Frequently Asked Questions: How Philadelphia Affordable Housing Supports Renters Every Step of the Way

Finding affordable housing in Philadelphia can feel overwhelming, especially when you're trying to navigate all the different programs, applications, and requirements on your own. That's where we come in. At Philadelphia Affordable Housing, we've helped thousands of renters find their perfect home while making the process as smooth as possible.

We get a lot of questions from folks who are just starting their housing search or dealing with challenging situations. Here are the most common questions we hear: and how our team supports you through each step.

What types of rental assistance programs are actually available in Philadelphia?

This is probably our most asked question, and for good reason. Philadelphia has several rental assistance programs, but they're not always easy to find or understand. Here's what's currently available:

PHLHousing+ is the city's direct cash rental assistance program. It provides unconditional monthly payments that range from $45 to $2,433, depending on your household's needs. What makes this program special is that the payments are loaded onto prepaid debit cards, giving you flexibility in how you use the assistance.

The Shallow Rent Program offers up to $500 monthly vouchers specifically for tenants already living in subsidized affordable housing projects who are still paying more than 30% of their income on rent.

Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) is the traditional tenant-based rental assistance program managed by the Philadelphia Housing Authority.

The Bridge Rental Subsidy Program specifically serves individuals with behavioral health disabilities.

Our team stays up-to-date on all these programs and can help you figure out which ones you might qualify for. We'll walk you through the differences and help you apply to the programs that make the most sense for your situation.

How do these programs actually help me afford rent?

Most of these programs follow the same basic principle: you shouldn't have to pay more than 30% of your household income toward rent. That's the standard that housing experts use to determine what's truly "affordable."

With PHLHousing+, you receive monthly cash payments that help bridge the gap between what you can afford and what rent actually costs in Philadelphia. The Shallow Rent Program works similarly, providing subsidies to bring your housing costs down to that 30% threshold.

What we love about helping clients navigate PHLHousing+ is that the payments are unrestricted. While they're designed to cover housing costs, you have the flexibility to use them however you need to maintain stable housing. This could mean covering utilities, transportation to work, or other essential expenses that keep you housed.

Are there restrictions on how I can use rental assistance?

This depends on the specific program. PHLHousing+ payments are completely unconditional: once you receive them on your prepaid debit card, you can spend the assistance however you see fit. This flexibility is pretty unique compared to traditional housing vouchers that are tied to specific properties.

Traditional Section 8 vouchers work differently. You'll need to find a landlord willing to accept the voucher, and the housing must meet specific quality standards. Our team can help you understand these requirements and even connect you with landlord partners who regularly work with voucher holders.

Do these programs actually make a difference in preventing evictions?

Absolutely. The research shows that after two years in programs like PHLHousing+, participants were far less likely to face eviction or experience homelessness compared to households receiving no rent subsidy.

From our experience working with clients, we've seen this firsthand. When people have predictable, reliable rental assistance, they're able to maintain stable housing. They're not constantly worried about making next month's rent or choosing between paying rent and buying groceries.

The immediate accessibility of assistance is key here. Traditional voucher programs can take months to get set up, but direct cash assistance programs provide help right when families need it most.

Who's actually eligible for these programs?

Eligibility varies depending on which program you're applying for, but here's a breakdown:

PHLHousing+ eligibility:

• Household income less than 50% of area median income (about $59,700 annually for a family of four in 2025)

• At least one child under 16 in the household

• Not currently receiving a housing voucher or living in public housing

Shallow Rent Program eligibility:

• Currently living in subsidized, income-restricted affordable housing

• Paying more than 30% of your income toward rent

Bridge Rental Subsidy Program eligibility:

• Person with behavioral health disabilities

• Priority given to those leaving congregate living situations

General rental assistance programs:

• Low-income households

• Families with children

• Those involved with the Department of Human Services

Our tenant application process starts with understanding your specific situation and income level. We'll help you determine which programs you qualify for and guide you through the application process for each one.

How long does it typically take to get help?

This is where having professional support really makes a difference. Traditional Housing Choice Vouchers require you to search for a landlord willing to accept the subsidy, which can take months. Many of our clients get frustrated trying to navigate this process on their own.

PHLHousing+ participants receive immediate assistance through direct cash payments, which is much faster. However, getting accepted into the program can take time since participants are selected from Philadelphia Housing Authority waitlists.

Speaking of waitlists: the PHA recently reopened their Housing Choice Voucher waitlist, but it's capped at 10,000 applicants with an estimated three to five year processing timeline. This is where our expertise really helps. We can identify alternative programs and resources while you're waiting for traditional assistance.

What other types of rental assistance are available?

Beyond monthly rent subsidies, there are several other types of assistance that can help you maintain stable housing:

• Deposit assistance to help with upfront move-in costs

• Back rent help if you've fallen behind on payments

• Landlord insurance programs that protect property owners

• Utility assistance through programs like LIHEAP

• Emergency rental assistance for unexpected financial hardships

We work with multiple organizations across Philadelphia to connect you with these resources. Our team knows which programs have the shortest wait times, the best success rates, and the most flexible requirements.

Is this assistance permanent or temporary?

Many people worry about what happens if programs end or change. PHLHousing+ is currently a pilot program scheduled to conclude in June 2026, though there's hope it might become permanent based on study findings.

The good news is that Philadelphia is investing heavily in affordable housing. The city recently launched the H.O.M.E. (Housing Opportunities Made Easy) initiative backed by $800 million in bonds to preserve and create 30,000 housing units over the next several years.

Our role is to help you build long-term housing stability, not just get by month to month. We'll work with you to create a plan that includes building your income, improving your credit, and accessing resources that will keep you stably housed even as programs change.

How do I actually apply for these programs?

Application processes vary significantly between programs, which is honestly one of the most confusing parts for our clients. Some organizations accept applications in person, others require phone calls, and some use online portals.

For PHLHousing+, households are randomly selected from existing Philadelphia Housing Authority waitlists, so you can't directly apply. But we can help you get on those waitlists and position yourself for future opportunities.

This is where our support really shines. We maintain relationships with program administrators, know the current application deadlines, and can help you gather all the required documentation. We'll also follow up on your applications and advocate for you if there are any issues.

You can visit our website at philadelphiaaffordablehousing.com/info to learn more about our tenant application support services and get started with our team.

Ready to get started?

Finding affordable housing shouldn't be something you have to figure out alone. Our team is here to guide you through every step of the process, from understanding which programs you qualify for to submitting applications and following up on your status.

We've helped thousands of Philadelphia renters find stable, affordable housing, and we're ready to help you too. The housing market is challenging, but with the right support and knowledge of available resources, you can find a place to call home.