Happy Home InsiderThere’s no better time than now to apply for immediate housing assistance. Whether you’re late on your bills, have just lost a job, are a newly single parent, or lack a security deposit, you can get help to get a roof over your head.
While you may have resolved to do other things this year like lose weight or quit smoking, getting immediate housing assistance should be at the top of your list. Wait too long to apply for it, and you may find yourself sitting out in the cold.
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How Long Can It Take to Get Rental Assistance?
The number one reason why you should apply for rental assistance right now is the possibility of long waiting lists. This is especially true if you aim to get relief from the Housing Choice Vouchers program, which is what was previously referred to as Section 8 rentals.
You won’t be the only person needing housing this year or beyond, and this results in waiting lists that can often take months or even years to process.
The sooner you fill out your housing application, the sooner you can get on the waiting list. And if you’re looking for a few ways to accelerate the process, here they are:
- State that you are paying more than half of your income towards rent each month.
- Tell the housing counselor that you are currently living in substandard housing.
- Note that you are homeless.
Any of those circumstances can help you and your family find Section 8 rentals faster. And even though the wait may be extended, getting a Housing Choice Voucher to pay with future rent is well worth it.
Quicker Ways to Get Immediate Housing Assistance
If your need for Section 8 rentals is an absolute emergency, applying for a Housing Choice Voucher may not be your best bet. Due to their long waiting lists, you could be without a home for a long time, so try these other avenues too.
Your State or Local Housing Agency
The Housing Choice Voucher program works on a large, federal level, even if your nearest Public Housing Authority (PHA) administers aid on a local level. To find quicker rental assistance, contact your state or local housing agency for help.
Should they offer immediate housing assistance, note that it will be temporary. While you may get help for a few months, you will still need to secure housing on your own in the future if Housing Choice Vouchers are not an option.
As opposed to the longer-term voucher option, this faster method, plus the next one we’ll discuss, can take a couple of weeks to complete.
Charities or Nonprofit Organizations
Another faster, more local way to get help with paying the rent is to look for any charities or nonprofits in your area that can help.
A local housing counselor from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) can help you locate charities and nonprofits that offer rental assistance.
