Section 8
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Anonymous
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Yes, I know that the vast majority of posters here are NOT low-income, but does anyone have any experience (as a recipient, landlord or bureaucrat) dealing with Section 8?
I just realized that I fall under the low-income limits for housing and might qualify for assistance. I'm not going to lie, assistance would help a TON. Right now I'm looking at trying to find a place under $1200/mo for my son and I and even that will be stretching my budget (which doesn't include things like cable, a smart phone or anything other than basics, for those that will jump down my throat). In fact, I can only afford the $1200/mo if I sell my car and go without, which isn't a big deal as I rarely use it now, but gives an idea of what I'm dealing with financially. In addition, if my ex-husband decides to stop paying child support again (which is likely, given his history), I won't even be able to afford the $1200/mo. I'm living with family right now and saving up money, but I can't live here forever. I'm actively trying to get a better paying job, but even then, it would have to be a substantial (ie: not gonna happen) raise to get me above the income limits. I've thought about a 2nd job, but I only see my kid for 3-4hrs a day and every other weekend as it is. Waiting tables or something similar would take that time away and since I'd have to pay for additional childcare, wouldn't bring that much in anyway. I hate this. Once upon a time, I was self sufficient. Then I married an idiot, had my son, realized the idiot was never going to grow up and got a divorce. Now I work my ass off, only to fall short every month. And the worst part? It will never get better. I'll get raises, but kids get more and more expensive (and eventually need their own bedrooms) and I'd like to oh, save for retirement and college one day. I can't afford grad school (which would help me jump income brackets), so I will always struggle financially. Not really how I imagined my life. I'm grateful I have family to help out and that DS and I are healthy with no need for expensive medical treatments or therapies. I've been worse off before and I know there are many worse off right now. Still sucks though. |
Anonymous
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Have you tried Coabode.com? Living with another mom and kid to save money and to be able to afford a good school district.
Otherwise, try montgomery county. I'm sure there is a waiting list but they have a good program. |
Anonymous
You have a college degree and are struggling like this? What do you do? |
Anonymous
| Can you continue to live with family while taking grad school classes a couple times a week in the evening and working FT during the day? |
Anonymous
| If a grad degree really will make a difference in income, I would go for it. Take out student loans and do one or two classes each semester. I have my Master's degree, am a single parent and am in the same situation. I used to teach HS FT but had my hours cut a year ago so now I am only .7. I am grateful that I still get health insurance benefits but I struggle each month too. And my ex pays when he has a job but his work is seasonal and is often out of work for months at a time. I'd continue to live at home and go to school. GL! |
Anonymous
| Social worker here. Go ahead and apply for section 8 (now called Housing ChoiceVoucher Program). How long it takes depends on where you live. Right now the DC list is probably about 5 years long, although it does vary. There are also site-based programs. Keep an eye out for any new buildings that include a certain proportion of affordable housing--for these you would apply to the complex directly using basically all the same application materials required by the housing authority. For either voucher or site-based, you would be required to contribute 30% of your income toward rent and the rest is paid thru the subsidy. For vouchers there is a set amount the apartment can cost. In DC, it varies by neighborhood and whether utilities are included. |
Anonymous
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21:48 I'm divorced, graduate degree, can't find a job that covers my monthly expenses. It does happen. The economy stinks, remember?
OP, DC, VA or MD? Best bet is to call them directly since they're a moving target. I believe there's a waitlist for benefits. I looked into rent subsidies earlier this year in DC and in DC there is a backlog going back years. Yes years. Not to discourage you. |
Anonymous
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OP,
I would not go to grad school right now. I'd focus on work. How could you go to grad school AND work? Impossible. |
Anonymous
Anonymous
Huh? People do this everyday. I work FT and am taking 2 grad classes this semester. One online and one in person. I've done this for years. |
Anonymous
Not impossible if she sets her mind to it. It's amazing what you can accomplish when you you put your mind to it. |
Anonymous
| Of course she can do it. I would only do it if she stays at home and gets some support so she doesn't have to pay a sitter to attend class. That could add up. Or if she does it online. If it will increase her salary, go for it. |
Anonymous
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social worker: did you mean to say five years? If so, what is the point of even offering section 8 if it takes a family 5 years to get help??? I'm hoping you meant five months...
OP: yes, you can do what you need to do, but yes, it's okay to say not now, since spending time with your child is important to you. In the meantime, there is NO SHAME in reaching out for help wherever you can find it. I don't know anything about how it works in DC, but my single mom was on welfare, food stamps, wic, you name it. BTW, she's doing great now, and so am I. There is light at the end of the tunnel! |
Anonymous
Yes she meant 5 years-- for people trying to join the program. |
Anonymous
| I dunno. There seems no incentive to move if you live here for so little (see PP's photos), no? I am offended by this and am surely not the only one. Though likely the only one to say so. I wouldn't mind living in a new place for a fraction of the cost and the taxpayers paying for most of it. OTOH, I'm glad to have a conscience, a rarity here. Let's see if we can not do something about this. |