What is Section 8?
Section 8 is the informal name for the Housing Choice Voucher Program, administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). It is the largest rental assistance program in the United States, helping more than 5 million low-income families, seniors, and people with disabilities afford safe housing in the private market.
Unlike public housing (where you live in a government-owned building), Section 8 lets you choose your own apartment or house from any landlord who accepts vouchers. The program pays part of your rent directly to the landlord each month.
Who qualifies for Section 8?
To qualify for a Section 8 housing voucher, you must meet these requirements:
- Income limit: Your household income must be at or below 50% of the Area Median Income (AMI) for your area. At least 75% of new vouchers must go to households at or below 30% AMI.
- Citizenship: At least one member of the household must be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen.
- Background check: Most housing authorities screen for certain criminal history, particularly drug-related crimes or violent offenses.
- No previous evictions from assisted housing: If you were evicted from federally assisted housing for drug-related activity in the past three years, you may be ineligible.
How much rent help will you get?
The voucher covers the difference between your rent and what you are expected to pay. Here is how it works:
- You pay approximately 30% of your adjusted monthly income toward rent and utilities
- The voucher pays the remaining amount, up to the Payment Standard set by your local housing authority
- If you choose a unit that costs more than the payment standard, you pay the extra amount yourself — but that amount cannot exceed 40% of your income when you first lease the unit
| Example household | Monthly income | You pay (~30%) | Voucher covers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single person | $1,000 | $300 | Remainder up to payment standard |
| Family of 3 | $1,800 | $540 | Remainder up to payment standard |
| Elderly on SSI | $967 | ~$290 | Remainder up to payment standard |
The waitlist — what you need to know
This is the hardest part of Section 8 to understand: the wait can be very long. Because demand for vouchers far exceeds supply, most housing authorities maintain waitlists that can stretch from several months to many years. Some PHAs have closed their waitlists entirely because the list is already too long.
Who gets priority on the waitlist?
Many housing authorities give priority to certain groups who get moved up the waitlist faster:
Families who are homeless or in emergency shelter
Victims of domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking
Families being displaced by government action or disaster
Veterans and their families (in many PHAs)
People with disabilities who need accessible housing
Elderly households (62+)
How to apply for Section 8 — step by step
Find your local Public Housing Authority
Go to HUD's PHA directory to find the housing authorities in your area. You will apply directly to them — not to HUD or the federal government.
Check if the waitlist is open
Contact each PHA or check their website to see if their waitlist is currently accepting applications. When a waitlist opens, it is often only open for a short window — sometimes just a few days. Sign up for notifications if you can.
Submit your application
When a waitlist opens, submit your application immediately. You will need names and dates of birth for all household members, Social Security numbers, current address, income information, and landlord contact information for the past few years.
Keep your information updated
Once on the waitlist, you must keep your contact information current with the PHA. If they cannot reach you when your name comes up, you may be removed from the list. Notify them immediately of any change of address.
When your name is called — find a home
When you reach the top of the waitlist, you will receive a voucher and typically 60–120 days to find a unit that meets program requirements. The unit must pass a HUD health and safety inspection before you can move in.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use Section 8 in any state?
Yes — with a "portable" voucher, you can use it anywhere in the country. However, you must typically live in the jurisdiction of the PHA that issued your voucher for at least 12 months first before moving it elsewhere.
What if my landlord doesn't accept Section 8?
Some landlords do not accept vouchers, though several cities and states now have laws prohibiting this discrimination. If you are struggling to find a landlord who accepts your voucher, contact your local PHA — they often maintain lists of participating landlords.
Can I be kicked off Section 8?
Yes. You can lose your voucher if your income rises above the limit, if you are evicted for serious lease violations, if you are convicted of certain crimes, or if you fail to comply with program requirements like annual recertification.