Eligibility

  • Household income may not exceed 80% of the area median income to be eligible for the Low Income Public Housing program.

Area Median Income (AMI) is the midpoint income for the Twin Cities Metropolitan area.  Half of the people in the area earn more than the median, and half of the people earn less. AMI is determined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. MPHA uses these levels to set income limits for its programs. The 2019 limits are as follows:

2020 Income Limits (Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN)

Income/Category1 Person2 Person 3 Person4 Person5 Person6 Person7 Person8 Person
Extremely Low Income$21,700$24,800$27,900$31,000$33,500$36,000$39,640$44,120
Very Low Income$36,200$41,400$46,550$51,700$55,850$60,000$64,150$68,250
Low Income $54,950$62,800$70,650$78,500$84,800$91,100$97,350$103,650
Effective FY 2020 - Area Median Income (AMI) = $103,400

Extremely Low Income = Below 30% of AMI
Very Low Income = 50% to 30% of AMI
Low Income = 80% to 50% of AMI
Source: US Department of Housing and Urban Development Income Limits Summary (https://www.huduser.gov/portal/datasets/il.html)
  • There is no asset limit for public housing, though income from assets is included in your family income. If you have money in a savings account for example, that money will not be added to your income. However, if you earn interest from the money in your account, the interest will be considered part of your annual income.
  • In addition, each family member must have a social security card, be an eligible citizen or have eligible non-citizen status, or be a mixed-status family.

Screening Guidelines

MPHA provides well maintained and managed environments for residents.  For this reason, we screen applications in the same way many private property managers would screen.  To be considered suitable, you must show you are able to pay rent when due, take care of an apartment, and live peacefully with neighbors. MPHA uses the following screening processes:

  • Resident history: MPHA relies heavily on good landlord or residential references to determine an applicant’s suitability for public housing. Recent, positive rental history is the best way to tell if an applicant will be able to meet the obligations of being a tenant. In addition to positive residential history, employment, and other factors are considered when determining suitability.
  • Criminal/Screening Guidelines: MPHA reviews all applicant’s criminal history. If it shows that they may not be a suitable resident their application may be denied. MPHA uses applicant screening guidelines as outlined in its Statement of Policies. Click here (look under Policies and Plans) to view MPHA’s Low-Income Statement of Policies.
  • Immigration Status: You don’t need to be a United States citizen to apply for housing, but you do need to be a citizen or have eligible immigration status to receive housing. You could be denied if you do not have acceptable citizenship or immigration status. Click here for more information regarding immigration status guidelines.