Can I qualify for low-income housing with CalFresh/cash aid but no job?

Yes, you can absolutely qualify for low-income housing with just cash aid! They look at all income sources, not just employment. Cash aid and CalFresh are considered income for housing applications. What's most important is that your total household income falls below their threshold (usually 30-50% of area median income). Make sure to bring your benefit award letters to verify your income. They'll want to see your most recent Notice of Action showing your CalWORKs amount. Most places will actually prioritize families on cash aid because you're considered very low income.

i applied for section 8 last year when i was only getting calfresh and they said i didnt qualify cause i needed some kind of steady income even tho calfresh is like income to me??? but my friend got into a low income apartment with just disability so maybe it depends on the program

I JUST went through this whole process and it was a NIGHTMARE trying to get anyone to help me figure it out!! The county housing authority kept sending me to my CalWORKs worker and my worker kept sending me back to housing. Nobody would give me a straight answer for WEEKS! I finally got through to someone at the housing authority who confirmed I COULD apply with just cash aid, but there was a 2 YEAR WAITING LIST for most places. Applied anyway because what else can I do?? They did say some properties move faster than others though.

Eligibility specialist here. Let me clarify a few things about housing programs in relation to public benefits: 1. Section 8/Housing Choice Vouchers: Cash aid (CalWORKs) counts as income. They typically want your income to be at least 30% of the payment standard. 2. Low-Income Housing Tax Credit properties: Cash aid counts as income, and you'll likely qualify if that's your only income source. 3. Public Housing: Cash aid counts, and there's usually no minimum income requirement. 4. CalFresh is NOT counted as income for any housing program since it's specifically for food. Bring your most recent Notice of Action, benefit verification letter (request from your county office), and your last 3 months of cash aid statements. Since you're on CalWORKs, you should also ask your welfare-to-work counselor about the Housing Support Program (HSP) which provides additional housing assistance specifically for CalWORKs recipients.

when I applied last year they told me cash aid wasnt enough because they want you to be able to pay rent if your benefits stop for some reason. ended up having to find a minimum wage job just to qualify which is so backwards!! like how am I supposed to afford any housing BEFORE I get housing assistance?? makes no sense.

To answer your follow-up question about the Housing Support Program (HSP): Yes, it does have a separate process, but it's normally initiated through your CalWORKs worker. They need to refer you to the program. HSP can help with: • Security deposits • Utility payments/deposits • Moving costs • Temporary rental assistance • Housing search assistance It's specifically designed for CalWORKs families who are homeless or at risk of homelessness (which includes having received an eviction notice or being unable to afford current housing). Since you mentioned your rent increased beyond what you can afford, you likely qualify. Make sure to specifically ask for an HSP referral at your next appointment or call your worker to request it sooner.

To address your earlier question about CalFresh - no, CalFresh benefits ($465) won't count toward your income for housing qualification. Only your $715 CalWORKs would count. This actually works in your favor because it means your countable income is lower, making you more likely to qualify for housing assistance. And yes, HSP can absolutely help with temporary rental assistance while you're on waiting lists for permanent housing. That's actually one of its main purposes - to provide that bridge support. The program can sometimes even help negotiate with your current landlord if that's a possibility.

Good luck with everything!! Housing stuff is so stressful 😫 I went through all this last year and finally got a place after 7 months of waiting. The system is broken but don't give up!!