Program Interactions

SSI

Although there is a limit to how much income you can have to qualify for the Section 8 program, there is no restriction on the source of your income. Therefore, you can collect SSI and get Section 8 assistance. In fact, if SSI is your main source of income, it is very likely you will also qualify for Section 8 housing assistance.

SSDI

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is wage replacement income for people who have paid into a federal insurance program while they were working. There are no asset limits to qualify for the SSDI program and the amount of money SSDI pays can be much higher than that paid by SSI. Therefore, it is possible that a person who gets SSDI payments may have an income that is too high to qualify for Section 8 rental assistance.

Medical Assistance (MA)

MA has income and asset limits similar to SSI for recipients who are disabled. If you are eligible to get MA, it is likely that you will be able to get Section 8 rental assistance.