What is social housing in the United States?
If you don’t have money to rent an apartment, the government will help. Social housing in America is affordable apartments or houses for the poor. People with low incomes are eligible to apply for financial assistance. The government “adds” part of the rent through the Section 8 program. It is funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
Imagine the situation: a young immigrant family lives in California. The wife stays home with the baby, the husband works as a cab driver, his monthly salary is $3,000. Rent for a 2bdr (two-bedroom apartment) costs about $2,000 on average. The money is in short supply. The family applies for federal benefits, the apartment costs are down to a thousand dollars. Now they don’t have to survive. They buy an inexpensive car, quality clothes, shoes, new appliances. Everything, except rent, is available to all U.S. residents here.
Briefly about social programs
If you know your rights, you can get almost anything for free in America. If you can’t afford food, get SNAP (or foodstamp). This is the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. The money goes to a special debit card. You can use it at almost any grocery store.
Poor people have Medicaid and Medicare benefits:
Medicaid is health insurance for people with low incomes.
Medicare is for seniors and people with disabilities.
There are also many benefits. For example, eligibility for Supplemental Security Income, tax credits, and other benefits.
Who is eligible for social housing and under what conditions?
It is easy to apply for affordable housing. But waiting for your turn is problematic. Competition is fierce. Sometimes 7-8 thousand families with low income qualify for a hundred apartments at a time. It’s a lottery. The list of winners is formed at random. But it’s worth a try.
The concept of low income varies from state to state. Generally, income cannot exceed 50% of the median annual income. You verify this information at your place of residence. Single people and families with children may participate in the lottery. Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
There are two types of programs: Tenant Based and Project Based. In simple terms:
Tenant Based – you get a voucher and choose your own apartment to rent.
Project Based – you are assigned to a specific apartment. The assistance applies to a specific address.