Where to Apply for Section 8 in Indiana

You apply for Section 8 through your local Public Housing Authority (PHA), not through a state office or online portal. Indiana has 27 separate housing authorities, each running its own waiting list and setting its own rules within federal guidelines. The authority that serves you depends on where you live — usually your city or county.

To find your local PHA, search "Public Housing Authority" plus your city or county name, or call 211 Indiana and ask for the housing authority in your area. Once you have the contact information, call them first. Many PHAs have closed waiting lists because demand exceeds available vouchers. If the list is closed, ask when it typically reopens — some reopen annually, others stay closed for years.

If your PHA's list is open, they will tell you whether to apply in person, by mail, or online. Some accept applications only during specific windows (for example, one month per year). Write down the exact deadline and required documents before you hang up.

Key Takeaways

  • You must apply through your local Public Housing Authority, which varies by city or county — there is no single Indiana application.
  • Many PHAs have closed waiting lists, so your first step is calling to confirm whether applications are being accepted right now.
  • You will need proof of income, citizenship or legal residency, Social Security numbers for all household members, and a photo ID.
  • The waiting list can be years long even after you are accepted, so applying early matters even if you do not need housing immediately.
  • Once you receive a voucher, you have a limited time (usually 60 to 120 days) to find a landlord willing to accept Section 8 before the voucher expires.

Documents You Need Before You Call

Have these items ready or know where to get them before you contact your PHA. Missing documents will delay your application or cause it to be rejected.

Proof of income: Recent pay stubs (usually last 30 days), a letter from your employer, or tax returns if self-employed. If you receive unemployment, Social Security, disability, or child support, bring documentation of that payment. If you have no income, bring a statement from your bank or a letter from someone supporting you.

Proof of citizenship or legal residency: A birth certificate, passport, green card, or work visa. If you are a non-citizen, you must have a valid immigration status — undocumented immigrants do not meet federal requirements.

Social Security numbers: For every person in your household, including children. Bring Social Security cards or a letter from Social Security if you do not have the card.

Photo ID: A driver's license, state ID, or passport for the person applying.

Proof of residency: A utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement showing your current address. Some PHAs ask for this; others do not.

What Happens After You Submit Your Application

After you turn in your application, the PHA will verify the information you provided. This includes checking your income, criminal history, and rental history. They may contact your employer, your bank, or previous landlords. This process typically takes 30 to 60 days.

During this time, the PHA will also run a background check. Federal law bars people with certain criminal convictions from receiving Section 8, including drug-related felonies within the past year and sex offenses. Some convictions do not automatically disqualify you, but the PHA will review them. If you have a criminal history, tell the PHA when you apply — they will let you know whether it affects your status.

If the PHA approves you, you go on the waiting list. The list is usually ordered by date of application, though some PHAs give priority to people experiencing homelessness, people with disabilities, or families with very low income. Ask your PHA how they rank the list.

How Long the Waiting List Takes

This varies dramatically by location. In some smaller Indiana counties, you might receive a voucher within months. In Indianapolis and other large cities, the wait is often three to five years or longer. Some people wait so long that their circumstances change — they move, their income increases, or they find permanent housing on their own.

The PHA will contact you when a voucher becomes available. You must respond within a set time frame, usually 10 business days. If you do not respond, you lose your spot on the list. If your contact information changes, update your PHA immediately so they can reach you.

While you are waiting, your income and household size may change. Report these changes to your PHA. Some changes do not affect your position on the list, but others might move you up or down depending on the PHA's rules.

Finding a Landlord Once You Have a Voucher

Receiving a voucher does not mean you have housing yet — it means you can now search for a rental property. The voucher is valid for a limited time, usually 60 to 120 days. Within that window, you must find a landlord willing to accept Section 8 and sign a lease.

Not all landlords accept Section 8. Some refuse because they believe the paperwork is burdensome, because they have had bad experiences, or because they prefer to charge market rent. You will need to call or visit properties and ask directly. Online rental sites sometimes let you filter for Section 8-friendly landlords, but calling is more reliable.

Once you find a landlord willing to rent to you, the PHA will inspect the property to make sure it meets housing quality standards. The inspection covers things like working plumbing, heat, electrical outlets, and the absence of lead paint hazards. If the property fails, the landlord must fix the problems before you can move in. This process adds two to four weeks to your timeline.

Income Limits and Rent Calculations

To be approved for Section 8, your income must fall below a certain threshold set by the federal government. The limit depends on your household size and the county where you live. In 2024, the limit for a single person in Marion County (Indianapolis) is around $35,000 per year, but this varies by location and changes annually. Call your PHA for the current limit in your area.

Once you are approved and receive a voucher, your rent is calculated based on your income. You typically pay 30 percent of your adjusted gross income toward rent. The PHA pays the landlord the difference between what you pay and the actual rent, up to a maximum amount called the "payment standard." If the rent is higher than the payment standard, you pay the difference out of pocket.

Your rent payment can change if your income changes. If you get a raise or lose a job, report it to your PHA. They will recalculate your portion and adjust your voucher accordingly.

What Disqualifies You From Section 8

Federal law sets certain bars to receiving a voucher. You will be denied if you are not a U.S. citizen or do not have legal residency status. You will also be denied if you have been evicted for drug-related activity in the past three years, or if you have a felony drug conviction within the past year.

Some criminal histories do not automatically disqualify you, but the PHA will review them. A history of violence, repeated lease violations, or owing money to a previous PHA can also result in denial. If you are denied, the PHA must tell you why and give you a chance to dispute the decision.

Being on a waiting list does not mean you are approved. Approval comes after the PHA verifies your information and completes the background check. If circumstances change between when you apply and when you are approved — for example, if you are convicted of a crime — your status can change.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply to more than one PHA at the same time?

Yes. If you live near the border of two counties or are planning to move, you can apply to multiple PHAs. However, once you receive a voucher from one PHA, you must use it or decline it — you cannot hold vouchers from multiple authorities simultaneously.

What if my PHA's waiting list is closed?

Call back every few months to ask when it will reopen. Some PHAs reopen their lists on a set schedule (for example, every January). Others open them only when funding becomes available. In the meantime, you can explore other options like private rental assistance programs or reaching out to local nonprofits that help with housing.

Do I have to move if I receive a voucher?

No. If you are already renting, you can ask your current landlord to accept Section 8. The landlord must agree, and the property must pass inspection, but you do not have to move. Some landlords are willing once they understand the voucher guarantees payment.

What happens if I lose my job after I receive a voucher?

Report the change to your PHA immediately. Your rent payment will be recalculated based on your new income, which will likely decrease. You keep your voucher as long as you remain in good standing with the program.

Can I use my voucher in a different state?

Not immediately. Your voucher is tied to your local PHA. If you move out of state, you must contact your new state's housing authority and request a "portability" transfer. This process takes time and is not always approved, so check with your new PHA before you move.