Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8)
How it works, who qualifies, and how to get on a waiting list.
What is the Housing Choice Voucher program?
The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program — commonly called Section 8 — helps low-income families, elderly, and disabled people pay for private rental housing. HUD funds the program; local Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) run it. The voucher pays the difference between 30% of your income and the local fair market rent.
Who qualifies?
- Household income generally must be below 50% of the area median income (AMI). PHAs must give 75% of new vouchers to households below 30% AMI.
- US citizenship or eligible immigration status for at least one household member
- No household member evicted from federally assisted housing for drug-related activity in the past 3 years
How long is the waiting list?
Waiting lists are often very long — commonly 2 to 5 years, or closed entirely. PHAs open their waiting lists infrequently. When a list opens, apply immediately — it may close within days. Some PHAs use a lottery system.
HUD's resource locator shows your local PHAs. Call or check their websites regularly for waiting list openings.
HUD resource locatorWhat does the voucher pay?
You pay 30% of your adjusted monthly income (or 40% if you choose a unit above the payment standard). The voucher covers the rest, up to the PHA's payment standard (based on HUD fair market rents). You find your own housing — the unit must pass a health and safety inspection and the landlord must agree to participate.