Public Housing — government housing
Federally funded rental housing managed by local Public Housing Authorities (PHAs), providing safe and affordable housing to low-income families, elderly.
Official source: hud.gov
Public housing offers homes for rent that are paid for by the government. These homes are managed by local groups called Public Housing Authorities (PHAs). The goal is to provide safe and affordable places to live for people with low incomes, senior citizens, and those with disabilities.The rent you pay is usually about 30% of your household's adjusted monthly income. To live in public housing, your family’s income must be low, typically less than 80% of what the average family in your area earns. Your family must also meet other rules about who can live there and be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen.To apply, you need to contact your local PHA. They handle their own applications and keep their own lists of people waiting for housing. A big challenge for many people is the long wait time. Some cities have so many people needing housing that their waiting lists are closed for a very long time, or even forever, because there aren't enough homes for everyone who needs one. See also: <a href="/glossary/home-program">HOME Program</a>.
In real life
- A family with young children needs a safe and affordable place to live, and public housing can help them.
- Someone who is elderly and on a fixed income can find a home in public housing.
- A person with a disability might qualify for public housing to get an accessible and affordable apartment.
Also known as
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Frequently asked questions about Public Housing
What is Public Housing?+
Federally funded rental housing managed by local Public Housing Authorities (PHAs), providing safe and affordable housing to low-income families, elderly, and individuals with disabilities. Rent is calculated at 30% of the household's adjusted monthly income.
Who qualifies for Public Housing?+
Households with income at or below local limits set by HUD; priority often goes to seniors, people with disabilities, and families with children.
How do I apply for Public Housing?+
Contact your local Public Housing Agency to get on the waiting list. Find yours at hud.gov.
Where can I get help?+
Contact your local Public Housing Agency for Section 8, public housing, and LIHEAP. BenefitKarma's Find Benefits tool lists housing programs for your state.
Source: hud.gov