Section 8 is a federal program that pays part of the rent for eligible low-income households to private landlords. Tenants usually pay about 30 percent of their income.
What it is
The Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8) helps low-income families, older adults and people with disabilities afford rent in the private market. It is funded by HUD and administered by local public housing agencies (PHAs).
How it works
- The family pays about 30 percent of adjusted monthly income (up to 40 percent initially).
- The voucher pays the rest, up to a payment standard.
- The landlord must accept vouchers (in some states required).
Eligibility
Income generally at or below 50 percent of area median income. 75 percent of vouchers go to households under 30 percent.
Waiting list
Waitlists are long, often years, and sometimes closed.
Apply
Through your local PHA. Find at hud.gov.
Numbers
About 2.3 million households use vouchers.
Housing choice voucher
Section 8, or the Housing Choice Voucher program, is funded by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and run by local public housing agencies (PHAs). It helps low income families, older adults and people with disabilities pay for private rental housing.
Rent share
Participants generally pay about 30% of their adjusted monthly income toward rent and utilities. The voucher pays the rest, up to a payment standard set by the PHA.
Eligibility
Eligibility is based on annual gross income, family size and citizenship or eligible immigration status. Generally, income must not exceed 50% of the area median income. By law, 75% of new vouchers go to families with income at or below 30% of the area median.
Waiting lists
Demand is high and many waiting lists are years long or closed. Some PHAs use a lottery to open lists. The wait can range from months to over a decade.
Landlord role
The landlord must agree to participate, pass a housing quality inspection and follow HUD rules. Landlords sign a contract with the PHA, who pays its portion directly.
Portability
A voucher can often be used in another location, subject to PHA rules.
Rules for participants
Families must report income changes, follow lease terms, keep the home in good condition and not commit fraud or violent crime.
Numbers
HUD says the program helps roughly 2.3 million households.
Where to apply
Apply through your local PHA. Look for your local PHA on HUD’s official website. Never pay a fee to apply, since applications are free.
Eligibility and rent share
The Housing Choice Voucher Program, known as Section 8, is funded by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development and run locally by public housing agencies. To qualify, a household’s income generally must not exceed 50 percent of the area median income, and by law, 75 percent of new vouchers go to households at or below 30 percent of the area median. Participants usually pay about 30 percent of their adjusted monthly income toward rent, and the voucher covers the rest up to a payment standard based on the local fair market rent. About 2.3 million households use vouchers nationwide.
Waiting lists and landlord role
Demand far exceeds supply, so many agencies have waiting lists that last several years, and some close them or use a lottery. Apply through your local public housing agency, listed on HUD’s website. Landlords must agree to participate, and the unit must pass a HUD housing quality inspection. Vouchers are portable, so families can move to other areas in many cases, and participants must report changes in income and household size. Some states ban source of income discrimination, but it remains legal in others. Beware of scams that charge a fee to apply, since applying for housing assistance is free.
Based on data from HUD
