SANEL Guide
What income counts for affordable housing?
Why programs usually care about gross household income and why the housing provider’s calculation can differ from a simple salary number.
Think household income, not take-home pay
Affordable-housing eligibility is generally based on gross household income under the rules of the specific program, not the amount deposited after taxes. Different income sources can be treated differently, so an annual salary alone may not tell the whole story.
Sources that may need review
- Wages and salaries.
- Overtime, bonuses or commissions when applicable.
- Self-employment income.
- Benefits, pensions or other recurring income.
- Income of other household members.
- Assets or imputed asset income where the program requires it.
Do not self-disqualify from a rough estimate
Use published rules to screen opportunities, but let the housing provider make the formal calculation when a case is close or the treatment of a particular income source is unclear.
Next guide
What happens after you apply?SANEL provides housing information and eligibility estimates for convenience. Housing providers and government agencies make final eligibility and application decisions.