If your household income is less than or equal to 30% of your area’s median income, and you need help affording rent, you may qualify for Section 8 housing assistance.
As of 2026, the U.S. housing market is short about 7.2 million affordable rental homes for very low-income renters. There are only about 35 affordable units for every 100 such renters. This gap has left many low-income families struggling to find safe and affordable housing.
The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program, administered by the HUD, helped over 2.4 million families secure affordable homes.
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Key Takeaways
- Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program: It helps very low-income individuals and families afford rental housing. Eligible tenants pay about 30% of their monthly income, and the rest is covered by the vouchers funded by HUD.
- It’s designed for low-income renters: You typically qualify for this program if your income is less than or equal to 30% of your area’s median income.
- You get flexibility in choosing housing: These vouchers can be used for townhouses, houses, or apartments in the private housing market that meet HUD housing standards.
- Expect long wait times: Due to high demand and limited supply for the program, many waiting lists are or can take years, and even decades, to move forward.
- Homeownership: In some cities, you can use this voucher to buy a home and pay for the mortgage, instead of renting.
What Is Section 8 Housing?
Section 8 housing, officially the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program, is funded by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and administered by local Public Housing Agencies (PHAs).
It is a federal rental assistance program that helps low-income individuals, families, people with disabilities, and seniors afford decent housing in the private housing market.
How Does Section 8 Work?
If you qualify for a Section 8 voucher, the first step is receiving a rental assistance that specifies how much the program will contribute toward your monthly rent. HUD funds local PHAs that issue these vouchers.
Moreover, qualified tenants can choose the housing. These vouchers can be used for renting apartments, townhomes, or single-family homes that meet HUD standards. If your local PHA offers a homeownership option, you can even use the voucher to pay a monthly mortgage payment instead of rent.
How Rent Payments Are Calculated
Once your home is approved, the PHA reviews your finances. It calculates the family’s annual gross income. From which deductions for elderly/disability, childcare, and dependents are subtracted to determine your adjusted income.
If utilities are not included in the rent, a deduction is made from your payment to cover these costs. After everything is done, you’ll pay about 30% of your monthly income toward rent and utilities. The voucher covers the rest and is paid directly to your landlord.
How to Qualify for Section 8 Housing?
To qualify, you have to meet Section 8 requirements that make you eligible for a Section 8 housing application.
Section 8 Requirements
Let’s take a closer look at the eligibility requirements:
- Income Limits: Your household must earn less than 50% of the median income for your area. PHAs often prioritize those earning 30% or less of the area median income (AMI). Income limits vary depending on your location and household size.
- Citizenship or Eligible Immigration Status: At least one household member must be a US citizen or have an eligible immigration status. You must provide proof of citizenship during the application process.
- Household Composition: You need to specify who lives in your household, including dependents, elderly members, or individuals with disabilities. PHAs use household size to calculate income limits and voucher amounts.
- Background Check: PHAs review your criminal history, evictions, and drug-related offenses. A serious criminal record or a recent eviction from federally assisted housing can disqualify you.
- Residency Requirements: Some PHAs require you to live in the area for a certain period before applying. They may also give local preferences to veterans, seniors
How to Apply for Section 8?
Here are the steps you can take to apply for the program:
- Find Your Local PHA: Start by locating your nearest Public Housing Authority (PHA) on the HUD website. Each PHA manages its application process and waiting lists.
- Check for Open Waitlists: Many areas have long waitlists, and they are not always open. Therefore, check your PHA’s website or contact them directly to see if they are accepting new applications.
- Submit an Application: If the Section 8 waiting list is open, you’ll need to provide information about your income, family size, citizenship status, and rental history. Additionally, some PHAs accept online applications; others may require in-person or mail.
- Wait for Approval: If accepted, you’ll be placed on a waitlist. Then, once your name comes up, the PHA will verify your details and issue a housing voucher if you qualify.
- Find Approved Housing: With your voucher, you can begin looking for a qualifying rental unit that meets HUD’s safety and affordability standards.
Most Public Housing Authorities usually maintain waiting lists because the demand for affordable housing is very high. As of 2026, most waiting lists are either closed or open for only a short period because the availability of vouchers is much lower than demand.
In many cities like New York City, Los Angeles, and Chicago, the Section 8 waiting list remains closed for years and even decades.
Waiting times tend to vary depending on the available funding, number of applicants, and location. But some households, such as people experiencing homelessness, veterans, the disabled, or seniors, may receive priority placement.
Types of Section 8 Housing
Section 8 housing primarily offers two main types of rental assistance to you: Tenant-Based Vouchers (Housing Choice Vouchers) and Project-Based Vouchers (PBRA). Other specialized vouchers apply to veterans (HUD-VASH), families, and individuals.
Here are the two main types of Section 8 housing:
Tenant-Based Vouchers
When you are eligible for the Tenant-Based Vouchers, you’ll receive a voucher to rent any private, approved unit of your choosing, which can be apartments, townhouses, or houses approved by the HUD.
Project-Based Vouchers
In this case, the rental subsidy is attached to the specific unit or building rather than to you. As a tenant in these units, you will pay a reduced rent, typically 30% of your income. But if you move, you’ll lose the subsidy as it stays with the unit.
Some specialized vouchers are available for specific groups. These are listed below:
- HUD-VASH Vouchers: It is a joint program between HUD and the VA (Department of Veterans Affairs) to provide housing for homeless veterans.
- Mainstream Vouchers: Targeted to assist non-elderly disabled people.
- Foster Youth to Independence (FYI) Vouchers: Vouchers to assist youth at risk of homelessness who have left the foster care system.
- Emergency Housing Vouchers (EHV): These vouchers are aimed at families or individuals who are at-risk, homeless, or fleeing domestic violence.
Homeownership Program
The homeownership program is another type of Section 8 housing. If you’re a qualified Section 8 voucher holder, then this program allows you to use the voucher to buy a home and pay for the monthly mortgage.
What Is the Difference Between HUD and Section 8 Housing?
Section 8 and HUD housing assistance are both programs from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). While they share the same goal, each affordable housing program works differently.
| Features | HUD Housing | Section 8 Housing |
| Type of Houses | Public housing developments owned and managed by the government. | Public housing developments are owned and managed by the government. |
| Who Manages Houses | Local Public Housing Authorities (PHAs). | Landlords who agree to participate in the program. |
| Choice of Houses | Limited to specific housing developments. | Up to 80% of the Area Median Income |
| Income Requirement | Up to 80% of the Area Median Income. | Less than 50% of Area Median Income (preference given to below 30%). |
In simple terms, HUD housing provides government-owned housing to those who qualify. Section 8 offers vouchers that can be used as rent subsidies in privately owned housing. This gives the latter participants more choice in where they live.
5 Tips for Finding Section 8 Approved Housing
Finding housing that accepts Section 8 vouchers can take time and may even seem challenging. However, a few strategies can help you make the process a little easier.
- Check Your Local PHA: You can contact your local PHA for a list of participating landlords. You can even check their website to find the listings for approved properties.
- Search Online Real Estate Platforms: Use online real estate platforms that list budget-friendly homes. There, you can use some specific keywords such as “Section 8”, “income-based housing”, or “HCV accepted”. This might help you.
- Look for LIHTC Communities: You can also search for Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) communities. These communities are generally required to accept the Section 8 vouchers.
- Ask Landlords Directly: You can also try looking for landlords who participate or are willing to accept Section 8.
- Network Locally: Talk to your neighbors, social service agencies, local tenant associations, or community centers. They may know the landlords who accept Section 8 before they’re listed online.
Can You Move With a Section 8 Voucher?
Yes, you can move with a Section 8 voucher through the process known as portability. This will allow you, as a voucher holder, to transfer your housing assistance to another home, city, or even state.
However, there may be some requirements before you can transfer the voucher, such as:
- Completing your initial 12-month lease.
- Provide proper notice to your landlord (usually at least 30 days, depending on your lease and local rules).
- Be in good standing with your housing authority.
Can You Buy a House With Section 8?
Yes, you can through a special option within the Housing Choice Voucher Program. Specifically, this program allows you to use vouchers toward mortgage payments instead of rent, making Section 8 housing a real possibility for low-income families.
However, not all PHAs offer this option, and the number of participants is often limited. So, you must first check if your housing authority offers it. But you must meet certain program and financial requirements before you can use your voucher towards homeownership.
Section 8 Homeownership Program
Under this housing program, you can get assistance to cover the costs, such as:
- Monthly mortgage payments (principal and interest)
- Property taxes
- Homeowner insurance
- Certain housing-related expenses (that are approved by the PHA), such as water, heat, electricity, and some other necessities.
- Major repairs and replacements
The main aim of this Homeownership program is to help low-income families transition from renters to owners, while maintaining affordable housing costs.
If you want to qualify for the Section 8 Homeownership Program, you must meet some additional requirements other than the standard criteria to be eligible for Section 8. These requirements may include:
- Being a first-time homebuyer.
- Having a stable income and employment.
- You need to complete a homeownership counseling program.
- Getting a qualified mortgage loan from an approved lender.
In addition, you must purchase a home that meets HUD’s housing quality standards. Before approving the house, an inspection is conducted to check quality standards.
To qualify for Section 8, the house must meet HUD Housing Quality Standards (HQS). This ensures that the house is safe and livable for a longer time. Your local PHA inspects the property before approvals.
Here are the basic Section 8 housing requirements to meet the quality standards:
- Sanitary facilities, such as a private, functional bathroom with a flush toilet, sink, and shower/tub.
- Working smoke detectors.
- Structurally safe and well-maintained property.
- Proper electricity, lighting, and thermal environment.
- No major health/safety hazards.
- Access to clean water.
Even with housing assistance from you, buying a home involves several additional costs. This includes:
- Down payment for the house.
- Closing costs
- Mortgage payments.
- Routine maintenance.
Additionally, if your mortgage term is longer than 15 years, you will be responsible for the remaining payments after the Section 8 homeownership assistance ends. Before buying a home, it is important to calculate these expenses beforehand to ensure your long-term affordability.
Planning to Buy a Home With Section 8? Use a Mortgage Calculator to estimate your monthly payments.
Is Section 8 Right for You?
Section 8 housing plays a pivotal role in making rental homes more affordable and easily accessible to low-income individuals and families.
By covering a significant portion of monthly rent, the program tends to reduce financial strain and provide access to stable and safe housing in the private market.
While the application process takes a lot of time, sometimes even years or decades, the support it offers can make a meaningful difference. If you believe you may qualify for Section 8, reach out to your PHA to take the first step forward and start your application.
