Section 8 income limits rise for May 2025: Find out if you now qualify

Section 8 apartment building in suburban setting.

Millions of Americans could now qualify for rental help after the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) raised Section 8 income limits for 2025. The national average increase is 6.2%, meaning more families may now meet the income requirements for federal housing assistance.

How HUD calculates 2025 income limits

HUD’s 2025 update marks a major shift in how income limits are set. Instead of using traditional inflation metrics like the Consumer Price Index (CPI), HUD now bases its limits on per capita wage and salary data. This change led to higher adjustments than initially forecasted. In some areas, income limits rose more than 8%.

Each county or metropolitan area has its own specific threshold, but nationally, eligibility levels are broader than in previous years.

How to check if you qualify

If you were previously above the income cutoff, it’s worth rechecking your eligibility. HUD offers an official Income Limit Calculator updated with the 2025 numbers. You’ll need to know:

Your county or metro area
Your household size
Your total household income

Eligibility typically hinges on earning less than 50% of the area median income (AMI), although some programs allow up to 80% AMI for certain applicants.

Documents you’ll need to apply

To apply for Section 8 housing assistance, you must submit a complete application through your local public housing authority. Standard documentation includes:

Government-issued photo ID
Social Security cards for all household members
Proof of income (such as pay stubs, benefit award letters, or tax returns)
Current lease agreement, if applicable
Birth certificates for children under 18

Each housing authority may require additional forms, so it’s important to verify requirements in advance.

Why this matters

With rents continuing to rise across the country, expanding Section 8 eligibility could provide relief for thousands of families struggling to afford safe housing. Experts say these new limits could make a meaningful difference, especially in regions where income levels were previously just above old thresholds.

To learn more, visit hud.gov.

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