Who Can Help When Paying Your Rent?
- HUD's affordable housing programs provide a rental subsidy to low-income families, seniors and people with disabilities. Tenants that live in Public Housing or those that receive a Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher are responsible for paying 30 percent of their income toward rent. HUD pays the remaining portion. HUD's Homelessness and Rapid Re-Housing Program provides money for homeless families or those at-risk of becoming homeless to secure permanent housing. The temporary assistance can be used to pay for up to 18 months of rent, a security deposit, utility fees and other moving expenses.
- The Department of Veteran Affairs has created a partnership with HUD to provide 20,000 Section 8 vouchers to homeless veterans. The veteran must lack an adequate night residence to qualify for this housing program. The veteran must participate in case management services such as substance abuse counseling to ensure he can maintain his residential stability. The Supportive Services for Veteran Families provides one-time grants for homeless veteran families to secure housing. The money can be used to pay for rent, a security deposit and other expenses. The family can receive help with child care, transportation and legal services.
- The Department of Treasury has allocated money to states that had 20 percent declines in property values and unstable unemployment rates. The Hardest Hit Fund provides money to homeowners who have had to sell their home to avoid foreclosure. The transition assistance can be used to pay for rent and a security deposit. To qualify for help, the home that was sold must have been the primary residence. The homeowner must be low- to moderate-income and be able to demonstrate she has suffered a financial hardship.
- The Making Home Affordable's HAFA program helps homeowners who have sold their home to avoid foreclosure with relocation expenses. Up to $3,000 is provided to homeowners that can be used to pay for rent and other costs of moving. You don't have to be low- to moderate-income to qualify for help. You must have occupied the home in the 12 months prior to it being sold. Also, the unpaid principal balance on the loan before the home was sold could not have exceeded $729,750.