Can You Get Section 8 While on SSDI? Here’s What to Know in 2025

If you receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you may also qualify for Section 8 housing assistance — a program that helps low-income individuals and families afford safe, stable housing. In 2025, housing costs remain high across the U.S., and many SSDI recipients struggle to find affordable rent on a fixed income.

Fortunately, SSDI does not disqualify you from Section 8. In fact, being on SSDI can sometimes give you priority placement depending on your local housing authority’s rules.

Urban Section 8 housing building with renters standing outside on a cloudy day — highlighting affordable housing need.

What Is Section 8?

The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program, run by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), helps low-income renters cover a portion of their rent. Local housing authorities distribute vouchers based on income, household size, and other eligibility factors.

If you qualify, Section 8 typically covers 60% to 70% of your rent, and you pay the remaining portion based on your income.

Can SSDI Recipients Apply for Section 8?

Yes. SSDI recipients can apply for Section 8, and your monthly disability check counts as income when determining your eligibility and rent contribution.

Here’s how it works:

The housing authority calculates your adjusted gross income, including SSDI, and uses it to determine how much rent you’ll pay.
Your SSDI won’t disqualify you, but higher monthly checks (like those over $2,000/month) could reduce your subsidy.
If you also receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or have no other income sources, you may qualify for maximum housing support.

📅 See when your next SSDI payment arrives

Do People on SSDI Get Priority for Section 8?

In many cases, yes. Local housing authorities often give preference to:

Individuals with disabilities
Seniors
Veterans
Homeless individuals or those at risk of homelessness

Being on SSDI may qualify you under the “disabled household” preference, especially if your disability prevents you from working.

What Documents Do You Need to Apply?

To apply for Section 8 while on SSDI, you typically need to provide:

Proof of SSDI income (award letter or bank statements)
ID and Social Security card
Proof of disability (SSA paperwork or doctor documentation)
Housing history and references

Application processes vary by location, and waiting lists are often long. Some areas open their waitlists only once per year, so it’s important to check with your local housing authority.

Use the HUD Resource Locator to find your nearest office.

2025 Payment Overview for SSDI & Section 8

SSDI checks in 2025 include a 2.5% COLA increase, raising the maximum benefit to $4,018/month.
Most SSDI recipients receive $1,580/month on average, with some earning more depending on work history.
Section 8 adjusts your rent based on that income and may recalculate your rent each year after reviewing updated income statements.

Final Takeaway

Receiving SSDI does not disqualify you from Section 8 housing assistance — and it may even help you move up the list in some locations. With rising rent prices and limited affordable housing in many areas, combining SSDI with Section 8 can offer long-term financial relief.

If you’re living on disability benefits and struggling with rent, contact your local housing authority to ask about Section 8 waitlists, priority rules, and upcoming application windows.

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