The Housing Choice Voucher Program (often called Section 8) is a federal program that helps eligible households afford rent in the private housing market.
Instead of living in public housing, participants can look for an apartment, townhouse, or house, as long as:
- the unit meets program requirements, and
- the landlord agrees to participate.
If you receive a voucher, the PHA pays part of the rent directly to the landlord. You pay the rest.
In many cases, the tenant portion is about 30% of the household’s adjusted monthly income, but the exact amount can vary based on rent and local rules.
Many PHAs use a two-step process:
- a short pre-application to get on the waiting list, and
- a full application later, when your name comes up.
If you need help, HUD-approved housing counseling agencies and local nonprofits may be able to guide you.
1) Find your local PHA
Use HUD’s Public Housing Agency Directory to find the agency for your city or county.
Tip: If allowed, apply to multiple PHAs in nearby areas. In some cases, you don’t have to live in the area when you apply. However, some PHAs may require you to live in their area for the first 12 months of assistance if you were living elsewhere when you applied.
2) Gather your documents early
Exact requirements vary, but PHAs often ask for:
- Photo ID for adults (driver’s license, state ID, passport, etc.)
- Proof of identity for children (birth certificate, school records, etc.)
- Proof of income (pay stubs, benefits letters, tax returns)
- Bank statements or other asset information
- Proof of public benefits, if applicable (SSI, SSDI, TANF, SNAP, etc.)
- Social Security numbers and documents (if required)
- Signed consent forms so the PHA can verify information
3) Find out if the waiting list is open
Many PHAs only accept applications when their waiting list is open. Check the PHA website to see if they’re accepting applications. Some PHAs offer email alerts when the list opens.
4) Submit the pre-application
If the list is open, you’ll usually start with a short pre-application. This often includes:
- Names of household members
- Basic household details
- Contact information
- Estimated income
- Any preference categories (for example, veteran status, disability, or local residency)
This step is mainly to see if you can be added to the waiting list—not to fully confirm eligibility yet.
5) Complete the full application when contacted
When your name reaches the top of the waiting list, the PHA will contact you to complete a full application and provide documents. This usually includes:
- Detailed income information for adult household members
- Proof documents (pay stubs, benefit letters, tax returns, bank statements)
- Identity documents for all household members
- Social Security numbers and proof of eligible status (if required)
- Any consent/release forms the PHA needs
6) Wait for a decision and voucher availability
After you apply, the PHA reviews your information. If you qualify, you stay on the waiting list until a voucher is available.
Wait time depends on:
- how many vouchers the PHA has,
- how many people are ahead of you,
- whether you qualify for any preferences (like disability or veteran status).
7) Check your status and keep your information updated
Many PHAs let you check your status online, by phone, or by contacting their office. Checking every 1–3 months is often a good idea unless your PHA tells you otherwise.
Always update the PHA if your:
- address changes,
- phone number changes,
- email changes.
If the PHA can’t reach you, you could be removed from the waiting list.
8) Complete final steps and use your voucher
When your name is reached, the PHA may require:
- a meeting or interview to confirm information,
- updated documents,
- a voucher briefing where program rules are explained.
Once you receive the voucher, you usually have 60–120 days to find a rental (extensions may be possible). The rental must meet program rules, such as:
- HUD’s housing quality standards,
- rent reasonableness rules,
- local payment standards.
The PHA must approve the unit before it can start paying its share of the rent.
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Check out: How to Find Out if Your State Protects Renters Based on Income Source
