Section 8 housing applications are opening in several cities this June as local housing authorities begin new intake periods for low-income renters seeking rental assistance. With rising demand and limited funding, eligible applicants are encouraged to apply early.
Where Section 8 applications are opening this month
Housing authorities in multiple regions have confirmed new application windows for June 2025. These include:
- Chicago, IL: Online pre-applications open June 5 for a limited number of vouchers.
- Austin, TX: Registration begins June 10 with a lottery-based selection.
- Buffalo, NY: Applications accepted June 4–11 for emergency Section 8 assistance.
Each city or county manages its own application timeline and eligibility rules. Applicants are advised to check directly with their local Public Housing Agency (PHA) using the HUD locator tool.
What is Section 8?
Section 8, formally known as the Housing Choice Voucher Program, is federally funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). It provides rental subsidies to low-income families, the older, and people with disabilities.
Key features include:
- Participants pay approximately 30% of their income toward rent.
- Eligible tenants use vouchers to rent from participating landlords in the private market.
- Eligibility is based on income, family size, and citizenship status.
Who qualifies for Section 8 assistance?
To qualify, applicants generally must:
- Earn less than 50% of the median income in their area.
- Be U.S. citizens or have eligible immigration status.
- Pass a background screening for rental history and criminal records.
Each PHA may also prioritize applicants who are homeless, older, or disabled.
How to apply for Section 8 in your area
Applying for Section 8 involves:
- Finding an open waitlist: Use HUD’s PHA locator to check local openings.
- Submitting an application: This usually includes income documentation, ID verification, and household details.
- Waiting for selection: Many programs use a lottery system due to high demand.
Important tip: Some waitlists are only open for a few days. Applicants should check regularly or sign up for local housing authority alerts.
Why demand is rising in 2025
Rents remain high nationwide, and the end of pandemic-era housing protections has created renewed pressure on low-income households. According to recent data from the National Low Income Housing Coalition:
- 1 in 4 renters spend more than 50% of income on housing.
- Over 10 million low-income households qualify for assistance, but fewer than 25% receive it due to funding limits.
This shortage has led to increased competition for voucher programs, especially in metro areas.
What happens after you apply?
Once accepted onto a waitlist, families may wait several months to years for a voucher, depending on funding and availability. If selected, the next steps include:
- Attending a briefing session
- Finding a rental unit that meets HUD and local requirements
- Signing a lease and Housing Assistance Payments contract
Key takeaways
- Multiple Section 8 waitlists are opening across the U.S. in June 2025.
- Applications are limited and often time-sensitive.
- Eligibility is based on income, household size, and residency status.
- HUD encourages early application and regular updates from local PHAs.
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