Section 8 / Housing Choice Voucher
Federal rental assistance vouchers for low-income families.
About This Program
The Housing Choice Voucher program — Section 8 — pays the difference between what a low-income household can afford and the actual rent of a unit in the private market. The household contributes 30% of its adjusted monthly income toward rent; the local housing authority pays the rest directly to the landlord, up to a Payment Standard based on HUD's Fair Market Rents for the area. Vouchers are tenant-based, meaning they follow you if you move. Once you have a voucher, you can use it at any rental unit whose landlord agrees to participate and that passes an HCV housing quality inspection. The unit must be in reasonably good condition — no serious safety or habitability issues. You cannot use a voucher to rent from a close family member in most cases. Waiting lists are the central challenge of Section 8. Most housing authorities have waitlists measured in years, not months, and many have closed their lists entirely. When a list opens, it is often by lottery rather than first-come-first-served. The practical advice is to apply to every housing authority within reasonable distance as soon as any list opens, because your application date determines your position once the list moves. Some households receive preferences that move them up the list faster — veterans, people experiencing homelessness, and victims of domestic violence often have statutory or local preference. Ask each housing authority about its preference categories when you apply.
Eligibility Requirements
| Income | Below 50% of area median income |
| Citizenship | US citizen or eligible non-citizen |
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Section 8 waitlist?
Waitlist times vary enormously — from a few months in rural areas to 10+ years in high-cost cities. Many PHAs close their waitlists for years at a time because demand so far exceeds supply. Applying to multiple PHAs simultaneously and checking regularly for newly opened waitlists is the most important strategy.
What is the payment standard for Section 8?
Each PHA sets a Payment Standard based on HUD's Fair Market Rent for the area. The voucher pays the difference between the payment standard (or actual rent, whichever is lower) and 30% of your adjusted monthly income. If you find a unit at or below the payment standard, your out-of-pocket cost is 30% of income.
Can I use my Section 8 voucher to buy a home?
Some PHAs offer the Homeownership Voucher Program, which allows families who have received Section 8 for at least one year to use their voucher toward mortgage payments instead of rent. Not all PHAs offer this — check with your local PHA whether homeownership vouchers are available.
Can my Section 8 voucher be taken away?
Yes. Vouchers can be terminated for: failing to pay your share of rent, having unauthorized household members, not maintaining the unit, committing certain crimes, or not reporting required information. Annual inspections are required and units must meet Housing Quality Standards. Respond immediately to any compliance notices.
What is project-based vs. tenant-based Section 8?
Tenant-based vouchers (Housing Choice Vouchers) can be used in any qualifying private-market rental. Project-based vouchers are attached to specific units — you must live in the designated building to use them. Project-based units often have shorter waitlists. If you later leave the building, the voucher stays with the unit (you cannot take it with you).
Related Programs
Eligibility requirements may have changed. Verify at the official source before applying.
Benefit Amount
Pays difference above 30% of income up to fair market rent
Application Guide
How to Apply for Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher →Category
HousingLast reviewed: May 2025