Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8)
Also known as: Section 8 · HCV · Housing Choice Vouchers · tenant-based rental assistance
Pays a monthly rental subsidy directly to private landlords on behalf of eligible low-income families, elderly persons, veterans, and persons with disabilities, who select their own housing in the private market (single-family homes, townhouses, or apartments). The household pays the remainder of the rent, usually 30% of its adjusted monthly income, though it may be as high as 40%.
Administered by U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Office of Public and Indian Housing — administered locally by Public Housing Agencies (PHAs)
Key figures
| What | Amount | Verified |
|---|---|---|
| Tenant rent contribution (typical family rent portion) | 30 % of adjusted monthly income | ✓ 2026-07-20 source |
| Maximum tenant rent contribution | 40 % of adjusted monthly income | ✓ 2026-07-20 source |
| Very low-income limit (general eligibility ceiling) | 50 % of area median income | ✓ 2026-07-20 source |
| Low-income limit (eligible only if an additional criterion is met, e.g. continuously assisted under a 1937 Housing Act program) | 80 % of area median income | ✓ 2026-07-20 source |
| Share of each PHA's admissions per fiscal year that must be extremely low-income families | 75 % of admissions | ✓ 2026-07-20 source |
| Extremely low-income threshold | 30 % of area median income, or the federal poverty line if higher (not exceeding the 50% AMI very low-income limit) | ✓ 2026-07-20 source |
| Families assisted nationally | over 2.3 million households | ✓ 2026-07-20 source |
Who may qualify
- Family income generally may not exceed the very low-income limit (generally 50% of area median income); low-income families (generally 80% of AMI) can qualify only if they meet an additional criterion such as being continuously assisted under a 1937 Housing Act program. Limits are set by HUD by family size and area, published annually, and apply only at the time of admission. ✓ 2026-07-20 source
- Each PHA must ensure that 75 percent of its admissions in each PHA fiscal year are families at or below the extremely low-income limit (the higher of the federal poverty line or 30% of area median income), so most new vouchers go to extremely low-income applicants. ✓ 2026-07-20 source
- The household must meet HUD's definition of a family, which includes single persons (elderly, displaced, disabled, near-elderly, or any other single person) as well as groups of persons residing together, regardless of marital status. ✓ 2026-07-20 source
- The applicant family must have eligible citizenship or immigration status with supporting documentation; assistance is prorated for mixed families that include ineligible noncitizens. ✓ 2026-07-20 source
- The applicant must disclose and document the SSNs of all family members (with limited exceptions) and sign consent forms allowing the PHA to verify household information. ✓ 2026-07-20 source
- The PHA must conduct background screenings to ensure no household member is subject to a lifetime sex offender registration requirement; all adult household members must sign a criminal background consent form, and PHAs may set additional nondiscriminatory admission criteria listed in their administrative plans. ✓ 2026-07-20 source
Eligibility rules are set by the administering agency and can change — the linked sources are authoritative, this summary is not a determination.
How to apply — official route
Official application information →
Phone: (800) 955-2232
Applications go through the local Public Housing Agency (PHA) serving the applicant's area — use HUD's PHA contact directory to find it. HUD notes that due to high demand and long waiting lists for housing vouchers, applicants may need to apply to multiple PHA waitlists.
Housing programs are usually handled by your local Public Housing Agency — find your local office. Check the income limit for your county with the income limit checker, or browse state housing data tables.
Applying for government benefits is free. No legitimate program charges a fee to apply, and no one can guarantee you'll be approved.
Application toolkit · verified 2026-07-28
Get ready to apply for Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8)
The Public Housing Agency (PHA) sets its own application and waiting-list requirements. Confirm the list is open before gathering documents.
Common documents and information
Check off items as you gather them. Do not send original records unless the agency specifically tells you to.
What happens after you apply
- Save the confirmation number, submission date, PHA name, and a copy of the application.
- Being placed on a waiting list is not approval. Follow the PHA's status-check instructions and report address, phone, income, and household changes.
- If selected, the PHA verifies eligibility and explains program rules before issuing a voucher.
- After receiving a voucher, you generally have at least 60 days to find an eligible unit. The PHA must inspect the unit before assistance starts.
Applying is free. CalculateBenefits does not receive or submit your application.
Local rules: Waiting-list openings, preferences, documents, service areas, and status-check methods differ by PHA. Applying is free.
Program update alerts
Email alerts for when this program's amounts or income limits change are coming soon.
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