Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8)

What this program is, in plain English

A Housing Choice Voucher, still widely called Section 8, pays part of your rent directly to a landlord in ordinary private housing. You generally pay about 30 percent of your income and the voucher covers the rest, up to a limit set for your area. You choose the apartment, and many landlords are required to accept vouchers under state or local law. Waiting lists are long and many are closed most of the time, but some housing authorities give a preference to applicants who are elderly or disabled, which can move you up considerably. Apply to every housing authority whose area you would be willing to live in.

What you actually get

Monthly rental assistance paid to a private landlord, with your share capped at roughly 30 percent of adjusted income.

Who qualifies

• Income limit: Not yet verified — call to confirm
• Limits are a percentage of area median income by county.
• Income must generally be at or below 50% of area median income, and 75% of new vouchers must go to households at or below 30%.

What to have ready

• Photo identification for everyone in the household
• Social Security cards
• Proof of all income
• Bank statements
• Birth certificates

How to apply

This program is run by Local public housing authorities, funded by HUD. Most decisions take Waiting lists often run several years.