Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8)

What is Section 8?

Housing Choice Vouchers, also called Section 8, help you afford private rental housing. Instead of living in public housing, you use a voucher to pay part of your rent. You find your own apartment or house, and the program pays a portion of the rent directly to your landlord. You pay the rest.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) runs the program nationwide. Local public housing agencies (PHAs) in your area manage it and decide who gets vouchers.

Who qualifies

You may qualify based on three main things:

• IncomeYour total annual gross income must be low enough. The limit depends on your family size and where you live.
• Family sizeYou must have a valid reason for needing housing assistance. This usually means you're a single person, a family, an older adult, or someone with a disability.
• Citizenship or immigration statusYou must be a U.S. citizen or a non-citizen with an eligible immigration status.

Each local PHA sets its own exact income limits. Find your local PHA to learn the specific limits in your area.

How much help you get

The amount you pay for rent depends on your income. HUD sets a payment standard for your area—that's the maximum amount the program will help cover. You usually pay 30% of your gross household income toward rent. The voucher covers the difference between what you pay and the payment standard, up to the limit.

If your rent is very low, you may not get much help. If your rent is very high, you may have to pay more than 30% of your income.

How to apply

1. 1
   Step 1: Find your local PHALook up your public housing agency by state. Each area has one.
2. 2
   Step 2: Check the waiting list statusContact your local PHA or visit their website. Many PHAs have long waiting lists or have temporarily closed them. Ask when the list might reopen.
3. 3
   Step 3: Complete an applicationYour PHA will tell you how to apply—online, in person, or by mail. Applying is free.
4. 4
   Step 4: Submit required documentsYou'll need to prove your income, family size, and citizenship or eligible immigration status. Have recent pay stubs, tax returns, or other income records ready. Your PHA will tell you exactly what to bring.
5. 5
   Step 5: Wait for a decisionYour PHA will contact you about next steps. This can take weeks or longer, especially if the waiting list is long.

What to expect after you apply

After you submit your application:

• Your PHA will verify information you provided. They may ask for more documents or call your employer.
• You'll be placed on a waiting list if you're eligible. Wait times vary widely—sometimes a few months, sometimes several years, depending on your area.
• Your PHA will contact you when it's your turn. They'll schedule an appointment to discuss next steps.
• You'll search for housing that meets program requirements. Your landlord must agree to participate in Section 8.
• An inspector will check the apartment. The unit must meet health and safety standards before the program pays.
• You'll sign a lease and the program will begin paying the landlord.

Contact your PHA with questions at any point. They can tell you where you are on the waiting list and what to do next.

Documents you may need

Bring proof of:

• IncomeRecent pay stubs, W-2s, tax returns, or a letter from your employer
• IdentityA driver's license, passport, or state ID
• Citizenship or immigration statusA birth certificate, passport, or immigration documents
• Family compositionBirth certificates for children, marriage certificate if applicable
• Social Security numberFor each family member
• Current housingProof of where you live now, like a lease or utility bill

Your PHA will tell you the exact documents they need. Requirements may vary by location.

Renewing your voucher

Once you have a voucher, you don't keep it forever. Your PHA will ask you to recertify your eligibility—usually every year, sometimes every two years. This means:

• Update your income informationBring recent pay stubs or other proof of income.
• Confirm family sizeReport any changes in who lives with you.
• Keep your apartmentContinue paying your share of rent on time.

If your income increases, you may pay more. If it decreases, you may pay less. As long as you stay eligible and meet program rules, you can keep your voucher.

Important rules

• You must live in the unitThis is your primary residence.
• Pay your share of rent on timeIf you don't, you could lose your voucher.
• Report changesTell your PHA if your income, family size, or address changes.
• Don't make unauthorized changesMoving to a new apartment or letting someone move in requires PHA approval.
• Keep the unit in good conditionFollow your lease terms.

Waiting lists

Demand for Section 8 vouchers is high. Many areas have waiting lists with hundreds or thousands of people. Some things to know:

• Lists may be closedYour PHA might not accept new applications right now. Check their website or call to find out when they might open again.
• Wait times vary greatlySome areas issue vouchers within months; others take years.
• You may lose your placeIf you don't respond to your PHA when they contact you, you may be removed from the list.
• Preferences may applySome PHAs give priority to people who are homeless, people with disabilities, or people working in certain jobs.

Stay in touch with your PHA. Keep your contact information current so they can reach you.

Related help

Section 8 is one housing option. You may also qualify for:

• Public housingApartments owned and run by your local PHA. Find out if your area has public housing through your PHA.
• Rapid rehousingHelp moving into permanent housing if you're homeless.
• Emergency rental assistanceMoney to help pay overdue rent or utilities.
• LIHEAPThe Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program helps with heating and cooling costs.

If you need help finding housing or applying for programs, ask your local PHA. They may have staff who can assist you.

Take the next step

Find your local public housing agency to learn about Section 8 in your area. Applying is free, and only your PHA decides if you qualify.