The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) also offers Public Housing for low-income families, the elderly, and those with disabilities. Regional Housing Authorities, making the government agency your landlord. Rent costs in these buildings are significantly less than the market rate. However, your monthly obligation will depend on your income. 

Unlike the voucher program, you have almost no choice on where you can live. If you qualify for the program, the local Public Housing Authority (PHA) decides which government-owned building you will live in, and the decision is typically based on eligibility. 

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How to Find Low-Cost Public Housing

To be eligible for Public Housing, you must have a low income. HUD will also determine whether you are an elderly person, a person with disabilities or a family. HUD considers your household as having a low income if it is between 50 to 80 percent of the area’s median income.

Consider the following examples:

Consider the following examples:

$152,200 is one of the highest median household incomes in 2023, which is located in Loudoun County, Virginia. Residents could qualify for Public Housing with annual incomes between $31,650 and $66,750.

In Alabama, the median household income for 2023 is $79,600. Residents may be able to qualify for Public Housing with annual incomes between $16,350 and $43,650.

The local PHA will also consider the size of your family. The more family members are in your household, the more you can earn and still qualify. For example, in Los Angeles county, a one-person household might have an income below $41,400 to qualify as “very low income.” In the same county, a four person household might earn below $59,100 in annual income in order to qualify as a “very low income” household.

You may apply for public housing through your local PHA. The application will require information and documentation that the PHA will use to determine eligibility for public housing. If there are no low-income housing units available, the applicant will be put on a waiting list. This means the applicant will be given a unit when it is available.

Your area may also have Low-Income Housing Tax Credit properties, which provide reduced rent for low-income families in privately owned buildings. Public housing authorities can use these tax credit funds to buy and refurbish more low-income housing.

By Admin