What is Section 8 Housing?
Section 8, also known as the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program, is a federally funded program that helps low-income individuals and families pay rent for housing in the private market:
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Eligibility
To qualify, a family’s gross annual income and family size must be at or below 50% of the median income for their county or metropolitan area. Other eligibility requirements include being a US citizen or having eligible immigration status.
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How it works
Participants pay a portion of their rent based on their income, and the Housing and Neighborhood Services Department pays the remaining rent directly to the landlord.
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Unit requirements
The unit must meet certain standards, including being decent, safe, and sanitary. It must also be comparable to other units in the area, and the size must be appropriate for the family’s needs.
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Administration
The program is administered locally by public housing agencies (PHAs).
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Waiting listThere is often a waiting list for the program, which can take 10–15 years.