Can You Be Married and Eligible for Section 8 Housing Assistance?

The Section 8 program, administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), is a rental assistance program that helps low-income families, including married couples, find affordable housing. The eligibility criteria for Section 8 are designed to ensure that only those in need receive assistance, but it does include married couples under its umbrella.

Eligibility Criteria for Section 8

To be eligible for Section 8, several key factors must be considered:

1. Income

Your household income must be within the limits set by HUD, which vary based on the median income of the area where you live. This means that even if you are married, the income eligibility is determined based on the combined income of all household members.

2. Family Composition

A married couple is considered a family for the purposes of Section 8. Therefore, if you are married and are part of a low-income household, you can apply for and receive Section 8 assistance.

3. Citizenship

You must be a U.S. citizen or a qualified alien to be eligible for Section 8 housing assistance.

4. Background Checks

All adult household members, including your spouse, typically undergo background checks as part of the application process. This is to ensure that the household members are trustworthy and do not have a criminal history that could impact the housing environment.

Can a Person Stay on Section 8 if They Are Married to a Non-Working Spouse?

The situation where a married individual applies for Section 8 with a non-working spouse is a common concern. The eligibility for Section 8 does not depend on whether the spouse has a job or not. Instead, it is based on the household income as a whole. If the combined income of the household does not exceed theSection 8 income limits, you can remain eligible for assistance.

For instance, if your spouse is hurt at work and is unable to work, you can still apply for Section 8 as long as the income from other sources is within the guidelines. However, if your spouse’s non-working status is permanent and the combined income exceeds the limit, you may lose eligibility.

What Happens if You Marry a Billionaire?

While it might be tempting to think that marrying a multi-millionaire would disqualify you from Section 8 housing assistance, the reality is more nuanced. If your spouse's income, combined with yours, does not exceed the Section 8 income limits, you will likely remain eligible for assistance. However, you should report any significant changes in your household income to your local Public Housing Agency (PHA) to ensure that your rent is recalculated accordingly.

It's important to note that any changes in your household composition or income will be reviewed and your assistance may be adjusted accordingly.

Conclusion

Marrying does not necessarily disqualify you from Section 8 housing assistance. The key is to ensure that your household's income remains within the guidelines set by HUD. If you have questions about your eligibility, it's best to reach out to your local Public Housing Agency (PHA) for specific guidance and to go through the application process.

Note: The information provided here is based on general principles and guidelines. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, contact your local PHA directly.