Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program
Section 8 provides rental assistance vouchers to very low-income families, the elderly, and people with disabilities to afford housing in the private market.
About This Program
The Housing Choice Voucher Program (commonly known as Section 8) is the federal government's major program for assisting very low-income families, the elderly, and the disabled to afford decent, safe, and sanitary housing in the private market. Participants find their own housing, and the voucher pays a portion of rent directly to the landlord. Participants typically pay 30% of their adjusted monthly income toward rent.
Eligibility Requirements
The following criteria must be met to qualify for this program.
PHAs must provide 75% of vouchers to applicants at or below 30% of area median income.
Program serves families (with or without children), elderly individuals (62+), and persons with disabilities.
At least one household member must be a citizen or have eligible immigration status.
Document Checklist
0/6 gatheredGather these documents before starting your application.
Required
Optional / If Applicable
Application Walkthrough
Follow these steps to complete your application. Pay attention to friction-point tips.
Find your local Public Housing Authority (PHA)
15 minutesUse the HUD PHA search at hud.gov to find your local PHA. Each PHA manages its own waiting list.
Apply to MULTIPLE PHAs in your area — each has a separate waiting list. Some neighboring PHAs may have shorter waits.
Check if the waiting list is open
5 minutesMany PHAs only accept applications during specific open enrollment periods.
Waiting lists open and close unpredictably. Sign up for email alerts from your local PHA and apply the FIRST DAY the list opens — some close within hours.
Submit application
30 minutesComplete and submit the application when the waiting list is open. Applications are typically ranked by preference categories.
Highlight all preference categories that apply to you (veteran, homeless, domestic violence survivor, etc.) — preferences can move you up years on the list.
Wait for selection
6 months to 5+ yearsWaiting times vary dramatically — from months to several years depending on location and demand.
Keep your contact information updated with the PHA. Missed mailings are the #1 reason people lose their place on the waiting list.
Attend briefing and find housing
60-120 daysOnce selected, attend a voucher briefing and search for eligible housing within the time limit.
You typically have 60-120 days to find housing. Start searching BEFORE your briefing. Ask your PHA about landlord lists and portability to other jurisdictions.