What If I Lose My Job While on Section 8?
If you are a Section 8 recipient, employment is a key component of staying in the program. If you lose your job and become unemployed, there are several other considerations to be aware of.
Understand Your Work Requirements
Understanding the requirements necessary to remain in the Section 8 program is important, especially in the event of an unemployment. Generally, Section 8 offers assistance to very-low-income families and individuals by subsidizing rent. Most Section 8 participants are required to work a minimum of 30 hours per week, unless they are exempt from this requirement.
Inform the Relevant Organizations
If you already receive Section 8 assistance and lose your job, it is important to inform your housing organization immediately. Generally, you must notify them within the first 10 days of becoming unemployed, or else your assistance may be terminated.
Other Financial Resources
There are several other financial resources that you may be eligible for during an unemployment:
- Food Stamps – food stamps can provide assistance to families facing financial hardship due to an unemployment.
- Unemployment Insurance – unemployment insurance can provide financial assistance in the form of weekly benefits, typically based upon a percentage of your previous income.
- Emergency Assistance – emergency assistance programs may provide temporary financial assistance for rent, childcare, and other necessary expenses if you are temporarily unemployed.
- Local and State Assistance Programs – there may also be local and state assistance programs that can provide additional financial assistance during an unemployment.
It is important to remember that assistance programs vary from state to state, so you will need to research assistance programs in your local area in the event of an unemployment.
Conclusion
If you lose your job while receiving Section 8, it is important to inform your housing organization immediately and to research any other assistance programs in your area. Doing this can help to ensure that you receive the financial assistance you need to stay in the program and remain in your home.