The United States government has launched several programs to help low-income people rent affordable housing.
The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) helps low-income people, the elderly, people living with disabilities, giving money to states and building owners that provide housing opportunities for low-income people.
There are three types of HUD-supported programs:
- Privately owned subsidized housing in which the government pays landlords to offer reduced rents to low-income tenants.
- Public housing offers affordable rental homes or apartments for low-income families, seniors, and people with disabilities.
- Housing choice voucher program in which you find a rental property yourself and use the voucher to pay all or part of the rent.
More information in the following link: https://www.usa.gov/finding-home
Supports for the payment of rent
The COVID-19 Rent Assistance and Eviction Moratoriumprogram is designed so that people who lost their job or their source of income during the pandemic, can obtain assistance in paying rent.
HUD supports tenants in paying rent through state offices. Learn more information by clicking here or by calling the following number: 877-542-972. This program has been extended until June 30, 2021.
Another support measure by the US government is the ban on evictions from rental housing, which was ordered by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This measure began in September 2020 and has also been extended until June 30 of this year.
To be eligible there are several conditions:
- You have tried to get help from the government for rent or housing.
- You do not earn more than $ 99,000 in the 2020-2021 calendar year ($ 198,000 if you are a couple filing jointly).
- You did NOT receive a COVID-19 stimulus payment.
- You cannot pay the full rent due to significantly reduced income or high medical bills.
- You are paying as much as you can for the rent.
- If you are evicted, you will be homeless or have to move in with other people indoors.
- You understand that at the end of the prohibition, the landlord can evict you if you do not pay all the rent owed.
Get help in your search from a housing counselor: https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/housing/sfh/hcc or by phone: 1-800-569-4287.
