Public Housing Agencies

If you feel that you need assistance for your rent payments, then you should get in contact with a public housing agency, or PHA.

What is a PHA?

A public housing agency is a local organization that implements the government’s public housing programs, including the distribution of housing choice vouchers (HCVs). They assist people in finding and renting low-income, affordable housing. They usually do this by funding part of the monthly payment for rent. However, rental units or houses must meet their guidelines.

Eligibility

Public housing is for those with low or very low income. The following determine if you are qualified:

- Your income must at most be at 50% of the median income for the area you will choose to live in.

- Your status affects your qualification, such as your age and disabilities, if any.

- Your family size and citizenship or immigration status also affects your qualifications.

Do take note that these factors not only affect your eligibility for assistance, but also how much assistance you qualify for.

Assistance

PHA’s, through housing choice vouchers (HCVs) have the following range of assistance packages. There may be slight differences in implementation or percentages, depending on your area. Your monthly rental assistance can be as follows:

- $25 minimum, up to $50 (as defined by the PHA)

- 10% of your monthly income

- 30% of your adjusted income

- welfare rent, if necessary

Application

Go to your nearest PHA to apply for low-income housing. Submit the following information:

- Name, age, sex, birth date and relationship to you (the applicant) of every person in the household

- Current address and telephone number

- Source of income and how your income projections for the next year

- Your reasons why you feel you should qualify for the assistance, such as circumstances or unforeseen hardships

- Name and contact information for your current and past landlords, employers, banks and other similar persons or institutions, for reference checks

The PHA may send representatives to your current home to interview you, and your family, as well as observe how your home situation is.

Sign up on the box at the right for more information on public housing agencies and other housing options.