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Glossary

Public housing agency (PHA)

A local government office that runs housing programs in your area, including Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8).

A public housing agency is a local government office that manages affordable housing programs where you live. Most PHAs run the Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8) program, which helps low-income families pay rent by giving vouchers they use with private landlords.

Your local PHA also handles public housing—apartment buildings it owns and rents at affordable prices. Some PHAs run other programs too.

When you apply for housing help, you apply to your local PHA, not a state or federal office. Each PHA has its own waiting lists, income limits and rules. If you're denied for one program, you can ask why and may be able to appeal.

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.Section 8US Department of Housing and Urban DevelopmentHousing Choice Vouchers, often called Section 8, help families with low income pay rent for a home they find in the private market.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.