What are Section 8 housing choice vouchers?

The Section 8 housing choice voucher program is provided by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). This program can offer you a voucher to help you afford safe, private housing. Section 8 vouchers are managed by your local public housing agency (PHA).

How Section 8 housing vouchers work

Families with a low income, seniors, and people with disabilities may qualify to use Section 8 vouchers to find housing. 

• You can choose any housing that meets the program requirements, such as a single-family home, townhouse, or apartment. 
• Housing choice vouchers can pay for all or part of your rent. 
• The PHA pays its part of the rent to the owner (landlord), and you as the tenant pay the difference. 

Visit HUD’s housing choice voucher fact sheet to find answers to frequently asked questions about Section 8 housing vouchers.

Find out if you are eligible for Section 8 housing

Eligibility for Section 8 housing is based on:

• Your total annual gross income - see HUD’s Section 8 income limits data
• Your family's size 
• If you are a U.S. citizen or non-citizen who has an eligible immigration status 

Find your local public housing agency to learn if you are eligible for a housing choice voucher.

How to apply for Section 8 housing

To apply for a Section 8 housing choice voucher: 

• Contact your local public housing agency to apply for a housing choice voucher or check the status of your application. 
• If you need help, contact your local HUD office. 

Waiting lists and long waiting periods for vouchers are common because HUD and local PHAs have limited resources. A PHA may temporarily close its waiting list when it has more families on the list than it can help. Check back with your local PHA’s website to find out when its waiting list will reopen.

Find your local public housing agency