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Module 2 of 6

Do you qualify?

Lesson 2 of 2 in this module

Lesson 4 of 120% of the course done

Lesson 4

Other rules besides income

⏱ 2 min

Key points

  • You need U.S. citizenship or eligible immigration status (mixed-status families may get reduced help).
  • The head of household needs a valid Social Security number.
  • Housing agencies screen applicants, and some criminal activity can make you ineligible.

Other eligibility rules besides income

Meeting the income limit is the first step. You also need to:

  • Be a U.S. citizen or have eligible immigration status as defined by HUD (families with mixed status may get reduced assistance)
  • Have a head of household with a valid Social Security number
  • Pass the housing authority's screening, since some criminal activity can make you ineligible

College students under 24 who do not live with their parents face extra rules. In general, they qualify only if they are a veteran, married, have a child, have a qualifying disability, are a graduate student, or can show they are independent, or if both the student and their parents are income eligible.

From our guide: Section 8 Income Eligibility: How to Check If You Qualify

Quick check

Which of these does the head of household need?

Want more detail? Read our full guide: Section 8 Income Eligibility: How to Check If You Qualify