section 8 housing

[nurse1967 287]

This thread seems to have ignited a large debate. I live in New York and I am on public assistance so I would like comment.

Section 8 is not a quick fix, as one said earlier there is a long waiting list. Public housing is another unreliable option as they normally take only those in immediate need (i.e. those homeless, evicted, with children or domestic violence cases). That being said there are other alternatives.

If I were in your situation....

I would supplement my losses from rent increase by finding other programs I qualify for. Right now, just by applying for public assistance, I am receiving food stamps, metro cards, medicaid, paid child care, educational grants, free cellphone with monthly minutes, paid electricity and heat, and get a little pocket money every two weeks. This is all while I am in non-subsidized housing of my own choice.

If you are making an income of any kind then they will take into consideration your income...your expenses...and from that they will formulate what you are qualified for. You will also have to comply with them when it comes to going to all of there appointments and may even place you in a back-to-work program if you are ever out of a job.

If you could get an extra 75 dollars a month for food stamps alone....your rent increase will no longer seem so daunting.

Gee not sure I would be posting this around acting proud of the fact. Kind of insulting for those of us who go to work every day so you can enjoy the amenities of life at our expense.

[licia 0]

If you haven't done so already ask your apartment manager or leasing staff if it is possible that your rent can be exempt from the $75/month increase. I would make this request in writing and state the reasons why you are requesting the exemption ( added expenses of 6 month old baby, etc.) as well any relevant information about your family as tenants (rent always paid on time? Do you contribute in anyway to the apartment community? etc.) It should take you less than 10 minutes to write the letter and if they say yes, it will save you a lot of time and stress finding a new place to live.

2 years ago, I asked for a $100 reduction in rent and my apartment manager was happy to give it us. We're still paying the lower rent. You never know unless you ask!

Thanks Reeses16.

yes we've paid our rent on time every month since we've been here. I'm writing the letter now, and hopefully they'll accept it. cause I really don't want to move with a 6 month old baby.

thanks

[BellaRose 7]

Gee not sure I would be posting this around acting proud of the fact. Kind of insulting for those of us who go to work every day so you can enjoy the amenities of life at our expense.

Thanks for the rude comment and jumping to conclusions when you don't know my situation. And I am absolutely not ashamed of getting help when it is needed. My husband and I were fine when he was here. Then once we started this process he was unable to stay in the U.S. I used up all my savings to maintain our rent and did not look for governmental assistance until a year later when everything was used up.

I also happened to be a full-time college student on a fast track program for Air Traffic Control which I graduated yesterday by the way at the top of my class.

I will be making a 6 figure salary by the time I'm 25 years old and I will be happy that my taxes will be going to good people that are less fortunate than I.

There are people who use the system to sit on there fat asses all day and collect child support but on the contrary I have accomplished more in the past year and a half then most of those stereotypes will in their entire lives.

[Amber & Ahmed 133]

Thanks for the rude comment and jumping to conclusions when you don't know my situation. And I am absolutely not ashamed of getting help when it is needed. My husband and I were fine when he was here. Then once we started this process he was unable to stay in the U.S. I used up all my savings to maintain our rent and did not look for governmental assistance until a year later when everything was used up.

I also happened to be a full-time college student on a fast track program for Air Traffic Control which I graduated yesterday by the way at the top of my class.

I will be making a 6 figure salary by the time I'm 25 years old and I will be happy that my taxes will be going to good people that are less fortunate than I.

There are people who use the system to sit on there fat asses all day and collect child support but on the contrary I have accomplished more in the past year and a half then most of those stereotypes will in their entire lives.

First... CONGRATULATONS!!!!

Second.... Don't listen to Betsy, you DO NOT have to defend yourself or your situations. What you have done is a wonderful example to all those that need to be inspired. I too recieved a little help when I needed it. There is no shame in that, it is what programs like that are meant to do. I wish more women like us would find a solution rather than see it as impossible. You didnt make excuses or feel sorry for yourself, you got out and did something about it. Betsy can be rather prickly at times, usually during those times I tend to ignore her. She does offer some good advice at times, but mostly you just got to look the other way. Good luck and best wishes as you look for a job and begin your new career!

[Amber & Ahmed 133]

Gee not sure I would be posting this around acting proud of the fact. Kind of insulting for those of us who go to work every day so you can enjoy the amenities of life at our expense.

Betsy, why don't you chill out sometimes. You do not always know the situation beforehand and in the end you tend to be rather insulting. I don't know why you have such a huge chip on your shoulder, but really I think it is best to reserve your judgement, or at the very least... keep it to yourself. As you can see by now Bellarose did the best she could to turn her situation around and create a better life. I do not feel she was acting proud of the fact she needed public assistance rather I do believe she was trying to HELP the OP, isnt that what we are all here for help and to help others that come after us? Woooow Betsy I bet if you chilled more you would find the old saying is still so true... "you can attract more flies with honey than vinegar" I bet you have some awesome advice to give to the next person if you would just be a little nicer. You seem like a good person, I do not mean to insult you in any way, but time after time I see you being this way to many people on here. I am proud of Bellarose and also I am proud of the fact I too used the help when I needed it to make a better life for my family, and now I am proud to know my hard earned money goes to help others in the same situation I was once in. Next time imagine walking a mile in the other guy's shoes before you pounce on them and their situation.

[katiemanny 64]

Did he get his green card yet? If so, please update your timeline.

You can probably qualify for section 8 housing, depending on the rules of your local housing authority. They will likely consider any income your husband receives in determining the household income, but they will NOT consider him when determining the household size. Section 8 housing benefits are considered a means tested benefit under federal law, and your husband should not be collecting any means tested benefits as long as your affidavit of support is enforceable. You, as a US citizen, can collect these benefits - your husband cannot.

Her husband cannot receive section 8, meaning if her husband lives with her that's an automatic disqualification for section 8, section 8 is usually for single parents.

Edited May 23, 2011 by katiemanny

[Amber & Ahmed 133]

Her husband cannot receive section 8, meaning if her husband lives with her that's an automatic disqualification for section 8, section 8 is usually for single parents.

Ahhhh I got to disagree with you, it is not true. Section 8 is available to families if their income meets the requirements whether it is a one or two parent household. It is more common or I should say it was more common for single parent households to apply, but in this new economic day and age more and more 2 parent households are applying and being ACCEPTED. Also she can apply even with her husband in the household, they just will not count him as a member of the household due to him being an immigrant, but at the same time they will count his income. Trust me I know what I am talking about.

[rika60607 215]

I wonder if they will count her husband at all - if he is not in the US and currently has no immigrant status

Ahhhh I got to disagree with you, it is not true. Section 8 is available to families if their income meets the requirements whether it is a one or two parent household. It is more common or I should say it was more common for single parent households to apply, but in this new economic day and age more and more 2 parent households are applying and being ACCEPTED. Also she can apply even with her husband in the household, they just will not count him as a member of the household due to him being an immigrant, but at the same time they will count his income. Trust me I know what I am talking about.

[katiemanny 64]

Ahhhh I got to disagree with you, it is not true. Section 8 is available to families if their income meets the requirements whether it is a one or two parent household. It is more common or I should say it was more common for single parent households to apply, but in this new economic day and age more and more 2 parent households are applying and being ACCEPTED. Also she can apply even with her husband in the household, they just will not count him as a member of the household due to him being an immigrant, but at the same time they will count his income. Trust me I know what I am talking about.

That should be a disqualification if her husband works and made enough money to afford rent on their own, trust me section 8 usually tough for married couple unless the immigrant will be a lazy bum and never get a job. Sometimes I wish we would qualify because rent and child care cost is killing us big time here.

Edited May 23, 2011 by katiemanny

[Amber & Ahmed 133]

That should be a disqualification if her husband works and made enough money to afford rent on their own, trust me section 8 usually tough for married couple unless the immigrant will be a lazy bum and never get a job. Sometimes I wish we would qualify because rent and child care cost is killing us big time here.

Not to get in your business, but have you tried? Yes by counting the immigrant partner.s income it does raise the portion of the rent to be paid but the good news is with section 8 you will never pay more than 30 percent of your income towards rent, which is awesome. Like my mama always said, you won't know until you give it a try. Also have you looked to your local Department of Human Services for help with child care costs? I know it can be a pain in the ####### filling out all the paperwork and bringing in proofs of everything, but that extra few dollars a month in your pocket will prove to be more than worth it. Please trust me, from someone who has been there before. Also I am not sure which of you is the immigrant citizen but never the less the American citizen and any children you have may be eligible for food assistance and other programs. There is no shame in getting the help you need when you need it. Best wishes.

[Amber & Ahmed 133]

I wonder if they will count her husband at all - if he is not in the US and currently has no immigrant status

I thought her husband was already here. No they will not count him at all from my understanding. Once he hits American soil and has generated an income they will count his income. For now her income is all they are interested in.

[BellaRose 7]

First... CONGRATULATONS!!!!

Second.... Don't listen to Betsy, you DO NOT have to defend yourself or your situations. What you have done is a wonderful example to all those that need to be inspired. I too recieved a little help when I needed it. There is no shame in that, it is what programs like that are meant to do. I wish more women like us would find a solution rather than see it as impossible. You didnt make excuses or feel sorry for yourself, you got out and did something about it. Betsy can be rather prickly at times, usually during those times I tend to ignore her. She does offer some good advice at times, but mostly you just got to look the other way. Good luck and best wishes as you look for a job and begin your new career!

Thank you!!! You're right...I was just trying to help. I don't take any responses personal though, as I have a tough skin, but I just can't resist responding to ridiculous statements.

[Ayman___ 92]

Ahhhh I got to disagree with you, it is not true. Section 8 is available to families if their income meets the requirements whether it is a one or two parent household. It is more common or I should say it was more common for single parent households to apply, but in this new economic day and age more and more 2 parent households are applying and being ACCEPTED. Also she can apply even with her husband in the household, they just will not count him as a member of the household due to him being an immigrant, but at the same time they will count his income. Trust me I know what I am talking about.

You are exactly Right Section 8 is for helping families with low income ,disabled, elderly and single parents.Your statement is correct They won't add him but will count his income.

Edited May 27, 2011 by AYMAN_RINA

[Chucks234 3]

Can a US citizen section 8 holder petition for his/her foreign spouse, even if he/she gets a joint sponsor?