Finding the Help You Need to Pay Your Rent
Finding the Help You Need to Pay Your Rent
It is a scary situation to realize the rent is due, and you don't have enough money to pay it. Breathe deeply and don't panic. There are people who care and resources to help you.
Get Busy and Make a Plan
No matter how much you want to hide and just hope things will magically get better, you need to take immediate action. Analyze your situation and needs. Is this a temporary setback, perhaps caused by an illness or short-term cut in hours? Is it a permanent dilemma because your family income can no longer provide adequate housing? Honestly appraising your circumstances can determine where to start.
Make sure you are upfront with your landlord if you are going to miss the rent deadline. Explain the circumstances in a simple but honest way. The housing manager may be able to grant you extra time or a temporarily reduced payment.
Next, check out any local assistance that may be available. This could include nearby churches, non-profit charities and city or community action agencies. Don't give up after one or two inquiries but keep asking. Even if organizations can't offer immediate aid, they may direct you to helpful resources and give you tips for rental help. The local American Red Cross or United Way are other possibilities for temporary assistance.
City, State and Federal Rental Assistance Programs
If you are a low-income family and have long-term rental assistance needs, you will want to look into city, state and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) programs. Although programs vary by municipality and state, they tend to fall into three general categories:
Public Housing – When you live in public housing, your landlord is the government unit that owns the building. You must meet certain income limits based on the number of people in your family and the local cost of living. Usually rent is based on a percentage of your family income, often around 30%.
Privately Owned Subsidized Housing – With subsidized housing, a private owner or corporation receives funding from a government agency and in turn charges reduced rental rates to low-income families. The program usually bases eligibility on income limits and number of people in the family. Rents vary by program and may be reduced rates or based on a percentage of income.
HUD Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers – Low-income tenants who meet eligibility requirements for this federal program receive rental vouchers to help pay for part of their privately owned rental. The government makes up the difference between the rent and the low-income tenant's ability to pay.
How to Apply
For public housing and Section 8 vouchers, you should contact your local public housing agency to apply. Press Ctrl and click here to find a public housing agency in your area. For privately owned subsidized housing, apply directly at the apartment complex office.
Start now and persevere until you find the rental assistance that meets the needs of your family. Don't give up on paperwork and verification of income and other requirements. The effort will be worth it in the end. Everyone needs decent housing, and the right program can make it happen for you.
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