Section 8 housing is a federal program designed to help low-income individuals and families afford safe, decent housing. Officially called the Housing Choice Voucher Program, it is administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and run locally by public housing authorities (PHAs).
In 2025, Section 8 remains one of the largest rental assistance programs in the country. For a full breakdown of the latest updates, check out our Section 8 housing guide.
How Does Section 8 Work?
Under the Section 8 program, eligible participants receive a housing voucher. This voucher covers a portion of the rent, while the tenant pays the rest based on their income. Tenants can use vouchers at any rental unit that meets the program’s safety and rent standards, provided the landlord accepts Section 8.
Here’s how it typically works:
- Application: You apply through your local housing authority.
- Waitlist: Many areas have long waiting lists due to demand.
- Eligibility Review: Income, family size, citizenship, and other factors determine eligibility.
- Voucher Issuance: If approved, you receive a voucher and begin searching for housing.
- Housing Inspection: The unit must pass a HUD inspection before you move in.
- Lease Signing & Payments: You sign a lease, and the housing authority pays your landlord directly.
Who Qualifies for Section 8?
Eligibility is based primarily on income. In general, your household income must be at or below 50% of the median income for your area. You can view the latest 2025 income limits to see if you qualify
Other qualifications include:
- U.S. citizenship or eligible immigration status
- No recent evictions for serious lease violations
- Criminal background check (drug-related or violent offenses may disqualify you)
Each housing authority may have slightly different requirements, so always check locally.
What Can You Rent With a Section 8 Voucher?
You can use a voucher to rent a:
- Single-family home
- Apartment or duplex
- Townhouse
- Mobile home (in some areas)
The rental must meet HUD’s Housing Quality Standards (HQS) and fall within the Fair Market Rent (FMR) guidelines for your region.
How Much Rent Do You Pay?
Tenants typically pay 30% of their monthly adjusted gross income toward rent and utilities. The housing authority pays the rest directly to the landlord. If your income changes, the housing authority may adjust how much they cover.
Can You Move With a Voucher?
Yes. Section 8 vouchers are portable. Once you’ve lived in your unit for a certain period (usually one year), you may be able to move to a different city or state and continue using your voucher, provided the new area has a participating housing authority and available funding.
How to Apply for Section 8
- Locate your local housing authority: You can find a full list using HUD’s official housing authority directory.
- Check for open waitlists: Not all PHAs accept applications year-round.
- Submit an application: Be ready to provide income details, household info, ID, and supporting documents.
- Keep your info updated: Stay in touch with the housing authority while you’re on the waiting list.
Is Section 8 the Same as Public Housing?
No. Public housing refers to government-owned properties that eligible tenants rent at reduced rates. Section 8 is a voucher program that allows renters to choose housing from the private market. Both are HUD programs, but they function differently.
This content is brought to you by the FingerLakes1.com Team. Support our mission by visiting www.patreon.com/fl1 or learn how you send us your local content here.