ByHow to Qualify and Apply for Section 8 Emergency Housing
There are times and situations that are often beyond our control. The loss of a job, followed by being unable to pay your rent can cause you and your family to face homelessness. It is a scary thought, but you should know that emergency Section 8 may help see you through those darkest days.
Most states and counties make it a priority to help people who find themselves in tough situations. However, if you need help getting into emergency low-income housing, DoNotPay can assist you. We can tell you what qualifies as an emergency, who to contact for emergency assistance, and more.
What Qualifies as an Emergency Housing Need?
Thanks to the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), there are often Emergency Housing Vouchers (EHV) available to select families who find themselves facing unimaginable circumstances. However, many families are unaware that they exist.
It isn't always easy to qualify for help through the emergency housing department, but you may qualify if you:
Are Currently Homeless
If you were evicted from your home, and you live homeless with children, the government may be able to help you get back on your feet quickly. However, you may be more likely to qualify for homeless Section 8 if you can show that it was through no fault of your own.
Fleeing or Trying to Flee a Domestic Violence Situation
Men, women, and children that are trying to flee a bad home situation may qualify for emergency housing to help them get out. This is designed to help those individuals relocate to a safe area.
A Victim of a Serious Crime that Makes Relocation Vital for Survival
Victims of serious crimes may also qualify for quick assistance with housing. Some serious crimes may include:
| Sexual Assaults | Stalking | Human Trafficking |
Are a Person with Disabilities
If you have a mental illness, physical disability, terminal illness, or other problems that may limit your ability to work to support yourself or your family, you can ask for help. This does not always guarantee you will get emergency housing, but it may help you if you are currently in a bad situation and cannot get yourself out of it.
A Veteran
Veterans may qualify for emergency assistance, especially if while you were away from home you lost everything or have struggled with PTSD and other issues since your return.
A Senior Citizen
Senior citizens who live on Social Security income and lose their homes due to financial struggles may qualify for emergency housing assistance. The chance of this increases if you have nowhere else to turn and may not qualify for an assisted living facility based on your income or Medicare benefits.
A Victim of a Natural Disaster (As Recognized by FEMA)
If you live in an area that has been destroyed by a hurricane, flood, or other natural disasters, you may be able to get immediate housing options since it was through no fault of your own. However, your ability to qualify for it may depend on several factors such as whether you have another housing option available to help you get on your feet.
How to Apply for Section 8 Emergency Housing Yourself?
Once you have decided to ask for help, you will need to focus on learning all you can about how to apply for Section 8 emergency help. This process can take some effort and time, but it may also require you to be persistent.
Step 1. Discover Where to Apply for Help
One of the first things you will need to do when applying for housing assistance is to discover where you should apply. Most areas have a Housing Authority that you can visit to ask for assistance. However, some may require you to fill out the forms in person while others may require you to do it online.
If you are unable to discover where to go in your local area, you may be able to visit the HUD Exchange online to discover who to contact.
Step 2. Gather Your Information
When asking for housing assistance, and before you start the application process, you will need to gather proof that you need help. This can be done by providing
- Medical Documents
- Bank Statements
- Police Reports
- Proof of Homelessness Due to Natural Disasters
- And Other Information About Your Situation
The more proof that you can provide showing you need help now, the closer you will be to the top of the list for assistance.
Step 3. Be Persistent
Once you have started the application process, you will be assigned a caseworker. It is important that you stay in touch with them to let them know you are serious about needing help. If you are content to wait, they may feel that you aren't desperate and/or forget that you are asking for help.
What If You Cannot Apply for Emergency Public Housing Without Help?
Each year, there are many people who seek emergency housing in the United States. As the economy changes and things happen, more and more people are asking for assistance. Free or affordable housing is not always easy to qualify for or to get since there are limited spaces available. Therefore, as houses do become available, they are gone quickly.
If you are in dire need of help with housing to keep you or your family off the streets, there aren't many places you can turn to for help to speed up the process. It can often require the help of a lawyer and even then, the process can still take time. This can also mean that it is not something you can afford when you are already struggling.
In situations where you feel you are in immediate danger; you can contact 911 for assistance. If you simply do not want to be on the street with your children, DoNotPay may be able to help you plead your case and get housing sooner.
How to Apply for Emergency HUD Housing with DoNotPay
If you are looking for a way to apply for online, DoNotPay can help. We can:
- Contact the Housing Authority in Your Area
- Submit All Applications and Documentation
- Speed Up the Process
- Get You on the Housing List
If you want to apply for Emergency Section 8 Housing but don't know where to start, DoNotPay has you covered in 2 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 is just that easy!
What Else Can DoNotPay Help You With?
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- Discover and Apply for Scholarships
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No matter what you need, DoNotPay is always available to help. We may even be able to help you find money to help you get back on your feet even faster. All you have to do is join us online to get started!