Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8) Program

The Housing Choice Voucher Program, also called Section 8, helps people with low incomes afford safe housing. If you qualify, a voucher pays part of your rent for an approved home or apartment in the private rental market. The Section 8 Housing serves older adults, people with disabilities, and families.

Section 8 is different from the HUD Public Housing Program. With public housing, you rent a home owned or managed by a local housing agency.

Learn more about Section 8 and how you can get help from this program.

Housing Choice Vouchers Program (Section 8) Quick Facts

What is it?

A program that helps people pay rent for an approved home or apartment.

Who may qualify?

People and families with low incomes.

What do I pay?

You pay part of the rent. The program pays the rest.

How do I apply?

Contact your local housing agency.

Is there a waiting list?

Usually. The wait may last months or years.

How do I check my waiting list status?

Contact the housing agency where you applied.

What is the Housing Choice Voucher Program?

The Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8) helps people with low incomes pay rent. If you qualify, the program pays part of your rent for an approved home or apartment with a voucher. You pay the rest. A voucher is like a coupon—it can be used in place of money to pay for something.

While Section 8 is funded by the federal government, housing choice vouchers are issued and managed at the local level by public housing agencies (PHAs).

Where can I live with a housing voucher?

If you’re approved for Section 8, you have choices in where you live. You can choose from privately owned single-family homes, townhouses, and apartments. The property owner or landlord must agree to rent you a unit under the Section 8 program. The government also requires that Section 8 homes be fully inspected to make sure they are safe.

You can even get Section 8 help in the apartment you currently live in, if your landlord agrees to take part in the program.

Who qualifies for Section 8 housing?

Section 8 is for people and families with low incomes. Your local housing agency will look at your income, family size, and citizenship or immigration status. Older adults and people with disabilities may qualify, but rules and income limits vary by location.

If you’re a U.S. citizen and meet the other program guidelines, you may get help from this program. Some people who are not U.S. citizens may also take part in this program. You should contact your local public housing agency for more information about the program's citizenship rules.

How much rent will Section 8 pay?

The amount Section 8 will pay to your landlord depends on three things:

• Your household income from all sources (earned and unearned), including:

• Money you get from a job (does not include Senior Community Service Employment Program income)

• Social Security payments

• Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments

• How many people live in your household

• The county you live in

Please note: Depending on where you live and the amount of assistance available, you may be placed on a Section 8 waiting list. Because of limited resources and high demand for housing, long waiting lists are common.

How do I apply for Section 8 housing?

If you want to apply for Section 8 housing, the first thing you need to do is contact your local housing authority. You can search for your local agency here by using the drop down menu or clicking on your state on the map.

You can apply online or with a paper form, depending on where you live. It is free to apply. The application will ask for important information about everyone in your home, such as:

• Name, birthdate, and Social Security number

• Proof you are a U.S. citizen or legal resident

• Your current address

• Proof of all income (like pay stubs or tax forms)

• Past landlord information

Make sure to have these documents ready when you apply.

What happens after I apply for Section 8 housing?

After you apply for Section 8 housing, the housing authority will review your application. Here is generally what happens next (although the process may differ slightly from state to state):

• You get a letter: The housing office will tell you if your application was approved or if you need to wait. If you are approved, you will get a voucher to help pay for part of your rent.

• You find a home: You can choose a rental that accepts Section 8 vouchers.

• The home gets an inspection: The home or apartment must pass an inspection. During the inspection, the housing office will check to make sure it is safe and clean.

• You sign the lease: You will sign a rental agreement with the landlord and start paying your share of the rent.

How can I get help with my application?

There are a few ways to get help applying for Section 8 housing.

You can:

• Contact your local housing agency.

• Ask a trusted family member or friend.

• Visit a Benefits Enrollment Center (BEC), if there’s one near you. See if there’s one in your area.

• NCOA also has a HelpLine you can call to get free support. To get started today, call 1-800-794-6559.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

What is the income limit for Section 8?

In general, your income cannot be more than 50% - 80% of the median income for the region where you want to live (other rules must also be met).

How long is the Section 8 waiting list?

There is no set wait time for Section 8 housing. You may wait several months or several years, depending on where you live and how many vouchers are available. If you’re on the waiting list, keep your contact information updated so you don’t miss any important updates.

How do I check my Section 8 application status?

Call the housing agency where you applied. You may be able to check your status online or by phone. Have your application or confirmation number ready, and make sure the agency has your current address and phone number.