 assistance need to contact their local Public Housing Authority. There are offices around the nation, so you need locate the one that is closest to your area. You can apply for the Section 8 assistance program for veterans in person. To apply, click here.