Let’s face it: rent can eat up a big portion of your monthly income. Between groceries, childcare, and the everyday expenses that snowball into big monthly bills, keeping up with monthly rent can feel like a never-ending struggle. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. The good news is, there are programs that are designed to help.
We’ll break down some of the best rent assistance programs for low-income families, how they work, and how to access them.
The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program is one of the most well-known federal programs that helps low-income families pay rent. Instead of putting you in government housing, the program gives you the freedom to choose where to live by providing a voucher to help cover rent in eligible housing of your choice.
You receive a voucher that covers part or all of your monthly rent. The government pays your landlord directly, and you pay the difference. This voucher can be used in any housing that meets the program requirements. Eligibility is based on your income, your family’s size, and your status as a U.S. citizen. You can apply through your local public housing agency.
Due to limited funding and resources, many people end up on a waitlist for months or years. According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP), only 1 in 4 eligible families actually receive help due to limited funding.
Project-Based Rental Assistance (PRBA) is another type of assistance under the Section 8 program that subsidizes certain housing units for qualifying tenants. Instead of being tied to you, the subsidy is tied to the building or unit.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development pays a portion of the rent to the property owners, allowing them to lower your rent. However, if you move, the subsidy doesn’t move with you. Like the Housing Choice Voucher program, your eligibility is based on income, family size, and citizenship status.
Both Section 8 programs are great options, and many people apply to both to increase their odds of qualifying.
Subsidized housing refers to apartment units that are priced below the market rate to help low-income families afford the rent.
The government pays the owners of an apartment complex or other housing unit to make rent in their building more affordable for qualifying tenants. The unit itself is subsidized, so if you move out, you lose the subsidy.
Each city or county has its own rules for qualifying income. Contact your nearest public housing agency to find out if you’re eligible. If you are eligible for subsidized housing, you can search for subsidized units near you using the HUD map.
Public housing is a type of subsidized housing that is owned and operated by the government. Tenants typically pay 30% of their adjusted monthly income, which is your income after certain deductions are applied.
Eligibility varies by location, but generally depends on your income, family size, and citizenship status. Units are managed by your local Public Housing Agency (PHA), so to learn if you are eligible, consult your local public housing agency. Some states may require you to apply in person.
The HOME Investment Partnerships Program is a federal program that gives money to local governments to build affordable housing, help with rent, and offer move-in assistance.
Local organizations decide how to use HOME funds to support affordable housing efforts. You might receive help with security deposits, down payments, first month’s rent, or short-term rental support.
This program is different from some of the others we’ve mentioned. HOME funding is given to organizations, so it’s not something individuals can directly apply for. You can receive HOME assistance by finding a local program through your city or county housing office.
LIHTC encourages developers to build affordable housing by giving them tax credits. While you can’t apply to LIHTC directly, it increases the number of affordable apartments available in your area.
Thanks to LIHTC, more affordable apartments are being built all over the country. These apartments have rent caps based on the area’s average income.
To find LIHTC properties near you, check the LIHTC database.
If you’re a veteran, you may qualify for specialized programs through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs that provide rent and housing assistance. To apply, contact your local VA office.
This program combines Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers with supportive services from the VA such as healthcare and mental health treatment. Through HUD-VASH, veterans receive a voucher that covers a portion of their rent.
This program helps veterans and their families who are homeless or at risk of losing their homes by providing case management and supportive services.
Don’t overlook state and city-level programs! Even if you don’t qualify for federal aid, your state or city may its own programs to help with rent and housing. Visit your local housing authority or call 211 for info.
The overdraft charges, the late fees, the looming threat of eviction… all of it creates a domino effect that can really take a toll on your bank account and your mental health. Whether you're looking for long-term help like Section 8, short-term relief through emergency vouchers, or support from local nonprofits, there are resources available if you know where to look.
Stay informed, ask for help, and share this info with someone who might need it. You don’t have to face housing challenges alone.
Additional sources:
https://www.hudexchange.info/programs/home/
https://www.usa.gov/subsidized-rental-housing
https://www.usa.gov/public-housing