Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers: What It Is and What It Pays For

The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program is a federal rental assistance program that helps eligible low‑income households afford safe, decent housing in the private rental market. Instead of placing you in a government-owned building, Section 8 usually helps pay part of your rent to a private landlord.

HowToGetAssistance.org is not a government agency, landlord, or application portal. This guide is meant to help you understand how Section 8 typically works and what it usually covers so you can take the next step with your local public housing agency (PHA) or other official offices.

What Section 8 Is (Plain English)

Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers are:

• A federal program funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
• Administered locally by public housing agencies (PHAs), such as your city or county housing authority.
• Designed to help low-income families, older adults, and people with disabilities afford rental housing.

With a voucher, you typically:

1. Find your own rental unit (apartment, house, or townhouse) in the private market, as long as:
   • The landlord agrees to accept the voucher, and
   • The unit passes a housing quality inspection.
2. Pay a portion of the rent yourself.
3. The housing authority pays the remaining share of the rent directly to the landlord.

The program does not give you cash. Instead, it provides a rent subsidy paid on your behalf.

What Section 8 Typically Pays For

Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers usually help pay for:

• Monthly rent for a covered unit.
• Some or all utilities, depending on how your lease is structured and whether utilities are included in rent.

What Section 8 Covers in a Typical Rental

Here is a general idea of what the program usually pays for and what you are still responsible for. Policies can vary by local housing authority.

The exact amount Section 8 pays depends on:

• Your household income
• The payment standard in your area (what the housing authority considers a typical rent for a modest unit)
• The approved rent for the unit you choose
• Whether utilities are paid by you or the landlord

How Your Portion of Rent Is Calculated

Section 8 is designed so that voucher holders generally pay about 30% of their adjusted monthly income toward rent and utilities, although local rules may allow a bit more in some cases.

Common steps housing authorities use:

1. Calculate your gross income (wages, benefits, etc.).
2. Apply allowable deductions (for example, certain disability or dependent allowances, depending on rules).
3. Find your adjusted income.
4. Your tenant share is usually around 30% of adjusted income (sometimes up to 40% when you first move into a unit).
5. The voucher covers the rest, up to the housing authority’s payment standard for your voucher size (1-bedroom, 2-bedroom, etc.) and area.

If rent is higher than the payment standard, you may have to pay more than 30% of your income (up to program limits) or pick a different unit.

What Section 8 Does NOT Pay For

Section 8 vouchers do not typically pay for:

• Security deposits (you may need savings, local charities, or separate programs for this).
• Moving costs (trucks, packing, storage).
• Renter’s insurance.
• Furniture, appliances, or household supplies (unless the unit comes furnished on the landlord’s own terms).
• Past-due rent or old debts to previous landlords.
• Late fees, court fees, or eviction-related costs.
• Damages beyond normal wear and tear.

You are expected to follow your lease and housing authority rules. If you violate your lease or damage the unit, Section 8 will not cover those costs.

Who Typically Qualifies for Section 8

Eligibility for Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers is determined by your local housing authority, not by this website. In general, these factors are considered:

1. Income Limits

You usually must have low income for your area. Housing authorities:

• Use Area Median Income (AMI) guidelines.
• Often require that new participants be “extremely low income” or “very low income” (commonly 30–50% of AMI, though exact numbers vary by location and family size).

Your local housing authority can tell you the current income limits for your household size.

2. Household Status

Many (but not all) voucher holders are:

• Families with children
• Older adults (seniors)
• People with disabilities

Single adults without children can sometimes qualify, too, depending on income and local rules.

3. Citizenship or Eligible Immigration Status

Federal rules require that households receiving Section 8 assistance have members who are:

• U.S. citizens, or
• Non‑citizens with eligible immigration status, as defined by HUD.

Mixed-status households (some eligible, some not) may receive prorated assistance based on how many members are eligible.

4. Background Checks and Housing History

Local housing authorities often review:

• Criminal background (certain serious offenses can make you ineligible).
• Past evictions from federal housing programs, especially those related to drug activity or fraud.
• Debts owed to other housing authorities.

Each housing authority has its own screening policies within federal guidelines.

What Documents You May Need to Apply

Exact requirements vary, but people are commonly asked to provide:

Identity and Household:

• Photo IDs for adult household members
• Social Security numbers (if available and applicable)
• Birth certificates or other proof of age for children
• Proof of citizenship or eligible immigration status, when required

Income and Assets:

• Recent pay stubs
• Award letters for Social Security, SSI, VA benefits, unemployment, or pensions
• Documentation of child support, alimony, or other regular payments
• Recent bank statements or asset statements (savings, retirement accounts)

Housing Situation:

• Current lease (if you have one)
• Eviction notices or documentation of homelessness, if applicable (for preference categories)

Your local housing authority or official benefits portal will list exactly what they require. Providing complete and accurate documents usually helps avoid delays.

Where and How to Apply for Section 8

HowToGetAssistance.org cannot accept applications or check your status. To start the official process, you generally need to contact your:

• Local public housing agency (PHA) or
• City/county housing authority or
• State housing agency, if they manage vouchers in your area

Common Ways People Apply

Depending on your area, housing authorities may offer:

1. Online applications
   • Through an official housing authority website or a state benefits portal.
2. Paper applications
   • Picked up and submitted at the housing authority office.
3. Mail‑in or drop‑box options
   • Some areas allow you to mail or drop off documents.
4. Phone assistance or appointments
   • For people who need help because of disability, language barriers, or lack of internet access.

Because Section 8 funding is limited, many areas:

• Keep waiting lists, and
• Only open those lists for short periods.

If the waiting list is closed, you usually must wait until it opens again to apply. Many housing authorities post updates on their official websites, via phone hotlines, or at the office.

What Happens After You Apply

While processes vary, many people experience steps like these:

1. Application Submission

   • You submit an application with basic household and income information.
   • You may receive a confirmation number or written acknowledgment.

2. Waitlist Placement (if the list is open)

   • If you are eligible and the list is open, your name goes on the waiting list.
   • You may be given an estimated wait time, but this is often just an estimate.

3. Waiting Period

   • Wait times can range from months to years, depending on demand and funding.
   • Some housing authorities use preferences (for example, homelessness, displacement, local residency, or veteran status), which can affect your place on the list.

4. Selection from Waitlist

   • When your name reaches the top, the housing authority contacts you by mail, phone, email, or portal message.
   • You will be asked to update your information and provide more documentation.

5. Eligibility Interview and Verification

   • You may attend an interview, either in person, by phone, or virtually.
   • The housing authority verifies your income, household composition, identities, and other details.

6. Voucher Issuance (If Approved)

   • You receive a voucher that specifies:
     • The voucher size (number of bedrooms) you qualify for.
     • How long you have to find a suitable unit (for example, 60–120 days, depending on local policy).

7. Housing Search Period

   • You search for a rental unit whose rent is reasonable and meets program standards.
   • The landlord must be willing to participate.

8. Unit Approval and Inspection

   • The landlord and housing authority complete required forms.
   • The housing authority inspects the unit to ensure it meets HUD Housing Quality Standards.
   • If it passes and rent is reasonable, the authority approves the unit.

9. Lease and Payment Contract

   • You sign a lease with the landlord.
   • The landlord signs a Housing Assistance Payments (HAP) contract with the housing authority.
   • The housing authority starts sending monthly payments directly to the landlord.

Common Reasons for Delays or Denials

Housing authorities must follow federal rules and local policies. A few typical issues that can cause problems include:

• Incomplete applications
  • Missing signatures, unanswered questions, or missing documents.
• Income above the limit
  • If your income is too high for your area and household size at the time of review.
• Ineligible immigration status for all household members
  • Households with no members who are citizens or eligible non‑citizens may be ineligible.
• Serious criminal history under HUD rules or local policy
  • Certain crimes (such as manufacturing methamphetamine in federally assisted housing or being subject to lifetime sex offender registration) can be disqualifying.
• Owing money to another housing authority
  • Unpaid balances from prior assisted housing may need to be resolved first.
• Failure to respond
  • Not replying to letters, emails, or appointment notices by the given deadlines.
• Missed deadlines
  • For submitting paperwork, attending interviews, or using the voucher within the allowed time.

If something is unclear, it’s often helpful to contact your housing authority office directly and ask for an explanation of any notices you receive.

What If You’re Denied or Removed from the Waiting List?

If your application is denied, or you are removed from a waiting list, housing authorities typically:

• Send a written notice stating:
  • The reason for the decision.
  • Your right to request an informal review or hearing, if applicable.
  • How and when to request that review.

Informal Reviews and Hearings

If you disagree with a decision, you may usually:

1. Submit a written request for an informal review or hearing by the deadline in your notice.
2. Attend a meeting (sometimes in person, by phone, or by video) to:
   • Present documents,
   • Explain your situation, and
   • Ask questions about how the decision was made.
3. Receive a written decision after the review.

Deadlines are often strict. If you want to request a review, check the notice date and instructions carefully and follow the steps given by your local housing authority.

Alternatives if You Don’t Qualify for Section 8 or Can’t Get a Voucher Soon

Many people face long wait times or find out they are not currently eligible for Section 8. Depending on your situation and location, you might look into:

• Public housing
  • These are rental units owned or managed by a housing authority. They often have separate applications and waiting lists.
• Project-based Section 8 or other subsidized apartments
  • Instead of a voucher, the subsidy is tied to a particular building. You apply through the property’s management office.
• State or local rental assistance programs
  • Some cities and states run their own programs, sometimes with shorter waits.
• Short-term emergency help
  • Local nonprofits, churches, or community action agencies may help with security deposits, utility bills, or emergency rent to prevent eviction.
• Homelessness prevention or rapid re-housing programs
  • Often coordinated by local continuums of care, shelters, or county agencies.
• 211 information services
  • In many areas, dialing 211 connects you with a community resource line that can share information about local housing and rental assistance programs.

Each option has its own rules, application process, and wait times.

How to Make Sure You’re Using Official Channels (Avoiding Scams)

Because housing assistance is in high demand, scammers sometimes pretend to be housing authorities or promise “guaranteed” vouchers. To protect yourself:

• Never pay application fees to unofficial websites or individuals.
  • Many housing authorities do not charge application fees for Section 8.
• Verify the website or office.
  • Look for a “.gov” domain or a site clearly linked from your city or county government page.
  • You can also call your city hall, county office, or local housing authority to confirm the correct site and contact information.
• Be cautious of “guaranteed approval” offers.
  • No one can guarantee that you will get a voucher or move up the list faster for a fee.
• Guard your personal information.
  • Only provide Social Security numbers, dates of birth, and financial details through verified official portals or at in-person appointments.
• Watch for unusual payment methods.
  • Requests for payment in gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency are major red flags.

If you are unsure whether you are on an official page or talking to a legitimate office, you can:

• Call your local housing authority directly using a phone number found on your city or county government website.
• Ask a local social service agency or 211 for help confirming the correct contact information.

Key Takeaways: What Section 8 Is and What It Pays For

• Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers help low‑income households pay part of the rent for privately owned housing.
• The program is run locally by housing authorities, not by HowToGetAssistance.org.
• Section 8 typically pays a portion of:
  • Monthly rent, and
  • Sometimes utilities, through a utility allowance.
• You usually pay about 30% of your adjusted income toward rent and utilities; the voucher covers the rest up to local limits.
• Section 8 generally does not cover security deposits, past‑due rent, moving costs, or damages.
• Eligibility usually depends on income, household size, citizenship/immigration status, and background checks, and varies by area.
• To move forward, you must apply through your local public housing agency or housing authority and follow their official instructions and timelines.
• If you do not qualify or face long waits, consider public housing, project‑based units, state/local programs, or community assistance as additional options.

Understanding what Section 8 is and what it pays for can help you decide whether to pursue a voucher and how to prepare for the official application process with your local housing authority.