Many people struggle to meet the rising costs of living, especially when the average rent for an apartment in the U.S. is around $1,659. For someone working 40 hours a week at $13.50 an hour, their monthly income before taxes is approximately $2,160. This leaves little room for other essential expenses.
According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), affordable housing costs should not exceed 30% of a household’s gross monthly income. For that individual making $2,160, this means they should ideally spend no more than $648 on housing—a target that is increasingly difficult to achieve. This is where government-backed housing assistance programs like Section 8 become crucial.
Understanding Section 8
Commonly referred to as the Housing Choice Voucher Program, Section 8 is funded by HUD but administered by local public housing authorities (PHAs). The program provides low-income families and individuals with housing vouchers, which landlords accept as partial rent payments on behalf of the recipients. However, these vouchers can only be used for homes that meet specific housing quality standards (HQS).
Does the Housing Choice Voucher Program Work?
Research indicates that the Housing Choice Voucher Program is effective in reducing homelessness and alleviating financial burdens on families. By easing housing costs, these vouchers allow households to allocate more of their income to other essential needs such as food, healthcare, and transportation. Participants are generally expected to pay no more than 30% of their income toward rent. If a home exceeds the payment standard, the family cannot be required to pay more than 40% of their adjusted monthly income.
Qualifying for Section 8
Eligibility for Section 8 hinges on four primary factors:
Family Situation
Income Limits
Citizenship Status
Eviction History
Meeting all eligibility criteria is crucial for your application to be accepted, though some exceptions may apply. Be aware that these criteria can vary by location.
Once your application is submitted, you may be placed on a waitlist due to high demand and limited resources. If accepted, you will eventually receive your voucher, so patience is key.
Family Situation
Your family dynamics play a significant role in determining eligibility. To qualify, your family must meet certain criteria, which can vary by PHA. Common guidelines include:
Having at least one member aged 62 or older
Having children or being childless
Having at least one disabled family member
Experiencing involuntary displacement
You don’t need to meet all these conditions to qualify—meeting just one may suffice.
Income Limits
To be eligible for Section 8, your household income should typically be no more than 50% of your area’s median income (AMI). Income sources to disclose include:
Overtime and bonuses
Social Security and disability payments
Unemployment benefits
Child support and alimony
Your local PHA may require recent bank statements, and documentation can differ by location.
Prioritization by PHAs
PHAs prioritize assistance based on need. At least 75% of voucher holders should earn 30% or less of their area’s median income. Additional priority is given to:
The homeless
Those living in unsafe housing
Families spending over half their income on rent
Households facing involuntary displacement
Citizenship Status
Applicants must be U.S. citizens or eligible immigrants, which requires signing a certification form verifying each member’s status. Additional documentation, such as passports or resident alien cards, may be requested. If your household includes both qualified and unqualified members, assistance will be based solely on those who are eligible.
Eviction History
PHAs assess an applicant’s reliability by examining eviction histories. Past evictions, particularly those related to drug offenses, can disqualify an applicant. Convictions for manufacturing methamphetamines in public housing also lead to disqualification.