The Basic Requirements for Section 8

Section 8 may be able to access depends on three things: your household income, your citizenship or immigration status, and whether you have an eviction or criminal record that disqualifies you in your specific jurisdiction. There is no single national income limit — it varies by location and is set as a percentage of the area median income where you live. Your local Public Housing Authority (PHA) publishes their current limits, and you can find yours by searching "[your city or county] PHA income limits."

You do not need to own a home, have perfect credit, or be employed. You do need to be a U.S. citizen, a national, or an immigrant with may be able to access immigration status — which includes permanent residents, refugees, asylees, and some visa holders. Your PHA can tell you whether your specific status qualifies. If you have an eviction judgment on your record, some PHAs will deny you outright; others use a case-by-case review. A felony conviction does not automatically disqualify you, but drug-related convictions and certain violent crimes may.

Key Takeaways

  • Your household income must fall below a percentage of your area's median income, and this limit varies by county and changes yearly.
  • You must be a U.S. citizen, national, or immigrant with may be able to access status — your PHA's website lists which immigration categories they accept.
  • An eviction judgment or certain criminal convictions can disqualify you, but rules differ by location, so contact your PHA directly.
  • You need a valid Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) for each household member, and proof of income from the past 30 days.
  • Most PHAs have waiting lists that are closed or years long, so you may not receive a voucher even if you meet all requirements.

Income Limits and How They Work

Section 8 income limits are set at 50% or 80% of the area median income (AMI), depending on the program and your PHA's policy. A family of four in one county might have a limit of $45,000 per year, while the same family in another county might have a limit of $65,000. The limit includes all income your household receives — wages, Social Security, child support, unemployment benefits, and rental income all count.

Your PHA recalculates limits every year, usually in April. If you are over the limit when you apply, you cannot move forward. If you are under the limit when you receive a voucher but your income rises later, you do not lose the voucher immediately — but your rent contribution will increase, and you may eventually be terminated if you stay over the limit for too long. The exact rules for income increases vary by PHA.

To find your area's current limits, go to your PHA's website and look for "income limits" or "rent limits." If the site does not list them, call the PHA directly and ask for the current year's limits for your household size.

Citizenship and Immigration Status Requirements

You must be a U.S. citizen, a U.S. national, or an immigrant with may be able to access status. may be able to access statuses include permanent residents (green card holders), refugees, asylees, Cuban/Haitian entrants, and certain visa holders. Undocumented immigrants do not meet the requirement, and neither do most temporary visa holders (H-1B, student visas, tourist visas).

Your PHA will ask for proof of status. For citizens, this is a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization certificate. For permanent residents, it is a green card. For refugees and asylees, it is your approval letter from USCIS. If you are unsure whether your status qualifies, contact your PHA before you spend time gathering documents — they can tell you in one conversation whether to proceed.

Each household member age 18 and older must provide proof of status. Children under 18 do not need to prove status if at least one adult in the household is a citizen or national.

Criminal History and Eviction Records

A criminal conviction does not automatically disqualify you. However, certain convictions do. These typically include drug-related felonies (especially manufacturing or distribution), violent felonies, and sex offenses. The exact list varies by state and by PHA. Some PHAs deny anyone with any felony; others use a case-by-case review that considers how long ago the conviction was and what you have done since.

An eviction judgment — a court order that you must leave a property — is more likely to disqualify you than a criminal record. Many PHAs deny anyone with an eviction judgment within the past three to five years. Some deny anyone with any eviction judgment ever. A few use discretion and consider the circumstances. You will not know your PHA's exact policy until you ask or apply.

If you have a record you are concerned about, call your PHA and describe the situation. They may tell you that you do not meet their requirements, or they may tell you to apply and let them review your full history. Do not assume you are disqualified — some PHAs are more flexible than others.

Documents You Will Need to Provide

When you apply, you will need to show proof of identity, income, residency, and household composition. Bring a government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card) for each adult in your household. You will also need a Social Security number or ITIN for each person, so have those ready.

For income, bring pay stubs from the past 30 days, a letter from your employer, or a benefits statement (for Social Security, unemployment, or child support). If you are self-employed, bring tax returns from the past two years. If you have no income, bring a letter stating that. For residency, bring a utility bill, lease, or mail from a government agency showing your current address.

If you have children, bring birth certificates. If you are pregnant, bring a letter from your doctor. If you have a disability, bring medical documentation or a letter from your doctor. Your PHA will tell you exactly what counts as proof — call ahead and ask for their document checklist so you do not make extra trips.

How Waiting Lists Work and Why They Matter

Most PHAs have a waiting list for Section 8 vouchers. Some lists are closed, meaning they are not taking new applications at all. Some are open but years long — it is not unusual to wait three to seven years from the time you apply to the time you receive a voucher. A few PHAs have shorter waits, usually in rural areas or areas with less demand.

When a waiting list is open, you can apply. Your PHA will give you a number and tell you roughly where you stand. Some PHAs prioritize certain groups — people experiencing homelessness, people with disabilities, or people being displaced by redevelopment. If you fall into a priority category, ask whether your PHA uses it.

If a list is closed, you cannot apply. Your PHA will tell you when it might reopen, but that date is not may provide. Some lists reopen every few years; others stay closed for a decade or longer. Check your PHA's website every few months or call to ask whether the list has reopened.

What Happens After You Meet the Requirements

Meeting the requirements means you can apply. It does not mean you will receive a voucher. After you submit your application, your PHA will verify your information — they will contact your employer, check court records, and confirm your income. This process usually takes 30 to 90 days.

If you meet all requirements and the waiting list is open, you will be added to the list. If the list is closed, your application may be held until it reopens, or you may be told to reapply when it does. If you do not meet requirements, your PHA will send you a letter explaining why and telling you whether you can appeal.

Being on the waiting list does not may provide a voucher. You will remain on the list until your PHA calls you, which could take years. When your number comes up, your PHA will contact you and ask you to attend an orientation. At that point, you will receive your voucher and begin looking for a landlord who accepts Section 8.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if my income is slightly over the limit?

You do not meet the requirement and cannot apply. Income limits are firm — there is no exception for being a few hundred dollars over. However, limits change yearly, so you could reapply next year if your income drops or if the limit in your area increases.

Can I apply if I am not a citizen but have a green card?

Yes. Permanent residents (green card holders) are may be able to access. Bring your green card as proof of status. Other visa holders should contact their PHA to confirm their status qualifies.

Does a misdemeanor disqualify me?

Misdemeanors usually do not disqualify you. Most PHAs focus on felonies, especially drug-related and violent felonies. Contact your PHA with details of your record and they can tell you whether it affects your standing.

What if I have an eviction from 10 years ago?

Some PHAs have a time limit (usually three to five years) and will overlook older evictions. Others deny anyone with any eviction judgment ever. Call your PHA and describe the situation — they can tell you whether it disqualifies you.

Can I apply if I am currently homeless?

Yes. Homelessness does not disqualify you. Many PHAs prioritize people experiencing homelessness, so you may move up the waiting list. You will need to provide an address for mail — use a shelter, a social service agency, or a trusted contact's address.