How to Qualify for Public Housing

The Public Housing low-income rental assistance program has some basic requirements for admission. These rules are set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and enforced by the agency’s locally-based offices, known as housing authorities.

Before applying for a Public Housing apartment, it’s important to start by reviewing the qualifications. This step-by-step guide will wall you through all of the requirement to get approved for Public Housing.

To qualify for a Public Housing apartment, the household must meet the following conditions:

1. Be at least 18 years old.

   
   The minimum age requirement to apply for Public Housing apartments is 18 years old. Minors cannot apply for the program, but can live in a Public Housing unit as a member of the household.
   
   There is no maximum cut off age for eligibility. In fact, some waiting lists may have a preference for ‘Elderly’ (62+) or ‘Near-Elderly’ (55+) applicants. This can shorten a household’s time on a waiting list.

2. Live in the U.S. as a citizen, or an eligible immigrant.

   
   Public Housing is available for citizens of the United States, and those with an eligible immigration status.
   
   Eligible immigrants include those who are a:
   ‭• Lawful permanent resident
   ‭• Registry immigrant
   ‭• Refugee or asylee
   ‭• Conditional entrant
   ‭• Parolee
   ‭• Withholding grantee
   ‭• Person granted 1986 amnesty status
   ‭• Resident of the Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Palau, or Guam
   ‭• Victim, or relative of a victim of trafficking
3. Do not exceed the income limit.

   
   The Public Housing program is for “Very-Low Income” households. This means they must make less than 50% of the Area Median Income (AMI) where the Public Housing property is located. HUD calls this the income limit.
   
   To know if your household meets the income limit, add the gross income of all household members, except those under 18 years old.
   The maximum income limits for an area’s waiting list can usually be found on a public notice, on the housing authority’s website, or by contacting the office.

4. Pass a basic background check.

   
   Every member of the household will go through a background check about their criminal and housing history.
   
   If someone has a criminal record, that alone will not disqualify the household. However, more serious and recent offenses may make it difficult to get approved.
   
   Regardless of any conditions, a household will be immediately disqualified if anyone:
   ‭• Is on a state lifetime sex offender registry.
   ‭• Has been evicted from HUD housing in the last five years.
   ‭• Had assistance terminated by a housing authority for any reason.
   ‭• Owes money to a housing authority.

5. Know The Common Misconceptions

   
   Through the use of the internet, incorrect information about qualifying for the Public Housing program can spread fast.
   
   ‭• There is no requirement to have a family. Single persons are eligible for a voucher.
   ‭• There is no requirement to have children. Adult-only households may apply.
   ‭• There is no minimum income requirement. A household can qualify with no income.