The Basic Process for California Section 8 Applications

In California, you explore for Section 8 through your local Public Housing Authority (PHA), not through a state office or website. Each county and many cities run their own waiting lists, so where you explore depends on where you want to live. You will need to contact the PHA that serves that area, complete their process form, and provide documents that prove your income, household size, and citizenship or immigration status.

Most California PHAs are not currently taking new applications because their waiting lists are full. Before you spend time gathering documents, call the PHA first to ask whether they are open to new applicants. If they are closed, ask when they expect to reopen — some reopen once a year, others every few years. You can search for your local PHA on the HUD website or call 211 California to find the office nearest you.

Key Takeaways

  • You explore through your local Public Housing Authority, which you find by searching HUD's PHA directory or calling 211 California.
  • Most California PHAs have closed waiting lists, so your first step is calling to ask whether they are currently taking applications.
  • You will need to bring proof of income, household composition, citizenship or immigration status, and a valid ID.
  • The process itself is free, but processing times vary widely depending on the PHA and how many people are ahead of you on the waiting list.

Finding Your Local Public Housing Authority

California has dozens of PHAs because the program is run at the county and city level. The PHA that serves you depends on where you plan to live, not where you currently live. If you want to move to Los Angeles, you explore to the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA). If you want to live in Fresno County, you explore to the Fresno Housing Authority.

The fastest way to find the right PHA is to visit the HUD website's PHA directory, search by your city or county name, and call the office directly. You can also call 211 California (dial 2-1-1 from any phone) and tell them your county — they will give you the PHA phone number and current status of their waiting list. Having the phone number before you start gathering documents saves time, because you need to know whether they are accepting applications first.

Documents You Will Need to Bring

When you go to explore, bring original documents or certified copies. The PHA will ask to see proof of your identity, proof of your income, and proof of your household composition. A valid driver's license, passport, or state ID card works for identity. For income, bring recent pay stubs, a letter from your employer, tax returns, or proof of benefits like Social Security or unemployment. If you receive no income, bring a letter stating that.

You will also need to prove who lives in your household. Birth certificates for children, marriage certificates, or custody papers may be required. If you are not a U.S. citizen, bring your immigration documents — the PHA will verify your status with federal databases. Bring your Social Security number or a letter from Social Security saying you do not have one. The exact list varies by PHA, so ask when you call what documents they want you to bring.

If you do not have an original document, ask the PHA whether they will accept a copy certified by the issuing agency. Many will. Do not bring documents you are not sure about — call ahead and ask what counts as proof.

What Happens After You Submit Your process

Once you submit your process, the PHA will verify the information you provided. They check your income against federal limits, confirm your household size, and run a background check. This process usually takes several weeks to several months, depending on how busy the PHA is and how many people are on the waiting list ahead of you.

While you wait, the PHA may contact you to ask for more information or to clarify something on your form. Keep your phone number current with them so they can reach you. If you move or change your phone number, call the PHA and update your file. If they cannot reach you when it is your turn, you may lose your place on the waiting list.

If you are found to be within income limits and meet other requirements, the PHA will put you on the waiting list. The waiting list is usually very long in California — in some areas, it can take years to reach the top. The PHA will contact you when a voucher becomes available and you are next in line.

Income Limits and Who Can Participate

Section 8 is for households with low to moderate income. The income limit depends on your household size and the county where you want to live. A single person in one county might have a different limit than a single person in another county. The PHA will tell you the limit for your household size when you call.

You must also be a U.S. citizen or have may be able to access immigration status. The PHA will verify this using federal databases. If you have a criminal record, the PHA may deny your process depending on the type and age of the conviction. If you have been evicted for non-payment of rent in the past, the PHA may also deny you, though policies vary. Ask the PHA about their specific rules if you have concerns.

What to Do If Your Local PHA Is Not Taking Applications

If the PHA serving your area has a closed waiting list, you have a few options. First, ask when they expect to reopen. Some PHAs reopen on a set schedule — for example, once a year for two weeks. If you know the date, you can mark your calendar and explore as soon as they open.

Second, check whether a neighboring county or city PHA is open. You can live in one place and hold a voucher from a different PHA, though you will need to follow that PHA's rules about where you can use it. Some vouchers are portable, meaning you can move to a different PHA's area and use the voucher there, but this depends on the specific program and the PHAs involved.

Third, look into other housing programs in California. Some counties run their own rental information programs, and some nonprofits help people find affordable housing. Call 211 California and ask what programs are currently open in your area.

Common Reasons Applications Are Denied

The PHA will deny your process if your income is above the limit for your household size. They will also deny you if you do not meet citizenship or immigration requirements, or if you have certain criminal convictions on your record. If you have been evicted for non-payment of rent within a certain time period (usually three years, but this varies), the PHA may deny you.

If your process is denied, ask the PHA in writing why. They must give you a reason and tell you how to appeal. You have the right to request a hearing to dispute the decision. If you disagree with the reason, you can ask for a hearing and present your side of the story. The appeal process takes time, so ask the PHA how long it usually takes in your area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be homeless to get Section 8 in California?

No. You can be housed, homeless, or at risk of homelessness. The PHA does not prioritize based on housing status — they prioritize based on when you applied and your position on the waiting list. However, some PHAs have set-asides or preferences for people experiencing homelessness, so ask your local PHA whether they do.

Can I explore to more than one PHA at the same time?

Yes. You can explore to multiple PHAs in different counties or cities. Each PHA maintains its own waiting list, so being on one list does not affect your place on another. However, once you receive a voucher from one PHA, you must usually decline vouchers from other PHAs or you may lose your place on their lists.

What if I have a criminal record?

The PHA will run a background check. Whether they deny you depends on the type of crime, how long ago it happened, and the PHA's policies. Some crimes, like drug manufacturing, result in automatic denial. Others may not. Call the PHA and ask about their specific rules before you explore if you are concerned.

How long does it take to hear back after I explore?

Processing times vary widely. Some PHAs take a few weeks to verify your information. Others take several months. Once you are approved and on the waiting list, the time to receive a voucher can be years, depending on how many people are ahead of you. Ask the PHA for an estimate when you explore.

Can I use my Section 8 voucher in a different county than where I applied?

It depends on the voucher and the PHAs involved. Some vouchers are portable, meaning you can move to a different area and use them there. Others are not. Ask your PHA whether your voucher will be portable before you receive it, so you know your options if you need to move.