Delaying Getting Off Section 8

• Author: Monica Jackson
• Posted: 2024-11-15

According to official statistics from the American federal government, only 5.2 million Americans were on Section 8 housing assistance as of 2021. Of course, this is only for Section 8; there are a dozen other sorts of housing and rental assistance programs offered by both the federal and state governments. The point here is that Section 8 isn't as overwhelmed as you might think. Even still, over half of the people on Section 8 have been on it their entire adult lives, and their parents were on it. So, in many ways, Section 8 has really become generational. Some of those who go on it get stuck in it. But if you're on Section 8 or thinking about going on the program, you might want to lean on it more heavily for a while and delay getting back on your own feet.

Some financial experts in America have been speaking out about Section 8 recipients and how so many push to get off of the program, only to find themselves having to go back on it and in worse shape than when they started. "There's a lot of shame [and] embarrassment that comes with needing government aid," said one financial expert. "Many want to get off of Section 8 because there is a stigma that comes with it." Though in times of massive inflation, food shortages, housing shortages, job shortages, and an economy so bad that the government finds it easier to lie about than fix, this might not be the right time to put your money toward independent housing.

Of course, no one is suggesting that you rely on the government to support you if you don't have to. However, there is a lot to be said about the state of America's economy and the fact that pushing to get out of Section 8 too quickly could leave you in a much bigger hole in only a few months. Experts urge you to take your time and delay, if you can, while waiting to see if the economy and housing market level off.

The Generational Trap

Many people who are currently on Section 8 or are considering getting on the program definitely fear being stuck there. When it was originally started nearly a century ago, Section 8 was meant to be a stop-gap for the most indigent Americans; a way to get back on their feet while they gained employment and enough fiances to afford their own home, or at least rent. Though this was back when the value of a US Dollar was truly one US Dollar. Today, the Dollar only has about 20% of its value left, and increasing inflation rates are dragging that down even further. It has become exponentially harder to get situated in America today unless you started from a position of privilege; e.g. unless you were born to parents who had money and/or property. So many people have been stuck in this welfare cycle for generations now.

Corporations would be uplifted by the government and have their problems solved, were they the ones in desperate need. Though when it comes to actual living, breathing people, the government does the bare minimum to improve their plight, and so we find millions stuck in poverty. It has been called "the generational trap" by many, and the thought of having to willingly stay on Section 8 for an extended period of time does not sit too well with many people. So the issue for a lot of people now is that they truly do not want to get stuck, but then again they don't know how to navigate the current economy and come out on top.

Because of the way things are going in America right now, most data and financial experts suggest that you should just take your time. Delay any big moves you were planning and lean on your Section 8 while you better position yourself for the eventual (hopeful) recovery.

Intentions Turn to Retention Often

The vast majority of people who get on Section 8 truly only plan it to be temporary. For instance, it's not as if African Americans in the early 1970s imagined that their grandchildren may still be on the program in record numbers. The fact is that America's economy isn't set up for normal people to succeed anymore. There are those one-in-a-million stories about rags to riches, but most people in poverty stay stuck there. The point here is that you should not be ashamed of that.

Due to these tough economic circumstances, if you have to lean on Section 8 a little longer, so be it.