Rent prices in the U.S. have increased significantly over the last five years. The national median rent is more than 32% higher than it was in 2020. However, some areas have experienced pricing jumps of more than 60%. The worst part is that wages haven’t kept up.
For those of us who need help paying rent, there are some options available. From local to federal assistance programs, you can find more affordable housing. Some programs are available for short-term assistance if your family is experiencing a temporary setback, while others can provide support for longer periods.
Federal Rental Assistance
Through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the U.S. government provides the largest share of assistance. Some of these include:
- Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8): Provides vouchers to pay for rentals in the private market.
- Public Housing: Offers affordable rental units managed by local housing agencies.
- Project-Based Rental Assistance: Rent subsidies attached to specific privately owned housing developments.
- Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly: Helps low-income seniors.
- Section 811 Supportive Housing for Persons with Disabilities: Specialized housing for disabled individuals.
- USDA Rural Rental Assistance: Aid for renters in eligible rural areas.
- Tribal Housing Assistance: Assistance through Indian Housing Block Grants.
Most of the funding for these programs is provided by the federal government; however, management and administration are left to state and local governments and agencies, usually referred to as Public Housing Agencies (PHAs).
The point of these programs is to provide “decent, safe, and sanitary” housing to in-need families without them having to spend more than 30% of their income. These programs prevent the burden of rising housing expenses that can lead to cycles of poverty.
Eligibility for Federal Housing Assistance Programs
Each of these programs has different eligibility requirements, such as being older than a specific age, having a disability or condition, or living in a particular area. And even when programs do not have those categorical requirements, agencies still often prioritize the elderly, persons with disabilities, and families with children.
But the single consistent prerequisite is having a low household income. Income limits may be based on the area median income (AMI), and most programs are available for households with “extremely low income” (at or below 30% AMI) or “very low income” (50% AMI).
Many programs require background screenings to check for drug-related, violent, and safety-threatening activities. PHAs may deny applicants who:
· Are on the lifetime sex offender registry.
· Have convictions for making or possessing drugs in public housing.
· Have violent criminal activity that threatens other tenants’ safety.
Program help is typically restricted to U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens. Social Security numbers are often a requirement for all household members.
State Rental Assistance Programs
Many states have housing assistance programs to help their residents. Some of these state-exclusive programs include:
- CalWORKs is a California-exclusive program for state residents facing homelessness.
- Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation is a non-profit organization
- Florida’s State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) and State Apartment Incentive Loan (SAIL) programs deliver lower expenses through direct-to-tenant funds and “rent-restricted” housing.
- The Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP) is a state-funded housing voucher program independent of federal Section 8.
- New York’s Family Homelessness & Eviction Prevention Supplement (FHEPS) provides a rent supplement for families on public assistance who face eviction or loss of housing due to domestic violence.
- Maryland’s Rental Allowance Program (RAP) is another state-funded housing voucher program.
States create these programs to bridge the gap fthat ederal housing assistance programs leave. Temporary and short-term assistance reduces the state’s long-term costs of homelessness, which are often more expensive than providing housing vouchers or housing to residents in the first place.
The best way to find out what your state offers in housing assistance is to check. Every state has a Housing Finance Agency (HFA), which is the state equivalent of HUD.
You can also visit 211.org or call 2-1-1, which is the national number for essential community services. Through the 211 network, you can find state and local programs that aren’t big enough to make it onto government websites.
You may also check private Community Action Agencies (CAAs) that administer state-funded programs.
Eligibility Requirements for State Housing Assistance Programs
Applicants must be residents of the state to be eligible for state assistance programs. Likewise, at least one household member must be a U.S. citizen or eligible immigrant. Although some city-only programs may be more flexible.
States may also require applicants to already be eligible for federal programs or be on the Section 8 waiting list. And like federal programs, states may prioritize veterans, former foster youths (ages 18–24), those transitioning from institutional care, and other very needy applicants.
Not too dissimilar to federal housing assistance programs, there are income limits tied to state programs. Again, states often use the AMI and adjust income limits based on the number of people in the household.
However, states typically have higher limits, again, to help bridge the gap federal programs leave. For instance, while federal requirements prioritize those whose income is 30 to 80% of the AMI, states may accept applicants with income up to 80 to 120% of the AMI. But these higher limits may only be available for those with certain professions, such as:
- Teachers
- Law enforcement
- Nurses
- First responders
- Veterans
Similarly, states may lower age requirements. Whereas HUD defines the elderly as 62 years of age or older, some states set the minimum at 60.
States may also require applicants to have a history of being a good tenant, meaning no evictions or serious red flags that would make landlords hesitant to lease to them.
Non-Government and Charitable Assistance
Federal and state housing programs do the heavy lifting long-term, but they move at, well, government speed. Waiting lists are long, paperwork is endless, and none of that helps when rent is due immediately. If you’re dealing with a crisis (job loss, medical bills, or a sudden income drop), nonprofits and charities are often the fastest path to actual relief.
These organizations aren’t stuck by the same red tape. Because they’re funded by donations, not legislation, they can move more quickly and flex their rules when it matters. Common options include:
- The Salvation Army: A go-to for emergency assistance. Many local chapters can issue one-time payments for rent or utilities to stop an eviction before it happens.
- Catholic Charities USA: No, you don’t have to be Catholic. They’re one of the largest providers of emergency rental help and supportive housing, especially for people leaving unsafe situations like domestic violence.
- St. Vincent de Paul: Hyper-local and hands-on. Often run through local parishes, this group specializes in small but impactful aid, covering a month of rent or a security deposit when that’s the make-or-break point.
- Habitat for Humanity: Not just about building houses. Many chapters offer housing navigation and critical repair programs that help renters stabilize and avoid homelessness.
- Family Promise: Focused on families. They work with local partners to provide short-term shelter and rapid re-housing so families can get back into permanent homes quickly.
However, these programs are local, and the money runs out fast. Funds available on Monday can be gone by Wednesday. If you want to stay ahead:
- Call 211 first. This is the fastest way to identify which local organizations currently have funding.
- Act early. Don’t wait until eviction day. Even if a charity requires an eviction notice, they still need lead time to process assistance.
- Have your narrative ready. Be clear about what caused the disruption and why this is a temporary setback. The goal is to show how one-time help creates long-term stability.
Between federal vouchers, state programs, and local charities, there are multiple safety nets designed to keep you housed.
