ByHow to Apply for Low-Income Housing in Youngstown, Ohio
Do you desperately need ? If so, you're probably eager to learn everything you can about Section 8 government housing. Fortunately, you're in the right place.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll advise you on who qualifies for low-income housing, how to apply for it yourself, and how DoNotPay can help. We'll also give you a brief idea of what else DoNotPay can help you with. Here's what you need to know.
Who Is Eligible for Low Income Housing?
You may be wondering how to apply for Section 8, but the first question you should ask is whether you will qualify for low-income housing. In the state of Ohio, your income must be no more than 80% of the median income.
With that being said, you will need to check your eligibility annually, regardless of whether you qualify this year or not. The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development calculates the median income for the area every year. Therefore, if the median income for the area decreases, you may not qualify next year, even if you qualify this year.
What Other Factors Are Taken into Account When Determining Who Qualifies?
The PHA (public housing authority) that runs the low-income home you are trying to get into may consider several factors in addition to your income when determining whether they will rent a house, condo, or apartment to you. For instance, a PHA may deny you housing, regardless of whether you qualify based on your income, due to the results of a background check. Note, according to the HUD, certain criminal charge convictions will result in an immediate application rejection, including
- Violent crimes
- Drug-related crimes within 36 months of the application
- Crimes that threaten life
- Crimes that threaten safety
- Crimes that threaten others' property
Several factors determine whether or not you are eligible for Section 8 housing:
| Income Eligibility | You are making at or below the posted poverty line in your state. You are considered at the lowest income level if your family brings in only 30 percent or less of the average income in your area. You are still considered very low income if you only bring in 50 percent of that income and low income for 80 percent. |
| Age Eligibility | If you are above a certain age and still not bringing in enough income, you may qualify for Section 8 housing. Depending on a fixed income, those who are 65 and older could find themselves meeting these requirements. |
| Disability Eligibility | If you have been deemed disabled and unable to work, you are eligible for assistance, even as the head of household. |
How to Apply for Low-Income Housing in Youngstown, Ohio on Your Own
To apply for on your own, you must visit the Youngstown Metropolitan Housing Authority's website and find the online application. Then, you must ensure you have all of the following information:
- The names of all household members
- The dates of birth of all household members
- The Social Security Numbers of all household members
- Which property or housing program is appropriate for you
Once you have all of the necessary information handy, you can begin the seven-step application process. Here is a brief overview of the steps:
- Application Programs
- Household Members
- Contact Information
- Income
- Program Integrity
- Confirmation
- Certification
Next Steps if You Can’t Apply for Low Income Housing in Youngstown, Ohio Online
If you can't apply for online, you have a couple of options. First, you can call the Youngstown Metropolitan Housing Authority at 330-744-2161 for help if you don't know what housing program or property you should be applying for. Second, you can go down to the HA office located at the following address:
131 W Boardman St.
Youngstown, Ohio 44503
Keep in mind that it may be several months before you can be placed in a low-income home in Youngstown, Ohio. If you are in desperate need of affordable housing, you may want to consider Section 8 housing in other regions of Ohio, too.
What to Bring to the Youngstown Metropolitan Housing Authority
If you go to the Youngstown Metropolitan Housing Authority to apply for Section 8 housing, you should bring a valid form of picture ID. You will also find it easier to apply for Section 8 vouchers if you bring proof of your income in the form of tax returns or pay stubs from work.
Use DoNotPay to Learn More About Low-Income Housing in Youngstown, Ohio Quickly
Applying for , isn't easy. Therefore, you should make sure that you qualify before you apply to ensure that you don't waste your precious time.
Fortunately, with DoNotPay, you can find out whether you qualify for Section 8 housing in Youngstown, Ohio, in just two quick and easy steps.
- Answer a few questions about your income, family size, veteran/disability status, which county you hope to live in, etc.
- DoNotPay will find the PHA in charge of that county and contact them with all of your eligibility information to determine if you can start applying. They'll get back to you directly via email with the next steps.
It's really that simple. But that's not all. If you qualify for low-income housing in Youngstown, Ohio, and you get into a low-income home, we can help protect you from your landlord if you run into issues down the road.
What Else Is DoNotPay Good For?
DoNotPay can also help you with other questions or concerns you may have, like:
- How can I get Section 8 immediately?
- What Section 8 rental assistance programs do I qualify for in the Mahoning County area?