Housing

COMING SOON

Section 8, officially known as the Housing Choice Voucher Program, is a federal program that helps low-income individuals, seniors, and people with disabilities pay for safe housing in the private rental market.

How Section 8 Works

• The Voucher: The government gives an eligible person a rental voucher instead of placing them in public housing.

• Finding a Home: The renter finds a private landlord who accepts Section 8 vouchers and has a home that meets program rules.

• Rent Payments: The tenant pays about 30% to 40% of their monthly income toward rent. The local Public Housing Agency (PHA) pays the remaining balance directly to the landlord.

• Safety Inspections: The local housing agency inspects the home before the tenant moves in to make sure it is safe and clean.

• Agreements: The landlord signs a lease with the tenant and a separate contract with the local housing agency.

To qualify for Section 8 (Housing Choice Voucher) initial eligibility, your total household annual gross income generally must not exceed 50% of the Area Median Income (AMI), and by federal law, 75% of new vouchers must go to those making under 30% of the AMI. In rare cases, applicants making up to 80% of the AMI may qualify under specific project-based rules, but 50% is the standard general cap.