Where to start: your local public housing authority

You apply for Section 8 through your local public housing authority (PHA), not through HUD or any federal office. Every city and county has one. The PHA manages the waiting list, verifies your income and household composition, and issues the voucher if you're selected.

Find your PHA by searching "[your city or county] public housing authority" or by visiting HUD's PHA directory at hud.gov/program_offices/public_indian_housing/pha_contacts. Call them first — do not show up in person without confirming their office hours and whether they accept walk-ins. Many PHAs now require appointments or online submissions only.

Before you contact them, know that most PHAs have closed waiting lists. This means they are not currently taking new applications. If the list is closed, ask when it typically reopens — some open for a few weeks every year or two, others open when funding changes. Get on their mailing list or check their website monthly so you know when the window opens.

Key Takeaways

  • You must apply through your local public housing authority, which you can find by searching your city or county name plus "public housing authority."
  • Most PHAs have closed waiting lists, so call first to confirm whether they are taking applications right now.
  • You will need proof of income, citizenship or immigration status, Social Security numbers for all household members, and a photo ID.
  • The waiting list can be years long, so apply as soon as the list opens even if you don't need housing immediately.
  • After you're selected from the waiting list, the PHA conducts a background check and income verification before issuing your voucher.

Documents you need to bring or submit

The PHA will ask for documents that prove your identity, income, household size, and citizenship status. Have these ready before you apply:

  • Photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) for the head of household
  • Social Security cards or numbers for all household members, including children
  • Proof of income for the past 30 days: recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer stating your salary
  • Proof of citizenship or immigration status: birth certificate, passport, green card, or work authorization document
  • Proof of residency in the PHA's jurisdiction: utility bill, lease, or mail from a government agency
  • Bank statements or proof of assets if you have savings over a certain amount (the limit varies by PHA)

If you receive benefits — unemployment, TANF, SSI, SSDI — bring documentation from the agency. If you're self-employed, bring tax returns for the past two years and a profit-and-loss statement. If you have no income, bring a letter explaining your situation and any documentation of support from family members.

Some PHAs accept applications online through their website. Others require you to submit documents by mail or in person. Ask your PHA which method they use and whether they have a checklist of required documents specific to your situation.

Income limits and household size rules

The PHA sets income limits based on your household size and the area's median income. These limits change yearly. A household of one might have a limit of $35,000 to $45,000 per year depending on your city; a household of four might be $50,000 to $65,000. Call your PHA or check their website for the exact limits for your area and household size.

Your household includes you, your spouse (if married), your children under 18, and any other person living with you who is not a boarder or renter. The PHA counts all income from all household members, including wages, self-employment, benefits, child support, and alimony. They do not count income from children under 18 who are in school full-time.

If your income is above the limit, you cannot be selected. If your income is below the limit, you can apply. The PHA will verify your income by contacting your employer, bank, or benefits agency directly — they do not rely on what you tell them.

What happens after you submit your application

Once the PHA receives your application, they add you to the waiting list. The waiting list is usually ordered by date of application, though some PHAs give priority to people who are homeless, elderly, or disabled. Ask your PHA whether they use preferences and what they are.

You will receive a letter confirming that your application was received and giving you a position on the waiting list. Keep this letter. The wait time varies widely — some areas have waiting lists of a few months, others have lists that are years long or even closed to new applicants. Your PHA can tell you the current average wait time.

When your name reaches the top of the list, the PHA will contact you by phone or mail to schedule an appointment. At this appointment, they will verify your income, household composition, and background. They will run a criminal background check and a credit check. They will also verify your citizenship or immigration status.

If everything checks out, you will be issued a Housing Choice Voucher. This is a document that shows you are authorized to receive Section 8 assistance. You will also receive a list of landlords who accept Section 8 and information about how to search for an apartment.

Finding an apartment and using your voucher

Once you have your voucher, you have a set amount of time — usually 60 to 120 days, depending on your PHA — to find an apartment. The landlord must accept Section 8 vouchers. Not all landlords do, so you may need to contact several before you find one who will rent to you.

The voucher covers a portion of your rent. You pay the difference out of pocket. The amount the voucher covers depends on your income and the local rent standard set by your PHA. If you earn very little, you might pay 30% of your income toward rent, and the voucher covers the rest. If you earn more, you pay more.

Once you find an apartment and a landlord agrees to rent to you, the PHA must inspect the unit to make sure it meets housing quality standards. The inspection checks for things like working heat, plumbing, electrical systems, and no lead paint hazards. If the unit fails inspection, the landlord must make repairs before you can move in.

After the unit passes inspection, the PHA signs a lease with the landlord and you sign a lease with the landlord. The voucher is then active, and the PHA begins paying the landlord their portion of the rent each month.

Reasons the PHA might deny your application

The PHA can deny your application if your income is above the limit, if you do not meet citizenship requirements, or if you have a criminal history that disqualifies you. Disqualifying offenses usually include violent felonies, drug manufacturing, and sex offenses. Some PHAs also deny applications based on eviction history or unpaid utility bills.

If your application is denied, the PHA must give you a written reason. You have the right to request a hearing to dispute the denial. The hearing is conducted by someone who did not make the original decision. You can bring documents, witnesses, or a representative to the hearing. Ask your PHA for their hearing procedures and deadlines.

If you were denied because of a criminal record or eviction history, you may be able to reapply after a certain period of time has passed. Some PHAs have policies that allow reapplication after five or ten years. Ask your PHA whether this is an option for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. If you live near a county line or are planning to move, you can apply to multiple PHAs. Each has its own waiting list and timeline. However, once you are selected and issued a voucher by one PHA, you must notify the others to remove yourself from their lists, or you may be selected twice and lose one voucher.

What if my income changes after I apply?

Report any income changes to your PHA immediately. If your income drops, it may move you higher on the waiting list. If your income rises above the limit before you are selected, you will be removed from the list. After you receive your voucher and move into an apartment, income changes affect how much rent you pay, not your voucher status.

How long does the whole process take from application to moving in?

The waiting list itself can be months to years. Once you are selected, the verification and background check process usually takes four to eight weeks. Finding an apartment and getting the unit inspected typically takes another four to twelve weeks. Total time from application to moving in is usually one to three years, depending on the waiting list length in your area.

What if I'm homeless right now — can I still apply?

Yes, and many PHAs give priority to homeless applicants. You will need to provide proof of homelessness, which can be a letter from a shelter, a social worker, or documentation from a homeless services organization. Use a shelter address, a social worker's address, or a trusted contact's address as your mailing address so the PHA can reach you.

Do I have to pay a fee to apply?

No. Section 8 applications are always free. If anyone asks you for money to apply or to get on a waiting list, that is a scam. Report it to your local police and to HUD's Office of Inspector General at oig.hud.gov.