How to Qualify for Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers

Section 8 (Housing Choice Voucher program) helps eligible low‑income households afford rental housing by paying part of the rent directly to a landlord. HowToGetAssistance.org is an informational site only; to apply or check your status you must use your local housing authority or other official government channels.

Section 8 eligibility is mainly based on income, family size, citizenship/immigration status, and rental history/background. Local housing authorities may also use preferences, such as homelessness or displacement, to decide who is helped first from the waiting list.

Because Section 8 is run locally, rules and processes vary by city, county, and state, so always confirm details with your local Public Housing Agency (PHA), usually found by searching “Section 8” plus your city or county on an official .gov site or using HUD’s PHA locator.

Key Rules That Decide If You Qualify

To qualify for Section 8, you typically must meet all of the following categories: income limits, family definition, immigration/citizenship rules, and basic screening standards.

1. Income limits

Most PHAs follow HUD’s standard income rules:

Very low income (main rule): Your household income is typically at or below 50% of Area Median Income (AMI) for your county/metro area, adjusted for family size.
Extremely low income (priority): Many PHAs must reserve a portion of vouchers for households under 30% of AMI.
Who is counted: Income from all adult household members is usually counted (wages, Social Security, unemployment, some pensions, etc.).

You can look up local limits on the HUD Income Limits page on HUD.gov or through your PHA’s website.

2. Family and household definition

PHAs use “family” in a broad way:

You may qualify as a single adult, a couple, or any group of people who intend to live together and share housing costs, including families with or without children.
At least one member must be eligible based on citizenship or eligible immigration status (see below).
You must list every person who will live in the home on the application.

3. Citizenship and immigration status

Section 8 has specific status rules:

U.S. citizens can typically qualify if they meet other criteria.
Certain eligible noncitizens (such as some lawful permanent residents or refugees) may qualify; the PHA will explain which documents are acceptable.
Mixed‑status families (some members eligible, some not) can often receive prorated assistance—benefits reduced based on the number of eligible family members.

PHAs commonly require proof of citizenship or eligible status, such as a birth certificate, passport, or immigration documents.

4. Background and rental history

HUD allows PHAs to screen for safety and program compliance:

Serious drug‑related or violent criminal activity in recent years may lead to denial.
Lifetime sex offender registration usually results in mandatory denial.
PHAs may review past evictions, especially for drug‑related activity in federally assisted housing.
Some PHAs also check payment history with previous landlords.

Policies differ, and some PHAs allow explanations or supporting documents, especially if the issue is older or resolved.

Quick Summary: Typical Section 8 Eligibility Clues

Income: At or below 50% of AMI, with priority often under 30% of AMI.
Status: At least one citizen or eligible noncitizen in the household.
Background: No disqualifying violent, drug‑related, or sex‑offender history under PHA rules.
Need: Difficulty affording rent; some PHAs favor homelessness, displacement, or substandard housing.
Local control: Final rules and preferences set by your local PHA, not by federal HUD alone.

What You’ll Need Ready Before You Apply

Most PHAs require similar documentation to decide if you qualify. Having these ready can prevent delays.

Commonly required documents:

Photo ID for adult household members (state ID, driver’s license, etc.).
Social Security numbers (or documentation of ineligibility if someone does not have one).
Birth certificates or immigration documents for each household member.
Proof of income: recent pay stubs, Social Security/SSI award letters, unemployment benefits, pension statements, or self‑employment records.
Proof of current housing situation, such as a lease, eviction notice, homelessness verification from a shelter, or a statement from a caseworker (if applicable).

PHAs typically verify this information directly with employers, benefit agencies, or other sources, so you should expect to sign release forms allowing them to confirm your income and status.

Terms callout (plain language)

PHA (Public Housing Agency): Local office that runs Section 8 for your area.
Voucher: The benefit that pays part of your rent directly to a landlord.
Waiting list: A queue of applicants; many PHAs keep it open only at certain times.
Preference: A rule that puts some applicants (for example, homeless households) higher on the list.

Your Next Steps to See If You Qualify

The exact process is local, but most people follow a similar path.

1. Find your local Section 8 office

Go to the HUD “Public Housing Agency Contact Information” page on HUD.gov and search by state and city/county, or
Search online for “[your county/city] housing authority Section 8” and confirm the site ends in .gov or clearly belongs to a public agency.

Do this next: Once you find the correct PHA, look for “Housing Choice Voucher” or “Section 8” on their site.

2. Check if the waiting list is open

Many PHAs have waitlists that are often closed due to high demand.

If the list is open, you can usually submit a pre‑application online, by mail, or in person.
If it is closed, the PHA will typically explain how they announce openings (website, local newspaper, 211, or community organizations).

What to expect next: Pre‑applications usually collect basic information (household size, income estimate, contact details, and any preferences you might qualify for).

3. Submit your pre‑application accurately

When the list is open:

Complete all required fields; leave nothing blank unless the form allows it.
Use a reliable mailing address and phone number, even if it belongs to a trusted friend, shelter, or caseworker.
List all household members and income sources honestly; under‑reporting can cause denial or later termination.

What to expect next: After submission, you typically receive a confirmation number or notice that you’re on the waiting list. This is not an approval—just a place in line.

4. Respond quickly to PHA notices

PHAs often contact you months or years later when your name reaches the top of the list.

You may receive update forms asking if you still want assistance and if your information changed.
Missing a deadline to respond is a common reason people are dropped from the list.

A simple phone script if you’re unsure: “I’m calling to confirm that I’m still on the Section 8 waiting list and that you have my correct address and phone number.”

5. Complete full eligibility screening

When your name reaches the top:

The PHA will schedule an interview and request full verification documents.
They may run background checks, verify income with employers, and confirm immigration/citizenship status.
You may be asked about preferences (homelessness, displacement, domestic violence, etc.) and to provide proof if you claim them.

What to expect next: If you meet all requirements and a voucher is available, the PHA will issue a voucher with a specific time window (for example, 60–120 days) for you to find a rental that passes inspection. If funds or vouchers are not available, you may remain on the list even after being found eligible.

Common Snags (and Quick Fixes)

Applications delayed: A common reason applications get delayed is missing proof of income; keeping at least 30–60 days of pay stubs or recent award letters organized can prevent this.
Lost contact: People often get removed from waiting lists when mail is returned; if you move or change phone numbers, update your contact information with the PHA in writing as soon as possible.
Confusion about agencies: One frequent snag is applying at the wrong office; if you’re not sure, call 2‑1‑1 or your city/county government line and ask which agency manages Section 8 vouchers in your area.

Avoid Mistakes and Section 8 Scams

Because Section 8 involves rental assistance money, scams are common, especially online.

Never pay an “application fee” to a private person or unofficial website; most PHAs either charge no fee or a clearly posted modest fee through an official .gov site.
Be cautious of websites or social media accounts claiming “guaranteed approval,” “skip the waiting list,” or “express vouchers” for a fee—these are almost always scams.
Only provide Social Security numbers, IDs, or immigration documents directly to a verified housing authority or through its official online portal.
If uncertain, you can verify the housing authority using HUD’s official PHA contact tool on HUD.gov or by calling your city/county government main line.

If someone pressures you to pay money or share personal information in exchange for “faster” Section 8 help, treat it as a warning sign and contact your local PHA directly before doing anything.

If You Don’t Qualify or Can’t Get a Voucher Soon

Many otherwise eligible people either don’t qualify under local rules or face very long waits. You still have some options:

Ask the PHA about public housing or other local rental assistance programs (such as project‑based vouchers or state‑funded programs).
Call 2‑1‑1 or visit your state or county’s housing or social services department website to look for emergency rental assistance, utility help, or homeless services.
Some nonprofit organizations and community action agencies offer short‑term rent help, security deposit assistance, or mediation with landlords.

Because funding and programs change frequently, checking both your PHA and your local 2‑1‑1 or official county/state social services site is usually the most reliable way to see what help is currently available.