Once you understand the HUD public housing support program and what it consists of, some questions may arise that will be followed up on:
Who qualifies?
Public housing is only for low-income families and individuals. A local housing agency determines if you qualify based on:
- Your annual gross income
- If you qualify as elderly, disabled or family
- Your citizenship or eligible immigration status.
If you qualify, the housing agency will check your references to make sure you and your family are good tenants. Housing agencies will not admit any applicant whose habits and practices may have a detrimental effect on other tenants or on the project environment.
Housing agencies use an income limit developed by HUD, which sets the low income limit at 80% and the very low income limit at 50% of the metropolitan area median income for the county in which you choose to live.
HUD develops limits based on medical family income estimates and fair market area definitions for each area. Metro sections vary from area to area, therefore, you may qualify for one public agency and not another.
How does the application process work?
The request must be submitted in writing. To be completed by the applicant or the housing agency representative. The housing agency usually needs to gather the following information to determine if you qualify:
- The names of all persons who would live in the unit, their gender, date of birth, and their relationship to the head of household
- Your current address and phone number
- Family characteristics (eg, veteran) or circumstances (eg, living in substandard housing) that might qualify the family based on tenant selection preferences
- The names and addresses of your current and former tenants to gather information about your family’s suitability as tenants
- An estimate of your anticipated family income for the next 12 months and the source of that income;
- Names and addresses of employers, banks, or other information the HA may need to verify your income and deductions, and to verify family composition
- The PHA may also visit you at your home to interview you and your family members to see how you are doing with maintaining your current home.
After obtaining this information, the HA representative should describe the public housing program and its requirements, and answer any questions you may have.
Will it be necessary to present any documentation?
Yes, the HA representative will request all necessary documentation (eg, birth certificates, tax returns) to verify the information provided on your application. The PHA will also use direct verification from your employer, etc.
You will be asked to sign a form to authorize the release of the pertinent information to the PHA.
When will it be notified?
The HA must notify you in writing if it has determined that you qualify, your name will be placed on a waiting list, unless the HA is able to provide immediate assistance. If you are found to be ineligible, the HA must tell you why, and you may request an informal hearing if you wish.
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