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How does Section 8 housing assistance work?

How do you get your name on the list? If you live in one state but want to move to another state and get Section 8 assistance, is that possible? My mother makes $400/month from Social Security and I would like her to move closer to me in California, but she would need assistance to live here. Any ideas? Thanks.

Public Comments

1. You need to find a Section 8 residence. The rent your mother pays to the landlord is based on her income, and the government makes up the difference.
2. The quickest way to find out would be to call the local Section 8 office nearest you. Each state has different waiting lists, and whatnot- so there is no telling how long it could possibly take to get her in. Of course, the way I understand it, they do prioritize the lists- which may, since her income is so low, expedite her name moving up. Does your mother receive any other federal/state benefits? If she only gets $400 in SS benefits, she'd very likely also qualify for Food Stamps.
3. Usually Section 8 (or HUD) has a waiting list. They base it on your income and size of your family, Depending on your qualifications the state will pay a portion or all of your rent. You must chose a house/apt that accepts section 8 and in turn, the state also insures (through inspections) that all things are working properly and up to code within the home. Get her on the waiting list asap! There's usually a wait.
4. http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/sec8.html Please Check your phone book and see if there is a City or County Housing Authority in your area. Your Mother may be able to obtain housing in a Senior Housing Buliding in your area. Senior Housing is based on 1/3rd of the gross monthly income. http://www.retirementhomes.com/homes/california-senior-housing.html http://www.seniorresource.com/ca.htm http://www.senioraffordablehousing.org/ http://www.socalseniors.com/?OVRAW=Senior%20Housing%20in%20California&OVKEY=california%20senior%20housing&OVMTC=advanced
5. Your mom would make out like a bandit. If she moved to Cal. her income would be raised to $836.00 because that's the minimum that's paid to low income Seniors in this state. $400.00 Soc.Security plus $436.00. S.S.I. If she gets S.S.I.. she will automatically get Medi-Cal which pays (almost) all health care. If she goes to the nearest Housing Authority or if she can get on the Internet, she can get onto the HUD website and get a HUD managed apt. which will cost her no more than 30% of her monthly income. She can sign up for Section 8 thru the Housing Authority, but it takes longer,but her rent would still be no more than 30% of her income. One warning: Some Section 8 apts are not managed very well and there are drugs and kids that cause a lot of problems. In Senior HUD housing, they are for Seniors only. The age is 62 or older or disabled. Good luck.
6. I waited 3 years to get sect. 8 moving from one city in AR to another.. In CA there will be a BIG waiting list.. One guy on here said he's been waiting 8 years and still waiting.. With the influx of illegals coming to CA.. no telling how long it will be.. Contact the sect. 8 office near u.. see if they are taking apps.. she will need to apply there.. IF she is already on sect. 8 and has been where she currently lives for 12 months, the voucher is portible and she can just transfer it to CA.. she will need to have the paperwork transferred from where she is now... Her best bet would be to look for a complex that is low income/income based (has nothing to do with Sect. 8).. They have a LOT specifically for elderly/disabled.. The sect. 8 office might have a list of those..not sure.. She could also try to get HUD...they tell her where to live.. it's usually faster but still a waiting list.. I have been on sect. 8 for years and if u need to write me feel free to.