The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (“HUD”) estimates that 39, 471 veterans are homeless on any given day. While many reasons have been proposed for the ever-rising population of homeless veterans, a recent sting operation made one thing clear: landlords are blatantly discriminating against veteran applicants.
This blog relies on NPR’s coverage of the sting operation to provide details of the sting, and, further, proposes a solution to the problem of homelessness among veterans: TDIU benefits.
10 Out of 50 Landlords “Don’t Accept” HUD-VASH Vouchers
During the sting operation, the Washington state attorney general’s office posed as a veteran with a HUD-VASH voucher, a voucher provided by the Department of Housing and Urban Development to help homeless veterans afford housing. Then, office staff emailed 50 landlords to inquire about housing. Of the 50, 10 landlords said they did not accept any tenants who rely on HUD-VASH vouchers. Their responses indicate illogical, yet rampant, bias on behalf of landlords against veteran applicants.
Chicago, Miami, and New York City Have Protective Laws in Place, While California Leaves Veterans Vulnerable
New York City, Chicago, and Miami have passed laws which prohibit landlords from discriminating against veterans. California, however, has lagged; there, landlords can deny tenants with HUD-VASH vouchers without consequence.
TDIU Benefits Could Be Key to Reducing Homelessness Among Veterans Nationwide
With affordable housing options becoming increasingly few and far between, it is imperative that veterans are provided with both the resources they need to afford housing and meaningful access to housing options. One element that may be key to reducing homelessness among veterans nationwide is access to Total Disability Individual Unemployability (“TDIU”) benefits.
TDIU benefits are available to any veteran who is unable to maintain substantially gainful employment due to either: 1) one service-connected disability rated at 60% or more; or 2) two or more service-connected disabilities, one of which is rated at 40% or more, which make a combined rating of 70% or more. Those who qualify for TDIU benefits automatically receive a 100% disability rating. The benefits are significant. Currently, a 100% disability rating pays a minimum of $2915.55 a month.
If you believe you may be eligible, we encourage you to apply right away. $2915.55 could go a long way towards obtaining and maintaining housing. If your application is denied, contact us online or by phone at (877) 629-1712 as soon as possible. Our top priority is making sure our nation’s heroes can live their best lives, and, with decades of combined experience representing veterans in TDIU claims, we are confident we can win you the benefits you are entitled to.