Find Your Public Housing Authority (PHA) for Section 8
Published September 10, 2026
Run your numbers: Use the Section 8 calculator with your ZIP to see eligibility and estimated voucher help.
There is no national Section 8 application. You apply through a local Public Housing Authority (PHA) — the agency that runs Housing Choice Vouchers for your city or county.
What a PHA does
- Opens and manages the waiting list
- Verifies income and household eligibility
- Issues your voucher
- Inspects the rental unit (HQS)
- Pays the landlord the housing assistance portion each month
Examples include HACLA (Los Angeles), NYCHA (New York City), and CHA (Chicago). Smaller cities and rural counties usually have a city or county housing authority instead.
How to find your PHA
- Check our PHA Directory — browse by state for major agencies, phones, and apply links.
- Open your state Section 8 guide — each state page has a PHA section.
- Use HUD’s official tool — search the HUD PHA contacts directory by city and state.
- Confirm jurisdiction — large metros often have more than one PHA (city vs county). Apply to the agency that serves your address.
Before you apply
- Estimate income eligibility and tenant rent share with our Section 8 calculator.
- Gather IDs, income proofs, and household documents.
- Ask whether the waiting list is open, uses a lottery, or has local preferences (veteran, elderly, disability, working family).
Can I apply to more than one PHA?
Yes. Many families apply to every open list they can. Some PHAs prefer local residents, so non-local applicants may wait longer.
After you are selected
Keep your mailing address, email, and phone updated. When you receive a voucher, you generally have a limited time (often 60–120 days) to find a unit that passes inspection and meets the payment standard.
Browse the PHA Directory · PDF application checklist · How to apply & waiting lists