The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has announced a major expansion of the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program starting in June 2025.
This marks one of the most significant increases in rental assistance in over a decade, offering new opportunities for thousands of families, older people, and individuals with disabilities to access safe and affordable housing.
What is happening in June?
HUD is distributing more than 60,000 new Section 8 vouchers to local Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) nationwide. The goal is to address rising rent burdens, prevent homelessness, and respond to growing demand for affordable housing in urban and rural areas alike.
This expansion includes targeted funding for:
- High-cost metro areas such as New York City, Chicago, and Phoenix
- Underserved regions including parts of upstate New York like Rochester and Buffalo
- Families exiting emergency shelters or facing eviction
- Veterans and individuals with disabilities
Who qualifies for Section 8 in 2025?
To be eligible for a Section 8 voucher, applicants must meet HUD’s income and priority requirements. Eligibility varies slightly by location but is generally based on area median income (AMI).
Key eligibility guidelines:
- Household income must be below 50% of AMI for the region
- U.S. citizenship or eligible immigration status is required
- Priority often given to:
- Families with children
- Older people (age 62+)
- People with disabilities
- Veterans
- Individuals at risk of homelessness
PHAs may also impose local preferences, so it’s essential to review specific criteria on their websites.
How to apply for a Section 8 voucher
Application processes differ by PHA, but all involve the following core steps:
- Locate your local PHA
Use HUD’s official website (hud.gov) to find the Public Housing Authority that serves your area. - Check for open waitlists
Not all PHAs accept applications year-round. Some may have limited enrollment periods or use lottery systems. - Gather necessary documentation
You’ll need proof of income, identity, family composition, and possibly recent housing history. - Submit your application
This may be done online, in person, or by mail, depending on the PHA. - Wait for eligibility verification
Approved applicants are added to the waitlist or issued vouchers if immediately available.
Tips for improving your chances
- Apply to multiple PHAs if allowed; some have shorter waitlists than others.
- Keep documentation updated, especially income changes or household size.
- Avoid scams by only applying through official government sites ending in .gov or local housing authority portals.
- Sign up for alerts from PHAs about upcoming openings.
Why this expansion matters
This June 2025 expansion comes amid a nationwide housing affordability crisis. Rents remain high, while housing construction struggles to meet demand. By boosting the number of vouchers, HUD aims to help renters stabilize their housing situations and provide landlords with guaranteed rental payments.
Benefits for renters:
- Greater access to safe, stable housing
- Protection from displacement or homelessness
- Reduced financial stress
Benefits for landlords:
- Timely rent payments from PHAs
- Support for property maintenance through reliable occupancy
- Optional new incentives in some cities to accept voucher holders
What happens next?
Vouchers are being distributed to PHAs throughout June and into early July 2025. Applicants should act quickly to check local availability and ensure their information is up to date.
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