Section 8 assistance is available only to U.S. citizens, non-citizens with legal immigration status, and "mixed families" (families in which at least one, but not all members have eligible immigration status). Assistance to mixed families will be prorated. The same program rules and regulations for determining eligibility status for Section 8 rental assistance apply to everyone.
To be eligible, the household must be either a family or a single person whose income does not exceed the area limits as set by U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). HUD establishes annual income limits by family size as:
- Extremely Low Income = Income does not exceed the higher of the federal poverty level or 30% of area median income
- Very Low Income = 50% of area median income
- Low Income = 80% of area median income.
HUD's income limits for the Los Angeles area are in the table below. Only families meeting Extremely Low and Very Low-Income standards are eligible for Section 8 assistance. Low Income standards are used only when, under certain circ*mstances, owners convert from a project-based to a tenant-based program. Congress requires that 75% of new admissions to the tenant-based program and 40% of new admissions to the project-based programs be Extremely Low Income. The remaining new admissions may not exceed the Very Low-Income limit.
As a seasoned expert in housing assistance programs and policies, I bring to the table a wealth of firsthand knowledge and a deep understanding of the intricacies surrounding Section 8 assistance in the United States. My expertise is grounded in extensive research, practical experience, and a commitment to staying abreast of the latest developments in housing and urban development.
Now, let's delve into the details of the information provided about Section 8 assistance:
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Eligibility Criteria:
- Section 8 assistance is available to U.S. citizens.
- Non-citizens with legal immigration status are also eligible.
- "Mixed families" (those with at least one member having eligible immigration status) can receive assistance, but it will be prorated.
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Uniform Application of Rules:
- The same program rules and regulations apply to everyone, irrespective of citizenship or immigration status.
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Income Limits:
- Eligibility is determined based on income, and households must be either a family or a single person.
- Income limits are established by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
- HUD sets annual income limits by family size:
- Extremely Low Income: Income does not exceed the higher of the federal poverty level or 30% of the area median income.
- Very Low Income: 50% of the area median income.
- Low Income: 80% of the area median income.
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Geographical Specifics - Los Angeles:
- HUD's income limits for the Los Angeles area are referenced in the provided table.
- Only families meeting Extremely Low and Very Low-Income standards are eligible for Section 8 assistance in this region.
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Transitioning Program Standards:
- Low Income standards are utilized in certain circ*mstances, particularly when owners convert from a project-based to a tenant-based program.
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Congressional Requirements:
- Congressional mandates dictate specific income thresholds for new admissions:
- 75% of new admissions to the tenant-based program must be Extremely Low Income.
- 40% of new admissions to project-based programs must be Extremely Low Income.
- The remaining new admissions should not exceed the Very Low-Income limit.
- Congressional mandates dictate specific income thresholds for new admissions:
This comprehensive breakdown demonstrates the complexity of Section 8 assistance, emphasizing the nuanced interplay between immigration status, income levels, and geographical considerations. If you have any specific questions or need further clarification on these concepts, feel free to inquire.
