What Is Section 8 Housing?
Section 8 housing is the common name for the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program — the largest federal rental assistance program in the United States. Administered by HUD through local Public Housing Authorities (PHAs), it helps very low-income families, elderly individuals, and people with disabilities afford rent in privately owned apartments and houses — not government-owned projects.
Instead of building housing, the government issues a voucher that pays the gap between what you can afford (roughly 30% of your income) and the local market rent. You choose your own home; the PHA pays your landlord directly each month.
2.3M+
Households served nationwide
~3,300
Local PHAs administering vouchers
30%
Typical tenant share of adjusted income
50% AMI
Maximum income limit to qualify
How Section 8 Housing Works
The program is a three-way partnership between HUD, your local PHA, and a private landlord:
- Apply through your local PHA. You cannot apply through HUD or online nationally — each PHA manages its own waiting list. Use our PHA Directory to find the one covering your city or county.
- Join the waiting list. Most areas have far more applicants than vouchers. Wait times range from months to 10+ years in major cities. Some PHAs only open their list for brief windows.
- Get verified when selected. The PHA confirms your income, household size, and eligibility. Bring ID, income proofs, and household documents — download our free PDF checklist.
- Receive your voucher and find a unit. You typically have 60–120 days to find a landlord who accepts the voucher and whose unit passes HUD inspection.
- Pay your share; PHA pays the rest. Your share is usually ~30% of adjusted income. Elderly or disabled families can lower that adjusted income with HUD medical deductions (unreimbursed costs above 10% of income). The voucher covers the gap up to the local payment standard. The PHA sends the subsidy directly to your landlord.
Who Qualifies for Section 8 Housing?
Income limit
Household income must be below 50% of Area Median Income (AMI) for your area. At least 75% of new vouchers go to households below 30% AMI. Limits vary by county and family size — use the calculator to check yours.
Citizenship / immigration
At least one household member must be a U.S. citizen or have eligible immigration status. Mixed-status households receive a prorated benefit. Undocumented immigrants are not eligible.
Background screening
PHAs may deny applicants with prior evictions from federally assisted housing, drug-related convictions, or fraud in a housing program. Screening criteria vary by agency — check your local PHA's Administrative Plan.
Household size
Income limits and bedroom sizes scale with the number of people in your household. Larger families qualify at higher income thresholds and receive larger vouchers.
How Much Does Section 8 Pay?
The voucher does not pay a fixed dollar amount for everyone. The math works like this:
Every area has different Fair Market Rents and income limits. Calculate my exact rent share by ZIP →
Types of Section 8 Vouchers
Tenant-based (standard HCV)
The most common type. The voucher is yours — you find a unit anywhere landlords accept it, and you can move it to another city or state through "porting."
Project-based vouchers (PBV)
Tied to a specific building. You live there to receive the subsidy; if you move, you lose the voucher. Shorter waits in some markets.
VASH (Veterans)
Housing Choice Vouchers for homeless veterans, combined with VA case management services.
Mainstream / EHV
Mainstream Vouchers target people with disabilities. Emergency Housing Vouchers (EHV) were created to house people experiencing homelessness or fleeing domestic violence.
How to Apply for Section 8 Housing
There is no single national application. You apply through the PHA that covers your city or county.
- Find your PHA — use our PHA Directory or search by state.
- Check if the waiting list is open — many lists are closed for years. Sign up for alerts on your PHA's website.
- Gather documents — photo ID, Social Security numbers, income proofs, birth certificates for children. Download our free PDF checklist.
- Submit your application — online or in-person depending on the PHA. Keep your confirmation number.
- Stay reachable — keep your contact info current with the PHA. Missing their notice can cost you your spot.
Frequently Asked Questions — Section 8 Housing
What is the difference between Section 8 and public housing?
Public housing is government-owned and operated by a PHA — you live in buildings the government manages. Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers let you rent from a private landlord anywhere they accept the voucher, giving you far more choice of neighborhood and unit type.
Can I use a Section 8 voucher anywhere in the U.S.?
Tenant-based vouchers are portable — after an initial period (often 12 months), you can move to another city or state through a process called "porting." The new PHA takes over the contract. Payment standards differ by location, which affects your out-of-pocket rent.
How long is the Section 8 waiting list?
Wait times vary enormously — from months in some rural areas to 3–10+ years in cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago. Many large PHAs keep their lists closed and open them only for brief lottery windows. Apply to multiple PHAs in your region if possible.
Do all landlords accept Section 8?
No — landlords opt in voluntarily unless they are in a city or state with source-of-income protection laws that ban voucher discrimination. Check your state's rules; many have added these protections in recent years.
Can non-citizens apply for Section 8 housing?
Yes, with conditions. At least one household member must be a U.S. citizen or have eligible immigration status. Mixed-status households receive a prorated benefit. Undocumented immigrants are not eligible.
Why is it called "Section 8"?
The name comes from Section 8 of the U.S. Housing Act of 1937. The Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 created the modern rental voucher framework under that section. In 1998 the program was officially renamed the Housing Choice Voucher Program, but the nickname "Section 8" stuck.
Can I eventually buy a home with Section 8?
Yes. HUD's Housing Choice Voucher Homeownership Program lets qualifying families apply voucher funds toward a mortgage instead of rent. Not all PHAs offer it — ask yours directly.
Does Section 8 deduct medical bills from what I pay in rent?
For elderly (62+) or disabled families, yes — HUD lets you deduct unreimbursed medical costs that are above 10% of annual income (HOTMA), plus a family allowance (about $525). That lowers adjusted income and can reduce your tenant share (TTP). Ordinary households generally cannot use medical bills this way. Enter expenses in the calculator; your PHA verifies receipts.
This page is for educational purposes only and is not affiliated with HUD or any PHA. Program rules, income limits, and waiting list status change frequently — always verify with your local housing authority.