Where to Start: Your Local Public Housing Authority

Section 8 in Texas is run by local public housing authorities (PHAs), not by the state or federal government directly. You apply to the PHA that serves your city or county, not to a central office. Each authority maintains its own waiting list, sets its own preferences, and moves at its own pace—some have waiting lists that are years long, others occasionally reopen.

The first step is finding which PHA covers your area. The Texas Housing and Community Development Office maintains a list of all PHAs in the state on their website, organized by region. You can also call 211 Texas (dial 211 or visit 211texas.org) and ask for the Section 8 housing authority in your county. Have your zip code ready.

Once you know which PHA serves you, contact them directly by phone or visit their office in person. Ask three things: whether they are currently taking new applications, how long their waiting list is, and what documents you need to bring. Do not assume the waiting list is open—many Texas PHAs close applications when the list reaches a certain size and reopen only when people move off it.

Key Takeaways

  • You apply to your local public housing authority, not to a state or federal office, and each PHA has its own waiting list and timeline.
  • Many Texas PHAs have closed waiting lists, so your first call should confirm whether applications are being taken at all.
  • You will need proof of income, citizenship or legal residency, Social Security numbers for all household members, and a photo ID.
  • After you submit your application, the PHA conducts a background check and income verification that typically takes 30 to 90 days.
  • Being on the waiting list does not mean you will receive a voucher soon—some lists are several years long, and you may be called years after you apply.

Documents You Need Before You Apply

Bring originals or certified copies of these documents to your PHA office or submit them with your application, depending on how your local authority accepts them. Missing documents will delay your application or cause it to be rejected.

Proof of identity: A driver's license, passport, state ID card, or other government-issued photo ID for the head of household. Some PHAs also require ID for all adult household members.

Proof of income: The last two months of pay stubs, or if self-employed, the last two years of tax returns. If you receive unemployment, Social Security, disability, or other benefits, bring the award letter or benefit statement showing the monthly amount. If you have no income, bring a signed statement saying so. PHAs use this to calculate whether you fall within income limits and to set your rent contribution.

Proof of citizenship or legal residency: A birth certificate, passport, naturalization certificate, or green card. If you are not a U.S. citizen, you must have a green card or other proof of legal permanent residency. Some household members may be ineligible if they lack legal status, which affects your household's overall status.

Social Security numbers: For every person in your household, including children. Bring Social Security cards or a letter from Social Security Administration showing the number. The PHA uses these to run background checks.

Proof of residency: A utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement showing your current address. This must be dated within the last 60 days in most cases.

Proof of household composition: Birth certificates for all children, custody papers if applicable, and marriage or divorce certificates if your marital status has changed. The PHA needs to confirm who lives with you and who is legally dependent.

The Application Process and Timeline

When you arrive at your PHA office or submit your application online (if your authority offers that), you will fill out a form that asks for household income, size, composition, and background history. The form also asks whether you have ever been evicted, convicted of a crime, or removed from public housing. Answer truthfully—the PHA will verify everything.

After you submit, the PHA sends your information to a background check company. This check looks at criminal history, eviction records, and rental payment history. At the same time, the PHA verifies your income by contacting your employer or benefits agency directly. This verification step typically takes 30 to 90 days, though it can be faster or slower depending on how quickly your employers or agencies respond.

Once verification is complete, the PHA notifies you of the result. If you are found ineligible—usually because of a criminal conviction, a pattern of evictions, or income above the limit—you will receive a letter explaining why and your right to request a hearing. If you are found may be able to access, you are placed on the waiting list. The PHA will send you a letter confirming your position on the list and your household size.

Being on the waiting list does not mean you will receive a voucher soon. In some Texas cities, the wait is two to five years. In others, it is longer. The PHA will contact you only when a voucher becomes available and it is your turn. Keep your contact information current with the PHA—if they cannot reach you, they may remove you from the list.

Income Limits and Rent You Will Pay

Section 8 is limited to households earning no more than 50 percent of the area median income (AMI) for your county. The limit varies by county and by household size. For example, a single person in Harris County (Houston) might have a limit around $32,000 per year, while a family of four might have a limit around $51,000. These numbers change annually, usually in April.

Your PHA can tell you the exact income limit for your household size when you call. If your income is above the limit, you are ineligible. If your income is below the limit, you are income-may be able to access, but the PHA will still run the background check.

Once you receive a voucher, you pay 30 percent of your gross monthly income as rent. The PHA pays the landlord the rest, up to the fair market rent for your area. If your income is very low, your 30 percent contribution will be low. If your income increases after you receive a voucher, your contribution increases, but the PHA's payment does not decrease below a minimum (usually around $50 to $100 per month, depending on your PHA).

What Disqualifies You

The PHA will deny your application if you have a felony conviction for drug manufacturing or distribution within the past 10 years. Some PHAs also deny applications for other felonies or misdemeanors, depending on their local policy and how recent the conviction is. Ask your PHA about their specific policy when you call.

You will also be denied if you have been evicted for non-payment of rent within the past three years, or if you have a pattern of evictions. A single eviction from many years ago may not disqualify you, but the PHA has discretion. Some PHAs are stricter than others.

If your income is above 50 percent of AMI, you are ineligible. If you cannot provide proof of citizenship or legal residency, you are ineligible. If you cannot provide a Social Security number for any household member, that person may be excluded from the household, which can affect your may be able to access.

If you are denied, you have the right to request a hearing before the PHA. The hearing officer will review the decision. You can bring documents, witnesses, or a representative. Request the hearing in writing within a set time frame—your denial letter will state the deadline, usually 10 to 30 days.

After You Are Placed on the Waiting List

Once you are on the list, your job is to keep your contact information current. If you move, call your PHA and update your address and phone number. If you do not respond when the PHA calls to offer you a voucher, you may be removed from the list.

Some PHAs send annual letters asking you to confirm that you still want to be on the list. You must respond by the deadline or you will be removed. Other PHAs do not send these letters, so stay in touch by calling once or twice a year to confirm you are still active.

When a voucher becomes available and it is your turn, the PHA will call you. They will explain how the voucher works, give you a list of landlords who accept Section 8, and set a deadline for you to find a unit and have the landlord sign the lease. This deadline is usually 60 to 120 days. If you do not find a unit by the deadline, the voucher is returned to the PHA and you go back to the waiting list.

Regional Differences: Major Texas Cities

Houston Housing Authority (serving Harris County) has one of the longest waiting lists in Texas—often three to five years. Applications are frequently closed. When they reopen, they close again within weeks. Call 713-260-0800 to ask about the current status.

Dallas Housing Authority (serving Dallas County) also has a long waiting list, typically two to four years. They occasionally accept applications in limited windows. Call 214-320-9600 to check.

San Antonio Housing Authority (serving Bexar County) has a shorter waiting list than Houston or Dallas, usually one to two years. They are more frequently open to new applications. Call 210-432-7500.

Austin Housing Finance Department (serving Travis County) has a moderate waiting list. Call 512-974-3000 to ask about current openings.

Fort Worth Housing Solutions (serving Tarrant County) has a waiting list that varies. Call 817-871-7600 to check status.

Smaller cities and rural counties often have shorter waiting lists or may even have vouchers available immediately, though this varies. Call your local PHA to ask.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. If you live on the border between two counties or move frequently, you can apply to multiple PHAs. Each maintains its own waiting list. However, once you receive a voucher from one PHA, you must use it and cannot hold a spot on another list simultaneously.

What happens if my income increases after I am on the waiting list?

Being on the waiting list does not affect your income. If your income rises above 50 percent of AMI before you receive a voucher, you remain on the list. Once you receive a voucher and move into a unit, your rent contribution is based on your income at that time. If your income increases later, your contribution increases, but you keep the voucher.

Do I need to be a Texas resident to apply?

Most PHAs require you to live in their service area or have a job there. Some allow applications from people who plan to move to the area. Call your local PHA to ask about their residency requirement.

What if I have a criminal record but it was a long time ago?

The PHA looks at the type of crime and how long ago it occurred. Drug manufacturing or distribution convictions within 10 years are automatic disqualifiers. Other crimes are evaluated case by case. Call your PHA and ask about their policy, or request a hearing after denial to explain your circumstances.

Can I apply if I am currently homeless?

Yes. You do not need a current address to apply. You can use a shelter address, a friend's address, or a mailing address where the PHA can reach you. Bring proof of homelessness, such as a shelter letter or a statement from a social worker.