Ways to Pay for Housing

Ways to Pay for Housing

Purpose:
Help Hub staff explain the main programs and resources that can make housing more affordable, including rent assistance, income-based housing, vouchers, and disability-related supports.

Q&A

Q: What are the main ways someone can pay for housing if they need help?

A: People may use income-based housing, rental assistance programs, housing vouchers, or disability-related supports. Eligibility depends on income, age, disability status, and available funding.

A helpful overview chart:
Ways to Pay for Rent or Housing (PDF):
https://mn.hb101.org/documents/Ways%20to%20Pay%20for%20Rent%20and%20Housing.pdf

Q: What is income-based housing?

A: Rent is based on a person’s income—usually 30% of what they earn. Programs include:

• Public Housing
• Project-Based Section 8
• Subsidized nonprofit housing

These programs are managed by public housing authorities or nonprofit agencies.
Search options at HousingLink: https://housinglink.org/

https://www.housinglink.org/files/big%203%20-%20subsidized%20housing.pdf

Q: What are Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8)?

A: Vouchers help pay a portion of someone’s rent in the private market. A person can choose where they want to live, as long as the landlord accepts vouchers and the unit meets program rules.
More information: https://www.hud.gov/topics/housing_choice_voucher_program_section_8
Search for open waiting lists: https://www.housinglink.org/Lists

Q: What is Housing Support?

A: Housing Support (formerly Group Residential Housing) helps people with low income and a disability or disabling condition pay for room and board in approved settings. Some sites also provide supportive services.
Details: https://mn.gov/dhs/people-we-serve/adults/services/support/housing-support/

Q: How can disability waiver services help with housing?

A: Disability waivers don’t pay for rent, but they can cover services that help someone live in the community, such as:

• Supportive services in their home
• Help planning and finding housing
• Moving assistance
  Learn more: https://mn.gov/dhs/waiver-reimagine/

Q: What short-term help is available for emergencies?

A: Options vary by county and may include:

• Emergency General Assistance (EGA)
• Local shelter placement
• Emergency rental help through community agencies

Staff should use the Hub’s homelessness and eviction prevention guidance to identify appropriate referrals.

Q: Where can someone search for affordable units?

A:

• HousingLink: https://housinglink.org/
• Affordable Housing Search Tools (PDF): https://mn.hb101.org/documents/Housing%20Search%20Tools.pdf
• HB101 – Housing Overview: https://mn.hb101.org/housing/

Internal Notes (not visible to public)

• Clarify the difference between housing programs (pay rent or reduce cost) and housing services (help find/keep housing but do not pay rent).
• Avoid promising availability—waiting lists and openings vary widely.
• For Housing Support or waiver residential programs, follow Hub routing to county/tribal offices.
• For emergencies or homelessness, follow Hub homelessness protocol.
• Legal eviction questions should be referred to HOME Line or legal aid.