Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8)

The Housing Choice Voucher program (often called Section 8) is the largest federal rental assistance program, helping more than 2.3 million U.S. households afford private-market rent. The program issues vouchers through approximately 3,300 local Public Housing Agencies (PHAs). The voucher pays a portion of monthly rent directly to a participating private landlord; the tenant pays roughly 30–40% of monthly adjusted income.

Who qualifies

Eligibility is based on household income relative to local Area Median Income (AMI). The program standard is “very low income” (50% AMI or below). Federal regulations require PHAs to direct at least 75% of new vouchers to “extremely low income” households (30% AMI or below). U.S. citizenship or eligible immigration status is required, and a basic background check applies.

How to apply

Applications are made directly to a PHA — usually online — during the agency’s open application window. Many PHAs maintain multi-year waitlists. Applicants are encouraged to apply to multiple PHAs in their region. See our application walkthrough.

What it covers

The voucher pays the landlord the difference between the contract rent (up to a local payment standard) and the tenant’s share. Tenants are responsible for utility costs they pay directly to providers, with an estimated allowance built into the rent calculation.