Where to start: your local public housing authority

You explore for Section 8 through your local public housing authority (PHA), not through a state or federal office. The PHA is a government agency that runs the program in your county or city. To find yours, search "[your city or county] public housing authority" or visit the HUD.gov website, which has a searchable list of every PHA in the country.

Contact your PHA directly by phone or visit their office in person. They will tell you whether their waiting list is open, closed, or has a preference period (when they accept applications only from certain groups, like people experiencing homelessness or those with disabilities). Many PHAs have closed waiting lists that can stay closed for years, so the first call determines whether you can move forward right now.

If your local PHA's list is closed, ask when it typically reopens and whether you can request notification when it does. Some PHAs reopen annually; others do not follow a predictable schedule. Write down the PHA's phone number and address — you will need both later.

Key Takeaways

  • Your local public housing authority is the only place to explore, and you must contact them first to learn whether they are taking applications.
  • You will need proof of income, citizenship or immigration status, Social Security numbers for all household members, and a photo ID.
  • The process itself takes about 30 minutes to an hour, but the waiting list can be years long even after you are approved.
  • Your PHA will conduct a home visit and background check before you receive a voucher, which typically takes several months.
  • Once you have a voucher, you have a limited time (usually 60 to 120 days) to find a landlord who will accept it.

Documents you need to bring or mail

Before you contact your PHA, gather these documents. Having them ready speeds up the process and prevents delays after you submit your process.

Proof of income: Recent pay stubs (usually the last 30 days), tax returns from the past two years, or a letter from your employer stating your salary. If you receive unemployment, Social Security, disability, or child support, bring the award letter or bank statements showing deposits. If you have no income, bring a statement from your PHA explaining what you will live on.

Proof of citizenship or immigration status: A birth certificate, passport, naturalization papers, or a green card. If you are not a U.S. citizen, you will need documentation of your immigration status. Some PHAs have different rules for mixed-status households (where some members are citizens and others are not), so ask your PHA what they require.

Social Security numbers: You will need the Social Security number for every person in your household, including children. Bring Social Security cards or a letter from the Social Security Administration if you do not have cards yet.

Photo ID: A driver's license, state ID, or passport for the person explore. If you do not have photo ID, ask your PHA what alternatives they accept.

Proof of residency: A utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement in your name showing your current address. This can be from the past 60 days.

What happens during the process interview

When you explore, a PHA staff member will interview you, either in person or by phone depending on your PHA's process. They will ask about your household size, income, assets, and housing history. Be honest about everything — the PHA will verify your answers through background checks and income verification, and lying on your process can disqualify you permanently.

The interview covers your current housing situation (whether you are renting, homeless, or living with family), your income and expenses, and any criminal history or evictions. The PHA uses this information to determine your priority on the waiting list. Some PHAs give priority to people experiencing homelessness, those with disabilities, or families fleeing domestic violence.

After the interview, the PHA will tell you whether you have been placed on the waiting list and what your position is. They will also give you a timeline for when they expect to reach your name, though this can change. Ask for this information in writing so you have it for your records.

The waiting list and what happens when your name is called

The waiting list can be months or years long. During this time, you do not need to do anything except keep your contact information current with your PHA. If you move, call your PHA and update your address and phone number. If you do not, they may skip your name and move to the next person.

When your name reaches the top of the list, your PHA will contact you to schedule a home visit and begin the background check process. The home visit is a walk-through of your current housing to verify that you actually live there and to assess your household's needs. This is not a cleanliness inspection — the PHA is checking that the address is real and that your household size matches what you reported.

The background check includes a criminal history search, an eviction history search, and verification of your income and assets. This process typically takes two to four months. If the PHA finds issues — such as an eviction or criminal conviction — they will contact you to discuss it. Some issues disqualify you; others do not, depending on your PHA's policies and how long ago the incident occurred.

After approval: receiving and using your voucher

Once you pass the background check and home visit, your PHA will issue you a housing voucher (also called a Section 8 voucher). This is a document that tells landlords the PHA will pay a portion of your rent. The voucher is valid for a limited time — usually 60 to 120 days — so you must find a rental unit and a landlord who accepts Section 8 within that window.

Finding a landlord willing to accept Section 8 can be difficult. Many landlords refuse because they believe the process is slow or because they have had bad experiences. You will need to contact landlords directly, tell them you have a voucher, and ask whether they accept Section 8. Your PHA can provide a list of landlords who have accepted vouchers in the past, though this list is not exhaustive.

Once you find a unit and a landlord agrees, your PHA will inspect the property to make sure it meets housing quality standards (safe plumbing, working heat, no lead paint hazards, and so on). If it passes, the PHA signs a lease with the landlord and you move in. You will pay a portion of the rent (usually 30 percent of your income) and the PHA pays the rest, up to a limit called the payment standard.

If your PHA's waiting list is closed

If your local PHA is not taking applications, you have a few options. First, ask whether they have a preference category that is still open — some PHAs accept applications only from people experiencing homelessness or those with disabilities even when the general list is closed.

Second, check whether a nearby county or city PHA has an open list. If you work or have family in another area, you may be able to explore there instead. Each PHA serves a specific geographic area, but some PHAs allow people to explore if they have a connection to that area.

Third, look into other housing programs that may help you while you wait. Your local housing authority or a 211 referral can tell you about emergency rental information, rapid rehousing programs, or other subsidized housing options in your area. These programs have different rules and timelines than Section 8.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get Section 8 after I explore?

The process itself takes about an hour, but the waiting list can be years long. Once your name is called, the background check and home visit take two to four months. After approval, you have 60 to 120 days to find a rental unit. In total, expect one to three years from process to moving into a Section 8 unit, though this varies widely by location.

What if I have a criminal record or an eviction?

Not all criminal records or evictions disqualify you. Your PHA will review the details — when it happened, what the charge or reason was, and your circumstances now. Violent crimes and drug-related convictions have stricter rules, but many other offenses do not automatically disqualify you. Ask your PHA what their specific policy is before you explore.

Can I explore if I am not a U.S. citizen?

It depends on your immigration status. U.S. citizens and certain immigrants (including green card holders and refugees) can explore. Undocumented immigrants cannot receive Section 8 vouchers, though some PHAs allow mixed-status households where some members are citizens. Contact your PHA to ask about their policy for your specific situation.

What if I cannot find a landlord who accepts Section 8?

Your PHA may extend your voucher search time if you are making a good-faith effort to find a unit. Keep records of landlords you contacted and their responses. Some PHAs also have landlord outreach programs or can connect you with organizations that help Section 8 holders find housing. If you still cannot find a unit before your voucher expires, contact your PHA about reissuing it.

Do I have to pay anything to explore?

No. There is no fee to explore for Section 8 or to be on the waiting list. If anyone asks you for money to help you explore or to move you up the list, that is a scam. Report it to your PHA or to the HUD Office of Inspector General.