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: 

  • 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. 

  • 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. 

  • 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. 

  • Administration

    The program is administered locally by public housing agencies (PHAs). 

  • Waiting list
    There is often a waiting list for the program, which can take 10–15 years.