HUD · Housing & Utilities · Federal

Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher

Rental assistance vouchers to help low-income families afford housing in the private market.

The Housing Choice Voucher program (Section 8) helps very low-income families, elderly, and disabled afford decent housing. Voucher pays landlord directly; tenant pays 30% of income.

~$1,100/month rent subsidy

Who qualifies

Income at or below 50% of area median income. Waitlists are often long (months to years).

Documents you'll need

How to apply

Official source: https://www.hud.gov/topics/housing_choice_voucher_program_section_8 · Estimated time: 60 min · Recertify every 12 months.

Last reviewed: 2026-10-19. UnifiedAid is an independent service and is not a government agency. Applications and approval decisions are made only by the official agency.

Frequently asked questions

Who qualifies for Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher?
Income at or below 50% of area median income. Waitlists are often long (months to years).
How much does Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher pay?
Typical benefit: ~$1,100/month rent subsidy.
What documents do I need to apply?
SSN for all household members, Birth certificates, Photo ID, Income verification (3 months), Bank statements, Prior landlord references.
How long does the application take?
Most people complete the application in about 60 minutes. Processing time varies by state but is typically 30 days or less.

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