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Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program

Federal rental assistance program allowing low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities to choose and lease safe, decent housing in the private market. Administered by HUD through local Public Housing Agencies (PHAs) under CFDA 14.871.

Rental subsidy vouchers for private-market housing. Tenant pays approximately 30% of adjusted monthly income toward rent; the PHA pays the difference up to the local payment standard. Vouchers are portable across PHA jurisdictions. Income eligibility based on Area Median Income (AMI), not FPL — generally at or below 50% AMI, with 75% of new admissions at or below 30% AMI (extremely low income). Approximately 2.3 million households assisted. Waitlists are common, often 1-3+ years.

Some details for this program are still being verified. Check the official source for the most current information.

Eligibility

  • U.S. citizenship or qualified immigrant status required

Questions to ask the program

These are questions to ask the program, not a verdict on your eligibility. Confirm the current rules directly with the program.

  • Which citizenship or immigration statuses does the program accept, and which documents show it?
  • Is there a caregiver-specific department, coordinator, or support line? Ask for it by name. — Many agencies have one that isn’t advertised on the website.
  • What documents do you need from us to start an application?
  • Is there a waitlist right now, and how long is it?

What this record does not yet say

  • ami thresholds by metro area
  • pha waitlist status
  • payment standards by area

Services

Rental subsidy vouchers for private-market housing. Tenant pays approximately 30% of adjusted monthly income toward rent; the PHA pays the difference up to the local payment standard. Vouchers are portable across PHA jurisdictions. Income eligibility based on Area Median Income (AMI), not FPL — generally at or below 50% AMI, with 75% of new admissions at or below 30% AMI (extremely low income). Approximately 2.3 million households assisted. Waitlists are common, often 1-3+ years.

How to apply

Use the official program page for application details: official program page.