Basic requirements to apply for Section 8

To apply for Section 8, you must be a U.S. citizen or have may be able to access immigration status, be at least 18 years old (or the head of a household), and have a household income below the limit set by your local housing authority. That income limit varies by area and family size — a single person in one county might earn $35,000 and still be under the limit, while in another county the same income exceeds it. Your local public housing authority (PHA) publishes these limits each year.

You also need a valid Social Security number and a background check that shows no disqualifying criminal history. Most housing authorities will deny you if you have been convicted of manufacturing methamphetamine on federally assisted housing, or if you are a registered sex offender in your state. Other criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify you, but the housing authority has the discretion to deny based on your record.

You do not need to own a home, have perfect credit, or have a job offer lined up. You do not need to be homeless or in crisis, though some areas prioritize applicants in those situations. The basic test is income, citizenship or may be able to access immigration status, and background clearance.

Key Takeaways

  • Your household income must fall below the limit your local housing authority sets each year, which varies by county and family size.
  • You must be a U.S. citizen or have may be able to access immigration status, and you need a valid Social Security number for each household member.
  • A criminal background check is required; convictions for manufacturing methamphetamine or sex offender registration typically disqualify you, but other convictions are reviewed case by case.
  • You can apply even if you are currently employed, have housing, or have poor credit — income and background are the main gates.

Immigration status and Social Security requirements

Section 8 is open to U.S. citizens and to non-citizens with may be able to access immigration status. may be able to access status includes lawful permanent residents (green card holders), refugees, asylees, and certain other categories defined by federal law. You cannot hold a Section 8 voucher if you are undocumented or on a tourist or student visa.

Every member of your household age 62 and older, and every non-citizen household member, must have a valid Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) issued by the IRS. U.S. citizen household members under 62 do not need a Social Security number to be counted in the household, but the housing authority will still verify citizenship for them. If a household member cannot provide either document, that person cannot be included in your voucher household.

If you are unsure whether your immigration status qualifies, contact your local housing authority directly. They can tell you whether your specific status meets federal requirements. Do not assume you are ineligible based on a visa type or work authorization category — the rules are detailed and vary.

Income limits and how they are calculated

The income limit is the maximum your household can earn and still be considered for Section 8. It is set at 80 percent of the area median income (AMI) for your county, adjusted for family size. A family of four in one county might have a limit of $52,000 per year, while the same family size in a neighboring county has a limit of $68,000. These limits are recalculated every year and published by each housing authority.

Income includes wages, self-employment earnings, Social Security, unemployment benefits, child support, and most other regular money coming into the household. It does not include one-time payments, food stamps, or certain disability benefits. If you have rental income from a property you own, that counts. If you receive money from family members who do not live with you, that typically does not count as household income.

When you apply, you will need to show recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer stating your income. If you are self-employed, unemployed, or receiving benefits, bring documentation of that income. The housing authority will verify what you report by contacting employers and agencies directly.

Criminal background and disqualifying offenses

A criminal background check is standard. The housing authority will look at your record and the records of all household members age 18 and older. Two offenses are nearly automatic disqualifiers: a conviction for manufacturing methamphetamine in federally assisted housing, and registration as a sex offender under your state's law.

Other convictions — felonies, misdemeanors, drug offenses, violent crimes — do not automatically deny you. The housing authority reviews the nature of the offense, how long ago it occurred, and your conduct since. A drug conviction from 15 years ago is treated differently from one from last year. A single misdemeanor is treated differently from multiple felonies. The authority has discretion and must consider the totality of your record.

If you have a criminal history, you can still apply. Be honest on the application. If you lie or omit information, that dishonesty can result in denial even if the underlying conviction would not have. Some housing authorities publish their policies on criminal history online; others will discuss your specific situation if you call and ask.

Age and household composition rules

You must be at least 18 years old to be the head of household on a Section 8 voucher. If you are younger than 18, a parent, guardian, or other adult household member must be listed as the head. Minors can be part of a household but cannot hold the voucher themselves.

Your household can include spouses, children, parents, siblings, or unrelated people — there is no rule against unrelated roommates. However, all household members must be disclosed to the housing authority, and all members age 18 and older must pass a background check. If someone in the household fails the background check, the entire application can be denied, or that person must move out before the voucher is issued.

If you are elderly or have a disability, you may be prioritized on the waiting list in some areas, but you still must meet the basic income and background requirements to apply.

Waiting lists and application timing

Most housing authorities maintain a waiting list because demand for Section 8 far exceeds the number of vouchers available. Some lists are open year-round; others open for a few weeks and then close. A few areas have closed their lists for years. You can only apply when the list is open, and you can only apply to the housing authority that serves the area where you want to live.

When you apply, you will be placed on the list in the order your application is received (or in a prioritized order if the authority gives preference to certain groups, such as homeless households or those with disabilities). Waiting times range from months to many years depending on the area and the size of the voucher program.

You do not need to have a job, a lease, or a specific apartment lined up to apply. You apply to get on the list; once your name reaches the top and a voucher becomes available, you then have a set time (usually 60 to 120 days) to find a landlord willing to accept Section 8 and sign a lease.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply if I am currently receiving unemployment or disability benefits?

Yes. Unemployment benefits and most disability payments count as income, so they will be included in your household income calculation. If your total income (including benefits) is below your area's limit, you can apply. The housing authority will verify the amount you receive by contacting the benefit-paying agency.

What happens if someone in my household has a criminal record?

All household members age 18 and older must pass a background check. If someone has a record, the housing authority will review it. A single old misdemeanor may not disqualify the household, but a recent felony or multiple convictions could. If a household member fails the check, you may be denied, or that person may need to move out before the voucher is issued.

Do I have to be homeless or in crisis to apply?

No. You can apply whether you are currently housed, employed, or stable. Some housing authorities give priority to homeless applicants or those facing eviction, but you do not have to be in crisis to meet the basic requirements or to get on the waiting list.

Can I apply if I have bad credit or owe money to a landlord?

Yes. Section 8 does not require a credit check or a clean rental history. The housing authority cares about income and background, not credit score. However, once you receive a voucher, the landlord you choose may run a credit check or contact previous landlords — that is between you and the landlord, not the housing authority.

What if I am not a U.S. citizen but have a green card?

Lawful permanent residents (green card holders) are may be able to access to apply. You will need to provide your green card and a valid Social Security number or ITIN. The housing authority will verify your immigration status with federal databases.