Can You Quit a Job While Receiving Section 8?

Some low-income families who can't afford to pay for suitable housing can qualify for Section 8 housing vouchers from the government. When you receive Section 8 housing assistance, you must follow certain regulations to remain eligible. However, the public housing authority typically doesn't require you to maintain employment or search for a job.

Section 8 housing vouchers assist families with very low incomes in obtaining safe, affordable housing. To qualify for Section 8 assistance, your family's income typically must be less than 50 percent of the median income in your county. All public housing associations must provide at least 75 percent of their housing vouchers to families whose incomes are less than 30 percent of the area's median income.

At the time of publication, the Department of Housing and Urban Development doesn't require recipients of Section 8 assistance to be employed. However, you must avoid the drug use and comply with the terms of the lease. You must also pay your portion of the housing costs on time each month, and you must stay below the income limit to remain eligible for assistance.

Some states have family self-sufficiency programs for families receiving Section 8 assistance. Participants in these programs have an opportunity to work toward career and educational goals. As the head of household's income increases, the program deposits money into an escrow account. If the head of household has met all requirements by the end of the contract, such as maintaining employment, the family will receive the funds from the escrow account.

Though the public housing authority won't require you to work while receiving Section 8 housing vouchers, you must pay your portion of the rent once you sign a lease. If you quit your job, you must report the change to the public housing authority, which may or may not adjust your rent payments. If your rent remains the same, you may not be able to keep up with your payments, which could cause you to lose your home.