The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has released updated income limits for the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program, effective May 15, 2025. These limits determine whether individuals and families qualify for rental assistance based on local median income levels.
Annual updates reflect changes in area median incomes (AMI) and cost of living, and they may affect both new applicants and current participants.
What are Section 8 income limits?
Income limits are broken down into three tiers:
- Extremely low income: Up to 30% of AMI
- Very low income: Up to 50% of AMI
- Low income: Up to 80% of AMI (may apply for other housing assistance, not Section 8)
To be eligible for a Section 8 voucher, most applicants must fall under the very low-income threshold for their region.
How the limits changed in 2025
HUD’s 2025 update raised income thresholds in over 70% of U.S. counties due to rising wages and inflation. In some areas, the maximum eligible income for a family of four has increased by over $5,000 compared to 2024.
Examples:
- Los Angeles County, CA: Very low income limit for a family of four increased to $64,000.
- Cook County, IL: Up to $56,900 for a family of four.
- Harris County, TX: Limit raised to $51,200.
To check the specific income limits for your area, visit HUD’s income limit tool: HUDUser.gov
Why income limits matter
Income limits are critical for:
- New applicants: Must meet current limits at the time of application.
- Current tenants: Re-certifications and continued eligibility depend on annual income reviews.
- Landlords: May need to verify tenant eligibility when entering new housing assistance agreements.
Increased limits can expand eligibility for families who were previously just over the cutoff.
What tenants should do
- Check your household’s annual gross income against your local limit.
- Gather documentation such as pay stubs, benefit letters, and tax returns.
- Contact your public housing authority (PHA) for updated paperwork or to request a re-evaluation if your income status changed.
Bottom line
The 2025 Section 8 income limit adjustments could make thousands of new households eligible for housing assistance—or help existing tenants maintain benefits amid economic shifts. Tenants and landlords should review the new limits promptly to stay informed.
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