The basic requirements Section 8 programs check

Section 8 programs look at three things: your income, your citizenship or immigration status, and whether you have an eviction or criminal history that disqualifies you. Income is the main gate — most programs set a limit based on the area's median income, usually between 50 and 80 percent of what the median household earns in your county. A program might say "80% AMI" (area median income), which means your household income cannot exceed that threshold.

You must be a U.S. citizen, national, or have may be able to access immigration status. The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) maintains the list of statuses that count. You will need to provide proof — a birth certificate, passport, green card, or other document showing your status. If you are not sure whether your status qualifies, the local public housing authority can tell you before you spend time on paperwork.

Criminal history and evictions do not automatically disqualify you, but they do matter. Public housing authorities have discretion to deny you based on drug convictions, violent felonies, or sex offenses. Evictions within the past three years are a common reason for denial, though some programs make exceptions if you can show the eviction was not your fault or you have since paid what you owed.

Key Takeaways

  • Your household income must fall below a percentage of your area's median income, usually between 50 and 80 percent, and this threshold varies by county.
  • You must prove U.S. citizenship, national status, or one of the immigration statuses HUD recognizes, using a birth certificate, passport, green card, or similar document.
  • Drug convictions, violent felonies, and sex offenses can disqualify you, and evictions within three years are grounds for denial in most programs.
  • The local public housing authority in your county makes the final decision and can tell you whether your situation meets their program's rules before you submit documents.

How income limits work and what counts as income

Income limits change every year and differ by county. HUD publishes new limits each spring, so a limit that applied last year may not explore this year. To find your county's current limit, search "HUD income limits" plus your county name, or call your local public housing authority and ask them to tell you the limit for your household size.

Income includes wages, self-employment earnings, Social Security, unemployment benefits, child support, and rental income. It also includes money from pensions, annuities, and interest on savings. Some income does not count: the first $480 per year of unearned income (like interest) is excluded, and certain benefits such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) may be excluded depending on your state's rules. If you receive benefits, ask the housing authority whether they count toward your income limit.

The housing authority will ask for recent pay stubs, tax returns, and bank statements to verify your income. If you are self-employed, bring tax returns for the past two years. If you receive benefits, bring a letter from the agency showing the monthly amount. They will average your income over the past 12 months, so a recent job loss or bonus does not necessarily push you over the limit.

Citizenship and immigration status requirements

You must be a U.S. citizen or national, or hold one of these immigration statuses: lawful permanent resident (green card holder), refugee, asylee, Cuban/Haitian entrant, or victim of human trafficking with a T visa or U visa. Temporary Protected Status (TPS) holders and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients do not meet HUD's definition of may be able to access status, though some state and local programs have their own rules.

You will need to show proof of your status. A birth certificate or passport proves citizenship. A green card proves lawful permanent resident status. A refugee or asylee approval notice from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) proves that status. If you have a T or U visa, bring the visa itself or an approval notice from USCIS.

If you are not sure whether your status counts, contact your local public housing authority before gathering documents. They can tell you in one conversation whether you meet this requirement, saving you time if you do not.

Criminal history and eviction records

A conviction for drug manufacturing or distribution is grounds for permanent denial in most programs. Violent felonies and sex offenses also typically disqualify you. Misdemeanors and drug possession convictions are handled case-by-case — the housing authority looks at how long ago the conviction was, what you have done since, and whether you pose a risk to other residents.

An eviction within the past three years is a common reason for denial. However, some housing authorities will overlook an eviction if you can show it resulted from circumstances beyond your control — for example, a landlord's wrongful filing, or a temporary job loss you have since recovered from. You will need to provide documentation: a copy of the eviction notice, court records, and a written explanation of what happened.

The housing authority does not automatically run a background check or eviction search. You are expected to disclose this information on your process. If you do not disclose it and they find it later, you can be denied or removed from the program. If you have a record you are concerned about, call the housing authority and ask whether it would disqualify you before you explore.

How the housing authority verifies your information

After you submit your process, the housing authority will request documents to verify what you reported. They will ask for recent pay stubs (usually the past 30 days), tax returns for the past two years, and bank statements. If you receive benefits, they will ask for a benefit letter from the agency. If you are unemployed, they may ask for proof that you are looking for work or receiving unemployment benefits.

The housing authority may contact your employer directly to confirm your income. They may also contact your bank to verify account balances. They will run a background check through the FBI and state criminal databases. They may search eviction records in your county and any other counties where you have lived in the past three years.

The verification process usually takes 30 to 60 days. During this time, you should respond quickly to any requests for additional documents. If you miss a important date or do not provide what they ask for, your process may be denied or delayed.

What happens if you do not meet the requirements

If your income is above the limit, you cannot be admitted to the program. There is no appeal process for income — if you earn too much, you are ineligible. However, income limits change yearly, so you may become may be able to access in a future year if your income drops.

If you are denied for criminal history or an eviction, you have the right to request a hearing before the housing authority. You can present evidence that you have rehabilitated, that the conviction or eviction was a mistake, or that circumstances have changed. Some housing authorities will reconsider after a certain amount of time has passed — for example, if five years have gone by since an eviction, they may be willing to overlook it.

If you are denied, ask the housing authority in writing what the reason was. They are required to tell you. If you believe the reason is incorrect — for example, if they found an eviction that was not actually yours — you can dispute it and ask them to search again. Keep a copy of their denial letter for your records.

Getting on a waiting list and what to expect

Even if you meet all the requirements, you may not receive a voucher right away. Most housing authorities have waiting lists that are months or years long. Some close their waiting lists when they become too large. When you explore, ask whether the list is open and how long the wait typically is.

Once you are on the list, the housing authority will contact you when a voucher becomes available. They may contact you by phone, mail, or email — the contact method they have on file. If you do not respond within a set time (usually 10 to 30 days), you may be removed from the list. Keep your contact information current with the housing authority.

When you receive a voucher, you will attend an orientation session where the housing authority explains how the program works, what your rent share will be, and how to search for an apartment. You will then have a set amount of time (usually 60 to 120 days) to find a landlord who accepts Section 8. If you do not find an apartment within that time, your voucher may be returned to the program.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does having a criminal record automatically disqualify me from Section 8?

No. Drug manufacturing, distribution, violent felonies, and sex offenses are grounds for denial, but other convictions are reviewed case-by-case. The housing authority considers how long ago the conviction was and what you have done since. You can request a hearing to explain your situation if you are denied.

What if I was evicted but I paid the landlord back what I owed?

Paying back the debt does not automatically remove the eviction from your record, but it strengthens your case if you request a hearing. Bring proof of payment and explain the circumstances. Some housing authorities will overlook an eviction if you can show it was not your fault or that you have since resolved the issue.

Can I be on the waiting list for more than one housing authority?

Yes. You can explore to multiple housing authorities in different counties. Each has its own waiting list and its own rules. explore to more than one increases your chances of receiving a voucher sooner, though you should be prepared to accept one if offered while you are still waiting for another.

What if my income goes above the limit after I am already in the program?

Section 8 has income limits for admission, but once you are in the program, your income can rise without losing your voucher. However, your rent share will increase as your income increases. Eventually, if your income rises high enough, you may be asked to leave the program, but this usually takes several years.

How do I find out what my area's income limit is?

Search "HUD income limits" plus your county name on the HUD website, or call your local public housing authority and ask them to tell you the limit for your household size. Income limits are published each spring and change yearly, so always check the current year's limits.