Yes, single people can get Section 8, but you compete in a longer waitlist and must meet income and citizenship rules

Section 8 does not require you to be a family or have dependents. A single person with a valid Social Security number, lawful immigration status, and income below your local limit can be on a waiting list. The catch: most housing authorities have years-long waitlists, and single people without disabilities or veteran status often wait longer than families do because funding prioritizes households with children.

Your income ceiling depends on where you live. In most places, a single person earning more than 50 percent of the area median income will not be considered. That number changes by county and updates yearly. You will need to contact your local public housing authority to learn the exact limit for your address and the current status of their waitlist.

Key Takeaways

  • Single people can receive Section 8 vouchers if they are a U.S. citizen or have a may have access to immigration status and income below the local limit.
  • Most housing authorities have closed or multi-year waitlists for single applicants without disabilities or veteran status.
  • Your income limit is set by your local housing authority and is usually 50 percent of the area median income for your county.
  • You must provide proof of income, identity, and Social Security number when you apply, and you will need to pass a background check.

Income limits and how they are set

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) sets a baseline, but your local housing authority does the actual calculation. They use the area median income (AMI) for your county and set the limit at 50 percent of AMI for most applicants. A single person in a rural county might have a limit of $28,000 per year; in a high-cost urban area, it could be $45,000 or more.

Income includes wages, self-employment earnings, Social Security, unemployment benefits, and child support you receive. It does not include food stamps or temporary cash assistance in most cases. You will need recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer to prove what you earn. If you are unemployed, you may still be on the waitlist, but you will need to show income before a voucher is issued.

Contact your local housing authority directly to ask for the current income limit. Do not assume it is the same as last year or the same as a neighboring county. The limit changes annually on April 1st in most places.

Citizenship and immigration status requirements

You must be a U.S. citizen or have a may have access to immigration status. Lawful permanent residents (green card holders) are may be able to access. Refugees and asylees are may be able to access for five years from the date they received that status. Some other visa holders may be may be able to access depending on their category, but undocumented immigrants cannot receive Section 8.

You will need to provide a Social Security number and proof of status. A birth certificate or passport works for citizens. A green card or I-797 approval notice works for permanent residents. If you are a refugee or asylee, bring your I-94 or I-589 approval letter. The housing authority will verify your status with federal databases, so bring originals or certified copies.

How to find your local housing authority and check waitlist status

Section 8 is administered by local public housing authorities, not by a single federal office. Your housing authority is usually run by your city or county government. Search online for "[your city or county] public housing authority" or "[your city or county] housing authority." Most have websites that list their address, phone number, and whether they are accepting new applications.

Call before you go in person. Many authorities have closed waitlists, meaning they are not taking new names. Some have open lists but with wait times of three to seven years. A few in lower-demand areas may move faster. The only way to know is to contact them directly. When you call, ask: Is the waitlist open? How long is the current wait? Do you have any preferences for single people (such as elderly or disabled)?

If your local authority's waitlist is closed, ask when it might reopen. Some open their lists for a few weeks every two to three years. You can also ask whether they have any local preference categories that might move you up the queue — for example, if you work in the city or are a veteran.

Documents you will need to bring

Bring originals or certified copies of everything. A photocopy alone usually will not be accepted. Here is what most housing authorities require:

  • Photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID)
  • Social Security card or a letter from Social Security showing your number
  • Proof of citizenship or immigration status (birth certificate, passport, green card, or I-94)
  • Proof of income (recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer on letterhead)
  • Proof of address (utility bill, lease, or mail from a government agency)
  • Signed release forms allowing the authority to check your background and verify information

If you are self-employed, bring two years of tax returns and a profit-and-loss statement. If you receive Social Security or unemployment, bring a benefit statement showing the monthly amount. If you have no income, bring a letter explaining your situation and any documentation of job searches or barriers to work.

Requirements vary slightly by housing authority. Call ahead and ask for a checklist so you do not make a second trip.

Background checks and criminal history

The housing authority will run a criminal background check and check your rental history. A criminal record does not automatically disqualify you, but certain convictions — particularly drug-related felonies or crimes of violence — may. The authority uses a case-by-case review, meaning they look at the nature of the crime, how long ago it happened, and what you have done since.

Evictions and unpaid rent also matter. If you were evicted for nonpayment within the last three years, you will likely be denied. If you have older evictions or a history of late rent, the authority may still consider you, but it will weigh against you. Some authorities have hardship waivers if you can show the eviction was due to a temporary crisis you have since resolved.

If you have a criminal history or eviction, contact the housing authority before you apply and ask whether you should expect a denial. Some will tell you to wait a certain number of years before reapplying. Others will review your case if you provide documentation of rehabilitation or changed circumstances.

What happens after you are approved and placed on the waitlist

Being approved and placed on the waitlist does not mean you will receive a voucher soon. You will be assigned a position based on the date you applied and any local preferences. The housing authority will contact you when a voucher becomes available, which could be months or years away.

While you wait, the authority may ask you to update your income or contact information annually. If you move, change your phone number, or your income changes significantly, notify them immediately. If you do not respond to a notice or miss an appointment, you may be removed from the list.

When a voucher is issued, you will receive a briefing on how the program works, your payment obligations, and how to search for an apartment. You will have a limited time — usually 60 to 120 days — to find a landlord who accepts Section 8. Not all landlords do, so this step can be difficult in tight rental markets.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be disabled or a veteran to get Section 8 as a single person?

No, but many housing authorities give priority to elderly people (usually 62 and older), people with disabilities, and veterans. If you fall into one of these categories, mention it when you apply. If you do not, you will be on a standard waitlist, which typically moves more slowly.

What if I have a criminal record or was evicted?

Contact your housing authority before applying and describe your situation. Some will deny you outright; others will review your case if enough time has passed or if you can show changed circumstances. Waiting a few years and reapplying is sometimes the only option, but it is worth asking first.

Can I get Section 8 if I am currently homeless?

Yes. Homelessness does not disqualify you. However, you will need a mailing address where the housing authority can reach you and a phone number. Use a shelter, a trusted friend's address, or a social services agency's address if you do not have your own. Bring proof of homelessness, such as a letter from a shelter or case manager.

How long does the approval process take?

From application to approval usually takes four to eight weeks, depending on how busy the housing authority is and how quickly you provide documents. Once approved, the wait for an actual voucher depends on the waitlist length — anywhere from a few months to several years.

What if my housing authority's waitlist is closed?

Ask when it will reopen and whether you can call back to check. Some authorities open their lists for a short window every few years. In the meantime, explore other options: local emergency rental funds, nonprofit housing programs, or housing search assistance through your city's housing department or a 211 referral.