The Basic Income Limits for Section 8

Section 8 programs set income limits based on your household size and the median income in your area. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) publishes these limits each year, and they vary significantly by location — a family of four might may have access to in one county but not in another nearby.

Most programs require your household income to be at or below 50 percent of the area median income (AMI), though some accept households up to 80 percent AMI depending on the local program and available funding. Your income is calculated as the gross amount before taxes, and it includes wages, Social Security, disability payments, child support, and other regular sources of money coming into your household.

To find the specific limit for your area, you need to contact your local public housing authority (PHA) directly or visit HUD's website, where you can search by state and county. The limits change yearly, so a number that was current last year may not be accurate now.

Key Takeaways

  • Income limits are set by your local housing authority and depend on your household size and your area's median income, not a single national number.
  • Most programs count gross income before taxes, including wages, benefits, and child support, and require you to be at or below 50 percent of area median income.
  • Your local public housing authority publishes the exact income limits for your county each year, and you should verify the current year's limits before contacting them.
  • Household size matters — adding a family member can change whether you meet the income requirement, and you must report all people living in your home.

What Counts as Income

Section 8 programs count almost all money coming into your household as income. This includes your job wages, self-employment earnings, Social Security (retirement, disability, or survivor benefits), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), unemployment benefits, workers' compensation, veterans' benefits, child support, alimony, and rental income from property you own.

Some income sources are excluded or partially excluded. For example, income earned by full-time students under age 24 may be excluded, and certain types of information (like food stamps or TANF in some cases) may not count. Lump-sum payments like tax refunds or inheritance are generally not counted as ongoing income, though they may affect your assets.

When you report income, be prepared to show proof: recent pay stubs, tax returns, benefit award letters, or bank statements. The housing authority will verify what you report, so accuracy matters. If your income changes during the year, you are required to report the change to your PHA.

Household Composition and Family Size

Your household includes everyone living in your home, whether or not they are related to you. This means adult children, roommates, live-in caregivers, and foster children all count toward your household size. The size of your household directly affects your income limit — a family of three has a lower income ceiling than a family of five in the same area.

When you report your household, you must list everyone's name, age, and relationship to you. The housing authority uses this information to calculate your income limit and to determine the size of unit you are allowed to rent. If someone moves in or out, you must notify your PHA within a set timeframe (usually 30 days), because changes in household size can affect your rent payment.

Citizenship and Immigration Status Requirements

Section 8 is limited to U.S. citizens and certain non-citizens. You must be a U.S. citizen, a national, or a non-citizen with may be able to access immigration status to participate. may be able to access non-citizens include lawful permanent residents (green card holders), refugees, asylees, and some other categories defined by federal law.

Undocumented immigrants are not able to receive Section 8 information. When you explore, you will need to provide proof of citizenship or may be able to access immigration status — typically a birth certificate, passport, green card, or refugee/asylee documentation. Your local housing authority can tell you which documents they accept.

Credit History and Criminal Background Considerations

Section 8 programs do not have a single national credit score requirement, but housing authorities can deny you based on your rental history or criminal background. Most PHAs look at whether you have been evicted, whether you owe money to a previous landlord, and whether you have a history of not paying rent on time.

For criminal background, the rules vary by housing authority. Federal law prohibits people convicted of certain drug-related offenses from receiving Section 8, and housing authorities may also deny you for other felony convictions or for being registered as a sex offender. Some PHAs have policies that allow them to consider the nature and age of the offense — a conviction from 20 years ago may be treated differently than a recent one.

The best approach is to contact your local housing authority and ask about their specific policies. Some will tell you over the phone whether a particular issue would disqualify you, while others require you to submit an process to find out.

Outstanding Debt and Eviction History

If you owe money to a previous landlord or have an outstanding judgment against you for unpaid rent, your local housing authority may deny your process. Similarly, if you have been evicted in the past, the housing authority will consider how long ago it happened and the reason. An eviction from five years ago for non-payment may weigh differently than an eviction from last year.

You do not need a perfect record to be considered. Many housing authorities will work with people who have had evictions or owe back rent, especially if you can show that your situation has changed or that you have a plan to resolve the debt. Some programs require you to pay off the old debt before you can receive a voucher, while others do not.

If you have an outstanding eviction case or judgment, you should resolve it before explore if possible. If you cannot, contact your local PHA and ask whether they will consider your process anyway — the answer depends on their specific policies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my income have to be below the poverty line to get Section 8?

No. Section 8 income limits are typically 50 percent of area median income, which is usually higher than the federal poverty line. A family of four might have a Section 8 income limit of $40,000 in one area while the poverty line is around $27,000. The exact limit depends on where you live and your household size.

What if my income goes over the limit after I get a Section 8 voucher?

If your income increases after you are already receiving Section 8, you do not lose your voucher when ready. Most programs allow your income to go over the limit for a certain period (often one year) before they recalculate your rent or end your information. You must report the income change to your housing authority.

Can I get Section 8 if I have a criminal record?

It depends on the type of conviction and your local housing authority's policies. Federal law bars people convicted of drug-related felonies, but other convictions are evaluated case by case. Contact your local PHA to ask about their specific policies — some will discuss your situation before you explore.

Do I need to own a home to get Section 8?

No. Section 8 is rental information, not homeownership information. You use the voucher to rent from a private landlord who agrees to participate in the program. You cannot use Section 8 to buy a home or to pay a mortgage.

What if I am self-employed — how do they count my income?

Self-employment income is counted as gross income before expenses. You will need to provide tax returns (usually the last two years) and possibly profit-and-loss statements to prove your earnings. The housing authority uses your tax return to verify the amount, so keep accurate records.