How to Get Government Assistance to Rent an Apartment With a Baby on the Way

Government assistance to rent an apartment with a baby on the way is available through local public housing agencies if you qualify under income guidelines. The federal government sponsors a "housing choice voucher program," which is also known as Section 8 housing. The vouchers allow some low-income families to qualify for apartments and other forms of rental housing at below-market rates. A woman or couple with a baby on the way could qualify for assistance if certain standards and qualifications are met.

Instructions

1

Contact a local public housing authority in your city to determine specific eligibility requirements for your area. Charitable organizations such as the United Way or the Salvation Army can provide contact information for local public housing authorities. According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, in 2011 families seeking assistance must have income that does not exceed 50 percent of the median income for the county or metropolitan area in which they live

2

Apply for the housing choice voucher program if you meet income requirements and other requirements, such as U.S. citizenship or certain immigration status. Fill out paperwork offered by the public housing authority. The authority will ask for detailed information about family size and income. The housing authority will verify the information with your employer, bank and government agencies.

3

Accept placement on a waiting list, if necessary. Request a priority position on the waiting list because of the pending arrival of the baby. HUD reports that waiting lists are common for the program.

4

Use vouchers after final approval to rent an apartment. You must choose from apartment complexes and landlords participating in the program. Rental property managers, including real estate agents, may recommend available apartments. The local public housing authority may also help. The vouchers provide a direct payment to the landlord from the government, with the family also paying a portion of the rent.