Many veterans may struggle to pay their bills depending on where they reside and how they are financially situated. Los Angeles, New York and San Francisco have higher costs of living than others. It can be stressful for veterans who are short of cash because they have no job or cannot find one that pays enough. However, there are programs that can help! For example, the Section 8 Assistance Program for Veterans, which makes it easier to pay your bills each month.
Housing Assistance for Veterans
Veterans often find it difficult to pay their housing bills because they take up a significant portion of their income. According to a recent report by the National Low Income Housing Coalition, to afford an average one-bedroom apartment across the nation, you’d need to earn at least $17.14/hour. For a two-bedroom average apartment, you’d need an hourly average of $21.21 to afford it.
Many veterans are struggling to pay the high rents for apartments and houses, as well as their salaries, which do not keep up with rising costs. It can be difficult to afford an apartment or a house, so it is important that veterans in need of assistance look into housing assistance programs. The Section 8 program is one of the most popular programs for veterans.
What is the Section 8 Assistance Program
Housing and Urban Development is the department that provides housing assistance to people across the nation. Veterans can get help with rent, finding affordable housing and home repairs through a variety of programs. Also, they will help people avoid foreclosure. Section 8 or Housing Choice Vouchers is one of HUD’s most popular programs.
Section 8 will assist veterans with low incomes who need to find affordable housing. Housing Choice Vouchers are vouchers given to those who meet the requirements for assistance. They can then be used towards their rent payment. The vouchers can be viewed as grants to help with rent or mortgage payments. The funds are not repaid, unlike a loan. The program does not pay your entire rent each month, but it pays a portion.
Additional Information About the Section 8 Assistance Program
- Participants can find their own housing. Participants are not required to live in a particular unit. Apartments, houses, and townhouses are all options.
- Section 8 vouchers for housing are funded by the federal government but distributed by local housing authorities.
- The grant is paid directly to the owner. You will have to choose a unit whose landlord accepts federal housing voucher payments.
- If you receive Section 8 housing assistance, then you can move. If you follow the correct plan, like following your lease, then moving is allowed.
Eligibility Requirements
- Low-Income Requirements
- Citizenship or Legal Immigrant
- Housing Unit must meet the health and safety requirements of HUD
How to Apply for the Section 8 Assistance Program
Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers can help veterans who are struggling to pay their rent or mortgage. Over the years, there have been many improvements to the program. You are no longer restricted to a specific complex. Today, the program allows you to choose the apartment or house of your choice as long as the landlord accepts the vouchers and it meets HUD safety standards.
If you are interested in Section 8 assistance, contact your local Public Housing Authority. You can find offices all over the country, but you will need to choose the closest one to your location. Section 8 Assistance Program for Veterans can be applied for in person. Visit their website to apply.
