Income limits are the main requirement, and they depend on your area and family size

Section 8 housing information is available to households whose income falls below a certain threshold set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). That threshold changes based on where you live and how many people are in your household. A family of four in rural Kansas will have a different income limit than a family of four in San Francisco. Your local public housing agency (PHA) sets the exact numbers for your area each year.

Income limits are typically set at 50 percent of the area median income, though some programs use 80 percent. If your household income is below that line, you may be considered for the program. The PHA counts income from wages, self-employment, Social Security, unemployment benefits, child support, and other regular sources. They do not count income from temporary information programs or certain types of support.

Key Takeaways

  • Your household income must fall below the limit set by your local public housing agency, which varies by location and family size.
  • The PHA counts wages, Social Security, unemployment, and child support as income, but excludes some temporary information and support payments.
  • You must be a U.S. citizen or have may be able to access immigration status, which your PHA will verify through documentation.
  • Your local PHA maintains a waiting list, and how long you wait depends on your area and current demand for housing.
  • You can contact your PHA directly to learn the current income limits for your household size and to ask about the waiting list status.

Citizenship and immigration status requirements

Section 8 is available to U.S. citizens and to non-citizens with certain immigration statuses. You must be able to show proof of your status through documents like a birth certificate, passport, green card, or work authorization. If you are not a citizen, your PHA will check your status through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security database.

Some non-citizens are not may be able to access, including those without lawful immigration status and those on certain temporary visas. If you are unsure about your status, the PHA can tell you whether you meet this requirement before you go further in the process. Bring your immigration documents when you contact them.

How family size affects income limits and voucher amounts

A larger household has a higher income limit. A single person in your city might have a limit of $25,000 per year, while a family of four might have a limit of $40,000. The exact numbers come from HUD and are published by your PHA each year. You can find your area's limits on your PHA's website or by calling them directly.

Family size also determines the size of the voucher you receive if you are selected. A voucher for one person covers a smaller apartment than a voucher for a family of five. The PHA bases the voucher size on the number of bedrooms your household needs, not on how much rent you want to pay.

What counts as income and what does not

The PHA counts most regular money coming into your household. This includes wages from a job, self-employment income, Social Security, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), unemployment benefits, workers' compensation, child support, and alimony. If you receive it regularly and it is expected to continue, the PHA will count it.

The PHA does not count certain types of support. These include temporary information for needy families (TANF), food stamps, and some other means-tested benefits. They also do not count money from the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or certain education grants. The rules are specific, so ask your PHA which income sources they will and will not count for your household.

Assets and savings do not disqualify you

Section 8 does not have an asset limit. You can have savings, own a car, or hold investments and still be considered for the program. The PHA looks only at your income, not at what you own. This is different from some other information programs that do count savings against you.

Because assets do not matter, you do not need to spend down your savings before you contact your PHA. If you have money in the bank, that will not affect whether you can receive a voucher.

Waiting lists and how long they take

Most PHAs maintain a waiting list because demand for Section 8 vouchers is higher than the number of vouchers available. When you contact your PHA, they will tell you whether their list is open to new names. Some lists are closed for months or years, while others accept applications regularly. This varies widely by location.

If the list is open, your PHA will add your name and give you a position. How long you wait depends on how many people are ahead of you and how many vouchers the PHA receives each year. Some areas have waiting lists of a few months; others have waiting lists of several years. Your PHA can tell you the current wait time when you call. Some PHAs also have preferences that move certain households up the list, such as households experiencing homelessness or those being displaced by redevelopment.

How to find your local public housing agency and check income limits

Your local PHA is the only place that can tell you whether you meet the requirements for your area. You can find your PHA by visiting the HUD website and using their PHA locator tool, or by searching "[your city or county] public housing agency" online. Call them directly and ask for the current income limits for your household size.

When you call, have your household size and a rough estimate of your annual income ready. The PHA staff can tell you in a few minutes whether you are likely to be within the income limit. They can also tell you whether the waiting list is open and how long the current wait is. This conversation costs nothing and does not commit you to anything.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does having a criminal record disqualify me from Section 8?

Not automatically. The PHA looks at the type and age of the conviction. Certain serious crimes, including drug manufacturing and violent felonies, can disqualify you. Other convictions may not. Your PHA can tell you whether your specific record affects your standing. You do not need to hide it — they will find out during the background check anyway.

What if my income is slightly above the limit?

If your income is above the limit, you will not be considered at that time. However, income limits can change year to year, and your household income may drop. You can contact your PHA again in the future to check whether you now fall within the limit. Some PHAs also have special programs for households at higher income levels, so ask whether any alternatives exist.

Can I be on the waiting list in more than one city?

Yes. You can contact multiple PHAs and ask to be added to their waiting lists. Each PHA maintains its own list and operates independently. Being on one list does not affect your standing on another. If you are selected by one PHA, you can usually withdraw from the others.

Do I need to own a home or have bad credit to get Section 8?

No. Section 8 does not require you to own property or have any particular credit history. The program is designed for renters. Your credit score and rental history may matter when you are looking for a landlord who will accept your voucher, but they do not affect whether you can receive one from the PHA.

What happens if my income changes after I am selected?

You must report income changes to your PHA. If your income rises above the limit, you may lose your voucher. If your income drops, your rent contribution may decrease. The PHA will recertify your income periodically, usually once a year, and you will need to provide recent pay stubs or other proof of your current earnings.