To apply for low-income housing in a major US city, individuals must first meet income limits set by the local housing authority, typically defined as at or below 80% of the area median income (AMI). Citizenship or legal residency status is required, with priority given to vulnerable groups such as veterans, disabled individuals, and families with dependent children. Applications are usually submitted through the city’s public housing agency (PHA) or a designated Section 8 housing choice voucher program. Eligibility is determined by household size, income documentation, and asset declarations. After submission, applicants wait on a lottery-based or waitlist system, with approval depending on availability and compliance with program rules.

The eligibility criteria ensure resources target those most in need by aligning with federal guidelines to prevent displacement and promote equitable access. Data from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) shows that in 2022, 1.2 million households were on waitlists for affordable housing, reflecting systemic demand exceeding supply. Income limits, such as those in New York City (2023 AMI of $108,650 for a household of four), directly correlate with rental affordability crises. For example, a household earning $86,520 (80% of NYC’s AMI) qualifies for Section 8 but faces a 4.5-year waitlist. Prioritizing vulnerable populations, like 30% of PHA units reserved for disabled veterans in Los Angeles, addresses disparities highlighted by the National Low Income Housing Coalition, which estimates a $1.7 trillion gap between affordable and unaffordable housing stock. Strict citizenship requirements and asset caps (e.g., liquid assets below $5,000) prevent misuse and ensure program integrity. These measures collectively reduce bureaucratic inefficiencies and align with federal goals to mitigate housing insecurity, as evidenced by a 15% reduction in homelessness among eligible applicants in Chicago since 2020 due to targeted voucher expansions.