How to Apply for Section 8 and Public Housing

What is Section 8?

Section 8, officially called Housing Choice Vouchers, is a federal program that helps low-income families pay for rental housing. The program gives you a voucher that covers part of your rent. You find your own apartment, and the voucher pays the landlord directly.

Public housing is different. The government owns the buildings and rents apartments to low-income tenants. Both programs are run by local Public Housing Authorities.

Step 1: Find Your Local Public Housing Authority

Each city or county has its own Public Housing Authority that handles Section 8 and public housing applications. You cannot apply at the federal level. You must apply where you live.

Search online for your city or county name plus "Public Housing Authority." You can also call your city or county government office and ask for the housing authority contact information.

Step 2: Check Income Limits

You must meet income limits to qualify. Income limits vary by location and household size. For 2026, the federal poverty guideline for a single person is [VERIFY: specific income limit for Section 8 in major metros], but Section 8 limits are usually higher.

Your local housing authority will tell you the exact income limit for your area when you contact them. It depends on where you want to live.

Step 3: Gather Required Documents

You will need to prove your identity, income, and citizenship or legal immigration status. Bring:

• Photo ID or passport
• Social Security card
• Proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer)
• Proof of residency (utility bill or lease)
• Immigration documents if you were not born in the United States

Call your local housing authority to ask about any other documents they need.

Step 4: Apply for Section 8 or Public Housing

Most housing authorities now let you apply online on their website. Some still accept paper applications in person or by mail.

When you apply, you will fill out a form with information about:

• Your household members
• Your income
• Your assets
• Why you need housing assistance

The application is free. Only the housing authority can decide if you qualify.

Step 5: Wait for Your Appointment

After you apply, the housing authority will contact you to schedule an appointment. They will verify the information you provided and ask you questions about your situation.

Be honest and bring all the documents they ask for. This helps speed up the process.

Step 6: Get on the Waitlist

If you are approved, you go on the waitlist. Waitlists can be very long in some areas. Some housing authorities close their waitlists when too many people are waiting.

The housing authority will contact you when it is your turn. This could take months or years, depending on where you live.

What Happens Next

If you receive Section 8, the housing authority gives you a voucher. You then have a set amount of time to find an apartment that accepts Section 8. Your voucher only works with landlords who participate in the program.

If you receive public housing, the authority assigns you an apartment in one of their buildings.

In both cases, you will have a lease and pay a portion of the rent yourself. The voucher or public housing covers the rest.

Get Help

If you need help applying or have questions, contact your local Public Housing Authority directly. Many areas also have nonprofits that help people apply for housing assistance. Search for "housing counselor" or "housing assistance" in your area.

You can also visit our Section 8 page to learn more about the program.