Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program
The Housing Choice Vouchers Program, also known as Section 8, provides assistance to eligible low- and moderate-income individuals and families with all rental housing. The federal assistance program lets participants pay a reasonable amount of their income toward rent and makes up the difference with a subsidy. Generally, renters will pay no more than 40% of their adjusted monthly income as their share.
Section 8 vouchers can be used in every major city in the United States and are administered locally by municipal public housing agencies.
Eligibility Criteria
Public housing authorities (PHAs) determine eligibility based on an individual’s or family’s total annual gross income and family size. An applicant must be at least 18 years old, and a United States citizen or a noncitizen who has eligible immigration status. Single persons as well as families with or without children may apply.
In general, a qualifying applicant’s income may not exceed 50% of the median income for the county or metropolitan area in which they reside.
If the PHA determines someone is eligible, they will be added to a waiting list. Waiting lists vary in length and time depending on local market conditions. PHAs establish their own specific preferences—veterans, victims of domestic violence and other statuses—for selecting waiting list applicants. They may close the list when it contains more families than can be assisted in the near future.
