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Do You Qualify for Nevada's Section 8 Housing?
Section 8 Housing is a Federal Government program administered through the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development. The program was created back in just about 75 years ago with the passage of the Housing Act of 1937. Eligibility is tied to an individual's or family's income. Nationally, it helps more than 3 million people move into clean and safe homes and apartments that they otherwise would not be able to afford.
While the program was first started to deal with the housing problems created as a result of the Great Depression, over the years, it has been amended many times to meet the current needs of the population. Each State has its own Housing Authority or similar organization that handles the local administrative duties. They receive funding from the Federal Government to subsidize qualified applicants. In Nevada, Section 8 Housing is available to low income families and individuals. It helps the elderly, disabled and anyone who is truly in need of housing assistance.
THE HOUSING CHOICE VOUCHER PROGRAM
Participants in the Section 8 program in Nevada receive vouchers which they can use to move into an approved Section 8 property. The program strives to keep the amount the tenant pays toward rent to no more than 30% of their monthly income. The remainder of the rent charged by the landlord is subsidized through Section 8.
INCOME LIMITATIONS
In Nevada, the general rule is that your monthly income may be no more than 50% of the median household income in the city or area where you live. In some rare situations, you may be able to qualify for assistance with an income equal to as much as 80% of the median income. In Nevada, 75% of all funds go to help families and individuals that have 30% or less of the State's median income. As an example, for a family of 4 in Las Vegas or Clark County, the median income is approximately $64,000. That means that most families of 4 must have an annual income of $32,000 or less to qualify.
TYPES OF HOUSING
A portion of Nevada's Section 8 funding is set aside for individuals to choose where they would prefer to live. Funding is available for private, single family homes, apartment complexes and other property specifically intended to house Section 8 recipients. Many participants in the program live in the same building as those who do not require any assistance in paying the rent. No one, other than the landlord has to know that you are receiving assistance with your rent.
LIMITATIONS ON WHERE YOU CAN LIVE
You can live in any approved Section 8 housing. Landlords can not charge more than the fair market value for the property they are renting. There are limits on how much money you can receive as a subsidy. As of the writing of this article, the maximum monthly voucher amount is $2,200.
WHAT HAPPENS IF YOUR INCOME INCREASES?
If you are currently receiving assistance based on the amount you earned last year and your income increases, you can still receive housing vouchers. You are required to report any change of income. Your subsidy will be reduced as your income rises and your rent moves closer to 30% of your total income. The subsidy will stop if your rent/income moves below 30%.
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