Madison Section 8 Calculator — Jefferson County Income Limits & Rent Estimate
Renters in Madison, IN often search for the Housing Choice Voucher program — commonly called Section 8. Vouchers help very low-income households afford rent in private housing. In this city or town, HUD rules are usually applied through a Public Housing Authority (PHA) serving Jefferson County.
Expanded local guide
Section 8 in Madison — Jefferson County Housing Authority, Waiting Lists & Jefferson County Housing
Local Section 8 guide for Madison and Jefferson County: JCHA-IN vouchers, waiting list status, payment standards, income limits, and estimated tenant rent share.
Updated September 12, 2026
Housing Authority Serving Madison
- Agency: Jefferson County Housing Authority (JCHA-IN)
- Jurisdiction: Jefferson County, Indiana — including Madison and surrounding townships
- Waiting list status: Opens periodically; check the official portal
- Application portal: jeffersoncountyindiana.com
- Main office: 315 W Main St, Madison, IN 47250
- Phone: (812) 265-5858
The Jefferson County Housing Authority administers the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program in Madison, Indiana. Madison is the county seat of Jefferson County, a scenic riverfront community along the Ohio River bordering Kentucky. As a smaller housing authority serving a rural and semi-rural population, JCHA-IN typically has shorter waiting lists than urban Indiana counterparts such as the Indianapolis Housing Agency, though funding constraints can still create delays of several months to over a year.
JCHA-IN maintains relationships with local landlords who accept vouchers, and staff can assist applicants in locating available rental units in Madison and surrounding communities. The authority also coordinates with the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority (IHCDA) for additional housing resources, including emergency rental assistance programs that may complement or bridge gaps in the voucher program.
Income Limits & Fair Market Rent in Jefferson County
Jefferson County is classified as a non-metropolitan area by HUD, which means its income limits are based on a separate rural Indiana calculation rather than a major metro AMI. For 2026, the estimated AMI for a four-person household in Jefferson County is approximately $67,000. The 50% eligibility threshold is roughly $33,500, and the 30% priority threshold is approximately $20,100 for a family of four. Households with incomes between 30% and 50% AMI may be placed on the waiting list but will be served after those with incomes at or below 30% AMI.
Fair Market Rents for Jefferson County in FY 2026 reflect the area’s affordable housing stock. Estimated FMRs are approximately $525 for a studio, $600 for a one-bedroom, $775 for a two-bedroom, and $1,000 for a three-bedroom. These are significantly lower than Indiana metro areas such as Indianapolis or Fort Wayne, meaning that most standard rental units in Madison will fall within the Payment Standard, leaving tenants to pay only the 30% income contribution with little or no additional out-of-pocket rent.
Madison’s affordability makes it an attractive location for voucher holders, particularly those working in manufacturing, healthcare, and the service industries that anchor the local economy. Use the rent calculator below to determine your exact subsidy amount based on your household’s gross income and the unit size you need.
Run your Madison rent estimate →
How to Apply for Section 8 in Madison
- Contact JCHA-IN to check waitlist status — Call (812) 265-5858 or check the Jefferson County government website to confirm whether the Housing Choice Voucher waiting list is open.
- Obtain and complete the application — Request an application from the JCHA-IN office or download it from the website. Complete all sections accurately, including all household members and income sources.
- Submit supporting documents — Include government-issued ID, Social Security cards for all household members, proof of income, and current or prior landlord references with your application.
- Receive your placement confirmation — After submission, you’ll be assigned a waiting list position. Contact JCHA-IN annually to confirm your information is current and your application remains active.
- Complete intake when selected — Attend the required eligibility interview, pass background and rental history screening, and receive your voucher along with instructions for the housing search period.
Waiting List Tips for Madison
- Jefferson County’s list is smaller than metro areas — act quickly when it opens and apply in person if possible to ensure your application is received.
- Bring all documents to the office when you apply; in-person applicants often have fewer processing issues.
- Also contact the Switzerland County and Ripley County housing authorities for additional opportunities in the region.
- Madison landlords along the Ohio River corridor, especially near downtown, are often familiar with the voucher program.
- Income from all household members must be accurately reported; underreporting income can result in immediate disqualification.
HUD income limits & Fair Market Rents — Madison
Official HUD figures for Jefferson County (area: Jefferson County, IN). Local PHA payment standards are often 90–110% of FMR.
Annual income limits (FY 2026)
Very low income (~50% AMI) and low income (~80% AMI) by household size. Section 8 typically prioritizes very low-income households.
| Household size | Very low (50%) | Low (80%) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $29,700 | $47,500 |
| 2 | $33,950 | $54,300 |
| 3 | $38,200 | $61,100 |
| 4 | $42,400 | $67,850 |
| 5 | $45,800 | $73,300 |
| 6 | $49,200 | $78,750 |
| 7 | $52,600 | $84,150 |
| 8 | $56,000 | $89,600 |
Monthly Fair Market Rents (FY 2027)
Benchmark gross rent (rent + utilities) by unit size. Use the ZIP calculator for Small Area FMRs or an estimated voucher amount.
| Bedrooms | FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $752 |
| 1 bedroom | $862 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,041 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,313 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,636 |
Source: HUD USER API (income limits & FMR). Educational estimate only; not affiliated with HUD or any PHA. Reference fiscal year: 2026.
Madison Section 8 Rent Calculator & Voucher Estimate
Because Madison may sit in a multi-county HUD area, use our Section 8 rent calculator to check your county, HUD income limits, and estimated tenant rent share before you contact a housing authority.
Calculate Madison rent share & voucherHousing Choice Voucher program
A Section 8 voucher in the Madison area does not pay your full rent. You pay a tenant share (often about 30% of adjusted income), and the voucher covers part of the rent up to the local payment standard, which is based on HUD Fair Market Rents for Jefferson County.
Most PHAs near Madison run waiting lists that open only periodically. Eligibility depends on income, household size, and local preferences — not on applying first online alone.
- Project-based Section 8 — Project-based Section 8 — subsidy stays with specific buildings (different application path).
- Tenant-based vouchers (HCV) — Tenant-based vouchers (HCV) — you find a unit; the voucher moves with you in many cases after initial lease-up.
- Local preferences — Local preferences — veterans, elderly, disabled, or working families may get priority on some lists.
Section 8 guides for Madison renters
These guides explain vouchers, income limits, and rent math for households in Madison and across Indiana. Each links to our calculator so you can run numbers for your ZIP.
How Section 8 HAP Is Calculated (Tenant Share vs Owner)
HAP is min(payment standard, gross rent) minus TTP. See family rent to owner, utility reimbursement, the 90–110% FMR band, and what this calculator can and cannot decide.
RentHow Much Section 8 Pays by Bedroom Size
There is no national dollar amount for a 1-, 2-, or 3-bedroom voucher. Family unit size, the PHA payment standard, and your TTP decide HAP — plus the 40% first-lease rule.
PHAFind Your Public Housing Authority (PHA) for Section 8
Learn what a PHA is, how to find the housing authority for your city or county, and where to apply for a Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher waiting list.
ApplicationHow to Apply for Section 8 — Waiting Lists & PHA Steps
Step-by-step overview of Section 8 waiting lists, PHA applications, and what to do while you wait for a voucher.
Voucher programHousing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8) Explained
What the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program is, how PHAs run it, and how vouchers differ from public housing.
RentSection 8 Rent Calculator — How Much Will I Pay With a Voucher?
Estimate your Section 8 tenant share (TTP), payment standard, and maximum voucher subsidy. Includes rent above payment standard examples.
Income limitsSection 8 Income Limits Explained by Household Size
HUD very low and low income limits determine Section 8 eligibility. See how limits vary by ZIP, county, metro area, and family size.
BasicsHow Section 8 Housing Works — Vouchers, PHAs & What You Pay (2026)
How Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers work in 2026 — who qualifies, how PHAs issue vouchers, how payment standards are calculated, and exactly what renters pay vs what the subsidy covers.
Apply near Madison
- Confirm income limits with the calculator.
- Find your PHA in our PHA Directory or the HUD contacts tool (Jefferson County).
- Join the waiting list when the PHA opens applications — many lists close for years at a time.
- When selected, find a rental at or below the payment standard and complete inspection.
Ready to apply? Download the PDF application checklist before your appointment.
FAQ — Section 8 in Madison
Can I use Section 8 in Madison, IN?
Many renters in Madison can apply if they meet HUD income limits and the local PHA has an open waiting list. Vouchers are portable in some cases, but you must apply through the housing authority that serves your area — often tied to Jefferson County.
How much rent will I pay with a voucher near Madison?
Your minimum share is the Total Tenant Payment (TTP) — typically the greater of 30% of adjusted monthly income, 10% of gross income, or a small PHA minimum. Use our calculator with your ZIP to see an estimate for Jefferson County.
Where do I apply for Section 8 in Madison?
Applications are handled by your local Public Housing Authority, not this website. Search HUD's PHA contact directory for authorities serving Jefferson County, then follow their waiting list instructions.
Does Madison have its own income limits?
HUD publishes income limits and Fair Market Rents by county or metro area. Madison uses the limits for Jefferson County. Enter your ZIP in our calculator to pull the current HUD figures for your household size.
Do medical bills lower Section 8 rent in Madison?
If your household is elderly (62+) or disabled, HUD may deduct unreimbursed medical costs above 10% of annual income, plus a family allowance. That reduces the adjusted income used for your tenant share (TTP). Run a Madison ZIP in the calculator; the PHA serving Jefferson County decides which receipts count.