The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has announced a new expansion of the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program for June 2025. As housing costs rise, HUD is expanding the program to help more low-income individuals and families access stable rental support.
New vouchers released in select cities and states
According to HUD, more than 60,000 new vouchers will be allocated across local housing agencies this month. High-priority areas include regions with long waitlists, rising eviction rates, and a shortage of affordable housing units.
Cities expected to receive expanded funding:
- New York, NY
- Chicago, IL
- Phoenix, AZ
- Buffalo, NY
- Rochester, NY
Local Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) in these areas will begin opening waitlists or accepting new pre-applications throughout June.
Who qualifies for Section 8 housing in 2025?
Eligibility is based on income, family size, and citizenship status. Generally, households earning below 50% of the area median income (AMI) may qualify. Priority is often given to:
- Older Americans or people with disabilities
- Families with children
- Veterans or those facing eviction or homelessness
Applicants must be U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens and pass a background screening.
How to apply for the expanded Section 8 program
To apply, you must contact your local PHA. Many agencies are now accepting online applications due to high demand.
Steps to apply:
- Visit your local housing authority’s website
- Check for open waitlists or pre-application periods
- Gather necessary documents: income statements, ID, and proof of residency
- Submit an online or in-person application
Some PHAs use lottery systems to manage long demand, so even eligible applicants may face a wait.
What to know before applying
- Check deadlines carefully — Some waitlists are open only for a few days
- Prepare ahead — Incomplete applications may be rejected
- Use official websites only — Avoid third-party scams or application fees
HUD warns against scams and urges applicants to use .gov websites or confirm phone numbers through its official directory.
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