Section 8 may be able to access depends on your household income, citizenship status, and whether your local program has an open waiting list

There is no single Section 8 program — each housing authority runs its own, with its own income limits, preferences, and waiting lists. Your household income is the main factor: most programs serve people earning between 30 and 80 percent of your area's median income, though the exact cutoff varies by location. You must also be a U.S. citizen or have may be able to access immigration status, and you cannot have been evicted for drug-related activity or owe money to a previous housing program.

The hardest part is usually not meeting the requirements — it is getting onto a waiting list. Many housing authorities have closed their lists because demand far exceeds available vouchers. Some reopen them for a few weeks every few years. Others maintain a list but have a wait of five to ten years or longer. Your first step is to contact your local public housing authority and ask whether they are currently taking new names.

Key Takeaways

  • Your household income must fall below a threshold set by your local housing authority, usually between 30 and 80 percent of the area median income for your family size.
  • You must be a U.S. citizen, national, or have an may be able to access immigration status such as permanent resident or refugee status.
  • You cannot have been evicted from public housing or a Section 8 program for drug-related criminal activity, and you cannot owe money to a previous housing program.
  • Many housing authorities have closed waiting lists or have waits of several years, so your first step is to call your local authority and ask whether they are accepting new names.
  • Even if you meet all requirements, you will not receive a voucher unless your name comes up on the waiting list.

Income limits vary by location and family size

Section 8 programs use a percentage of the area median income (AMI) as their cutoff. In most places, the limit is 50 percent of AMI, though some programs go as high as 80 percent. A family of four earning $35,000 per year might may have access to in one county but not in another, depending on what the local median income is and which percentage the housing authority uses.

Your housing authority will count your household's gross income — that is, income before taxes. This includes wages, self-employment income, Social Security, disability payments, child support, and unemployment benefits. Some income sources are excluded, such as income of children under 18 and certain education grants. The authority will ask for recent pay stubs, tax returns, and proof of any other income your household receives.

To find your local income limit, contact your housing authority directly or search the HUD website for your area's Public Housing Authority (PHA). The limit is public information and they will tell you over the phone.

Citizenship and immigration status requirements

You must be a U.S. citizen or national to receive Section 8. If you are not a citizen, you may still be may be able to access if you hold one of these statuses: lawful permanent resident (green card holder), refugee, asylee, Cuban/Haitian entrant, or victim of human trafficking with a T visa or U visa. Some housing authorities also serve people with temporary protected status (TPS), though this varies by location.

If you are undocumented or have another immigration status not listed above, you will not be able to receive a Section 8 voucher. Your housing authority will ask for proof of status — typically a green card, passport, or I-94 arrival/departure record. If you are unsure of your status or have questions about whether you may have access to, contact your local housing authority or a legal aid organization in your area.

Criminal history and previous housing program debts

You are permanently ineligible for Section 8 if you have been evicted from public housing or a Section 8 program because of drug-related criminal activity. This is a federal rule that applies everywhere. Other criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify you, but your housing authority will conduct a background check and may deny you based on the nature and timing of the offense.

You also cannot owe money to a previous housing program. If you left a Section 8 program or public housing with unpaid rent or damage charges, you must pay that debt before you can receive a new voucher. Some housing authorities will work with you on a payment plan; others will not. Contact your previous housing authority to find out what you owe and whether they will accept payments.

How to learn about your local program is taking new names

Contact your local Public Housing Authority (PHA) directly — this is the fastest and most reliable way to learn whether they are accepting new names. You can find their phone number and address on the HUD website by searching for your city or county. When you call, ask three things: whether they are currently taking new names for the waiting list, how long the current wait is, and what documents you will need to bring if you want to add your name.

Some housing authorities accept names only during certain periods — for example, one week per year or one month every two years. Others have permanently closed their lists. A few maintain open lists but with waits of five to fifteen years. The only way to know is to ask. If your local authority is not taking names, ask whether they maintain a list of other programs in your region that might be open.

What happens after you are on the waiting list

Being on the waiting list does not mean you will receive a voucher soon. Your housing authority will contact you when your name comes up, which could take months or years depending on the size of the list and how many vouchers become available. When they do contact you, you will need to provide more detailed information about your household, income, and housing situation. The authority will verify your information and conduct a background check.

If you are approved, you will receive a voucher that you can use to rent from a private landlord who accepts Section 8. The voucher covers a portion of your rent; you pay the rest. If you are denied, the housing authority must tell you why and give you a chance to respond to the reasons. You can request a hearing to challenge the decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if my income is slightly above the limit?

You will not be able to receive a voucher if your income exceeds the limit set by your housing authority. However, limits change yearly, and some programs have different limits for people over 62 or people with disabilities. Call your local authority to confirm the exact limit for your household size and ask whether any exceptions apply to you.

Can I be on the waiting list in more than one housing authority?

Yes. If you live near the border of two counties or cities, or if you are willing to move, you can add your name to multiple waiting lists. Each housing authority maintains its own list and makes its own decisions. Being on multiple lists increases your chances of receiving a voucher, though you will need to notify all of them if you receive one elsewhere.

Does having a criminal record automatically disqualify me?

Not automatically, but your housing authority will review your record. Drug-related evictions from public housing or Section 8 are a permanent bar. Other convictions are evaluated case by case, and the authority may deny you based on the nature of the crime and how long ago it occurred. You can request a hearing to explain your situation.

What if I am currently homeless?

Homelessness does not make you ineligible, but it does not give you priority either — that depends on your local housing authority's preferences. Some authorities prioritize people experiencing homelessness; others do not. Contact your local authority and ask whether they have a preference for homeless applicants, and whether any local nonprofits can help you while you wait.

Can I add my name to the waiting list online?

Most housing authorities require you to apply in person or by mail, not online. Some have started accepting online applications, but this is not yet standard. Call your local authority to ask how they accept new names — they will tell you whether you need to visit an office, mail in a form, or can apply through their website.