The basic requirements Section 8 programs check

To be considered for Section 8, you must be a U.S. citizen or have may be able to access immigration status, have a household income below the limit set by your local Public Housing Authority (PHA), and pass a background check. The income limit varies by location and household size — a family of four might may have access to in one county but not in a neighboring one. You also cannot have certain criminal convictions or a history of lease violations that resulted in eviction.

The PHA in your area sets the exact income threshold each year. You can find your local PHA by searching "public housing authority" plus your county name, and they publish their current income limits on their website. Most programs use the previous year's tax return or recent pay stubs to verify income.

Key Takeaways

  • Income limits are set by your local Public Housing Authority and change yearly based on area median income, so you must check your specific PHA's numbers rather than using a national figure.
  • You need to prove U.S. citizenship or may be able to access immigration status with a passport, birth certificate, or immigration documents that your PHA will specify.
  • A criminal background check is standard, and certain convictions — particularly drug-related felonies and violent crimes — can disqualify you permanently or for a set period.
  • Most PHAs require a valid Social Security number for every household member age 6 and older, and will verify employment and income through tax returns or recent pay stubs.

Income limits and how they are calculated

Your household's gross income — before taxes — is what counts. This includes wages, self-employment income, Social Security, unemployment benefits, child support, and most other regular money coming in. The PHA adds up all household members' income and compares it to the limit for your household size in your area.

Income limits are tied to the area median income (AMI) for your county or metropolitan area. Most programs set the limit at 50% of AMI, though some go up to 80%. A household at exactly the limit may still be considered; most PHAs use "at or below" language. If your income is above the limit, you do not meet this requirement, and you cannot move forward until your income drops or the limit increases the following year.

The PHA publishes updated income limits each spring or summer. If you were turned down last year, check again — limits sometimes rise. You can call your local PHA or visit their website to see the current year's numbers for your household size.

Citizenship and immigration status requirements

You must be a U.S. citizen or have one of several may be able to access immigration statuses. may be able to access statuses include lawful permanent residents (green card holders), refugees, asylees, and certain other categories defined by federal law. Your PHA will ask you to provide documentation — typically a passport, birth certificate, green card, or refugee/asylee approval letter.

If you are not sure whether your status qualifies, contact your local PHA before gathering documents. They can tell you which immigration statuses they accept and what paperwork they need to see. Some PHAs have staff who specialize in immigration verification and can walk you through the process.

Background check and criminal history

The PHA will run a criminal background check on the head of household and any other adult household members. Certain convictions can disqualify you. Drug-related felonies — particularly manufacturing or distributing controlled substances — typically result in permanent disqualification. Violent felonies also commonly disqualify applicants.

Some PHAs use a case-by-case approach for other criminal history, meaning they look at the nature of the crime, how long ago it occurred, and evidence of rehabilitation. A single misdemeanor from 15 years ago is treated differently than a recent felony. If you have a criminal record, ask your PHA whether they have a written policy on disqualifying offenses — many do, and you can review it before formally applying.

Eviction history matters too. If you were evicted for non-payment of rent or lease violations, some PHAs will deny you. Others look at how long ago it happened and whether circumstances have changed. Again, ask whether your PHA has a written policy.

Social Security numbers and household verification

The PHA requires a valid Social Security number for the head of household and every household member age 6 and older. If a household member does not have a number, you will need to apply for one through the Social Security Administration before the PHA can process your application. This can add several weeks to the timeline.

The PHA will verify that the Social Security numbers are real and match the names and dates of birth you provide. They will also verify that household members are actually living with you and are related to you or have a documented reason to be in the household (such as a foster child or caregiver).

Employment and income verification documents

Bring recent pay stubs (usually the last 30 days), a recent tax return, and a letter from your employer confirming your job title and hourly rate or salary. If you are self-employed, bring tax returns for the past two years and bank statements showing deposits. If you receive benefits — Social Security, unemployment, child support, or disability — bring the award letter or benefit statement showing the monthly amount.

The PHA will contact your employer directly to verify employment. If you are between jobs, bring a job offer letter or proof that you are receiving unemployment benefits. If your income varies month to month, the PHA will average it over the past year or use the most recent month as a baseline, depending on their policy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I have a felony conviction from 10 years ago?

Many PHAs have written policies that specify how old a conviction must be or whether they consider rehabilitation. Contact your local PHA and ask for their disqualifying offense policy. Some will work with you; others have strict rules. Knowing their policy before you apply saves time.

Does my household income include my child's part-time job?

Yes. The PHA counts income from all household members, including children. If your child earns money, it counts toward your household total. This can push you over the income limit, so be prepared to report it accurately.

Can I be denied if I don't have a Social Security number yet?

You will not be denied, but your application cannot move forward until you have one. You can apply for a Social Security number through your local Social Security office. Once you have it, you can resume your Section 8 application. The delay is usually four to six weeks.

What if my immigration status is pending?

Pending status typically does not may have access to. The PHA needs to see approved documentation — a green card, refugee approval letter, or asylee status. If your case is still being decided, you do not meet the requirement. Check with your local PHA about their specific rules, as some have limited exceptions.

Do I have to report a misdemeanor from 20 years ago?

Yes. The background check will find it anyway. Be honest on your application. Lying about criminal history is grounds for denial and can affect your ability to apply again later. If you disclose it upfront, the PHA can make an informed decision about whether it disqualifies you under their policy.