5HOUSING BENEFITS FROM THE SECTION 8 HOUSING PROGRAM

presents the first systematic analysis of the benefits participating households receive and compares those benefits with federal government costs. Section 8 New Construction projects provide acceptable housing at an affordable price to those low-income households fortunate enough to be accepted by the developers. However, about 20 % of the total project rents goes to program-related costs rather than to tenant benefits. A major advantage of the Section 8 Existing Housingprogram is that tenant benefits are provided without excessive rent increases. But, most units in that program do not meet Section 8 Acceptability Criteria. A shift in emphasis from the New Construction to the Existing Housing program can save the government significant amounts of money yet maintain the number of households assisted. I