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Glossary

Housing Choice Voucher

A subsidy from the federal government that helps low-income renters pay their landlord, so they can afford a place to live.

Housing Choice Vouchers (also called Section 8) are rental assistance certificates issued by your local public housing agency. The voucher covers part of your rent and utilities. You pay the rest from your own income, usually about 30% of what you earn.

You use a voucher to rent any apartment or house on the private market—you're not limited to public housing. Your landlord must agree to participate in the program. The housing must pass a safety and quality inspection.

Each housing agency has its own waiting list and income limits. Many have long waiting lists because demand is high and funding is limited. Applying is free, and only the agency decides if you qualify.

Programs where this matters

LIHEAPHHS Administration for Children and FamiliesLIHEAP helps households with low income pay heating and cooling bills, and may help in an energy crisis such as a shut-off notice.MedicaidCenters for Medicare & Medicaid ServicesMedicaid is free or low-cost health coverage run by each state with federal funding, for children, adults, pregnant people, older adults and people with disabilities.SNAPUSDA Food and Nutrition ServiceSNAP gives monthly benefits on an EBT card to help households with low income buy food.Child Care AidHHS Administration for Children and FamiliesChild care assistance helps families with low income pay for child care so parents can work, look for work, or go to school or training.TANFHHS Administration for Children and FamiliesTANF gives cash help and support services to families with children who have low income. Each state runs its own program.WeatherizationUS Department of EnergyThe Weatherization Assistance Program makes free energy-saving home improvements, like insulation and heating repairs, for households with low income.