How to Apply for Section 8 Housing: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide
Section 8, officially known as the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program, is the federal government's largest rental assistance program. Administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the program helps low-income families, elderly individuals, and persons with disabilities afford safe, decent housing in the private market. If you're struggling to afford rent, understanding how to apply for Section 8 could be a critical first step toward housing stability.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know — from determining your eligibility to navigating the waitlist and using your voucher.
What Is Section 8 Housing?
The Section 8 program provides rental assistance through housing vouchers. Rather than placing participants in government-owned housing, the program allows recipients to choose their own housing in the private rental market — as long as the landlord agrees to participate and the unit meets HUD's quality standards.
The voucher covers a portion of the monthly rent, and the participant is responsible for paying the difference. Generally, participants pay about 30% of their adjusted gross income toward rent, with the voucher covering the rest up to a local payment standard set by the Public Housing Authority (PHA).
There are over 2,200 PHAs across the United States, each operating their own Section 8 programs with their own waitlists and local preferences. This means the application process can vary depending on where you live, but the overall structure is similar nationwide.
Who Is Eligible for Section 8?
Eligibility for Section 8 is primarily based on three factors: income, family status, and citizenship or immigration status.
Income Requirements
To qualify, your household's gross annual income must generally fall below 50% of the Area Median Income (AMI) for your county or metropolitan area. HUD refers to this as "very low income." However, federal law requires that PHAs direct at least 75% of their vouchers to applicants at or below 30% of the AMI, classified as "extremely low income."
Income limits vary significantly by location. For example, the income limit for a family of four might be $35,000 in a rural area but $65,000 or more in a high-cost metropolitan area like San Francisco or New York City. You can find the specific income limits for your area on the HUD website or by contacting your local PHA.
Who Counts as a "Family"
HUD defines "family" broadly for Section 8 purposes. Eligible households include traditional families with children, single individuals, elderly persons (age 62 or older), persons with disabilities, displaced families, and any group of related or unrelated individuals living together as a household.
Citizenship Requirements
At least one member of the household must be a U.S. citizen or have eligible immigration status. Households with mixed citizenship status (some members eligible, some not) may receive prorated assistance based on the number of eligible members.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Step 1: Find Your Local Public Housing Authority
The first step is identifying which PHA serves your area. Most counties and major cities have their own PHA. You can find yours by searching the HUD PHA contact directory online, calling HUD's general information line, or checking with your local government offices.
Keep in mind that you can apply to any PHA, not just the one in your current city. Some applicants apply to multiple PHAs in different locations to increase their chances, since waitlist lengths vary widely.
Step 2: Check if the Waitlist Is Open
This is often the most frustrating part of the process. Due to overwhelming demand, most PHA waitlists are not always open. Some only open for a few days or weeks each year, and others may remain closed for months or even years.
When a waitlist opens, the PHA will typically announce it on their website, in local newspapers, at community organizations, and through social media channels. Some PHAs use a lottery system during open enrollment periods rather than a first-come, first-served approach.
It's worth checking multiple PHAs in your region, as waitlist openings vary. Setting up alerts or checking PHA websites regularly can help you catch an opening when it happens.
Step 3: Submit Your Application
When the waitlist is open, you'll need to submit an application. Depending on the PHA, this may be done online through the PHA's website, in person at the PHA office, by mail, or by phone.
The initial application, sometimes called a pre-application, typically asks for basic information including names and dates of birth for all household members, Social Security numbers, current address and contact information, current income and income sources, and any relevant preferences such as veteran status, disability, or homelessness.
Step 4: Wait for Your Number to Be Called
After your application is accepted, you'll be placed on the waitlist. Wait times vary dramatically by location — from a few months in some smaller communities to 5-10 years or more in high-demand areas.
During this time, it's essential to keep your contact information up to date with the PHA. If they try to reach you and can't, you may be removed from the waitlist. Many PHAs send annual letters requiring you to confirm your continued interest.
Step 5: Complete the Full Application and Interview
When your name comes to the top of the list, the PHA will contact you to complete a full application. This involves a more detailed process including an in-person or phone interview, verification of all income and assets, background checks (criminal history review), identity and citizenship verification, and documentation of any claimed preferences.
You'll need to gather several documents, typically including government-issued photo ID for all adult household members, Social Security cards for all household members, birth certificates for all household members, proof of income (pay stubs, benefit letters, tax returns), bank statements, and any documentation supporting preference claims.
Step 6: Receive Your Voucher and Find Housing
If approved, you'll receive a housing voucher specifying the size of the unit you're authorized to rent (based on household size) and the payment standard for your area. You'll then have a limited time — usually 60 to 120 days — to find a suitable rental unit.
The unit must meet several requirements. The landlord must agree to participate in the Section 8 program, the rent must be within the PHA's payment standard for the area, and the unit must pass a Housing Quality Standards (HQS) inspection conducted by the PHA.
Step 7: Sign the Lease and Begin Receiving Assistance
Once you find an approved unit, you'll sign a standard lease with the landlord, the PHA will sign a Housing Assistance Payments (HAP) contract with the landlord, and the PHA begins making monthly payments directly to the landlord on your behalf.
Types of Section 8 Vouchers
While the standard Housing Choice Voucher is the most common, there are several specialized voucher types available to specific populations.
Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV) are the standard tenant-based vouchers that allow recipients to choose any qualifying rental unit in the private market.
Project-Based Vouchers (PBV) are tied to specific housing units rather than moving with the tenant. These are often available in newer affordable housing developments.
Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) vouchers combine Section 8 rental assistance with VA supportive services for homeless veterans. These are administered jointly by HUD and the VA.
Family Unification Program (FUP) vouchers serve families at risk of separation due to inadequate housing, and youth aging out of foster care.
Mainstream Vouchers are specifically designated for non-elderly persons with disabilities.
Emergency Housing Vouchers (EHV) were created to assist people experiencing or at risk of homelessness, those fleeing domestic violence, and recently homeless individuals.
Tips for a Successful Application
Apply to multiple PHAs in your region, not just one. Waitlist lengths vary enormously, and casting a wider net increases your chances.
Keep meticulous records of all correspondence with the PHA. Save copies of everything you submit and note dates of any phone calls.
Update your contact information immediately if you move or change phone numbers. Being unreachable is one of the most common reasons applicants lose their place on the waitlist.
Understand your local preferences. Many PHAs give priority to certain groups such as veterans, the elderly, persons with disabilities, families with children, people who are homeless, or those who live or work in the PHA's jurisdiction. If you qualify for a preference, make sure it's documented on your application.
Be honest and thorough on your application. Providing false information is grounds for denial and can result in being barred from the program.
Prepare your documents early. Having your paperwork organized and ready when your name is called prevents delays that could cost you your spot.
What to Do If You're Denied
If your application is denied, the PHA must provide written notice explaining the reason for denial. Common reasons include income too high for eligibility, negative results on background checks, owing money to a previous PHA, or providing false information on the application.
You have the right to request an informal hearing to dispute the denial. This is essentially an appeal process where you can present evidence and argue your case before a hearing officer. Many denials can be successfully appealed, especially if there are errors in the PHA's records or if circumstances have changed.
Maintaining Your Section 8 Assistance
Once you're in the program, there are ongoing requirements to maintain your voucher. These include reporting changes in income, household composition, or contact information promptly, complying with the terms of your lease, allowing annual or periodic inspections of your unit, not engaging in criminal activity, and attending required appointments and briefings with the PHA.
Failure to comply with program rules can result in termination of your voucher. If you're at risk of losing your assistance, contact your PHA immediately to discuss your options.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the entire Section 8 process take? From initial application to moving into a unit, the process can take anywhere from several months to many years, depending largely on your local waitlist.
Can I use my voucher in a different city or state? Yes. Through a process called "portability," you can transfer your voucher to another PHA's jurisdiction. There may be some limitations during the first year of assistance.
Does Section 8 cover utilities? The voucher amount is calculated to include a utility allowance, so yes, utilities are factored into the assistance amount. The utility allowance varies by PHA and unit type.
Can my landlord refuse to accept Section 8? In some states and cities, landlords are required by law to accept Section 8 vouchers. In other areas, participation is voluntary.
What happens if my income changes? Your rent portion will be recalculated based on your new income. If your income increases, you'll pay more; if it decreases, you'll pay less. Your PHA must be notified of income changes promptly.
AssistanceFinder.org is an independent informational resource and is not affiliated with HUD or any government agency. Program details and eligibility requirements can change. Always verify information directly with your local Public Housing Authority.