Section 8 and Public Housing: How to Contact Your Local Housing Agency
How the Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) and public housing programs work, who may qualify, and how to find and apply through your local Public Housing Agency.
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If market-rate rent is out of reach, two major federal programs may help: the Housing Choice Voucher program, widely known as Section 8, and public housing. Both are funded by HUD but run by local Public Housing Agencies (PHAs). HUD says there are around 2,000 local agencies that administer vouchers, and your first step is finding the right one.
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What these programs are
The Housing Choice Voucher program helps low-income families, older adults, veterans and people with disabilities rent homes in the private market. Participants can choose an eligible apartment, townhouse or single-family home, and part of the rent is paid by the agency directly to the landlord.
Public housing consists of rental homes managed by local agencies, with rent set at an affordable level for eligible low-income households.
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HUD explains that eligibility depends on your household's annual income and size, and that families generally must be very low-income or extremely low-income. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens, and some criminal history may affect eligibility.
How to apply step by step
- Use HUD's Public Housing Agency directory to find agencies in your state and city, or call HUD's PIH Information Resource Center at (800) 955-2232.
- Check HUD's income limits for your area to see whether your household may qualify.
- Contact the agency to ask whether its voucher or public housing waitlist is open.
- Gather documents; agencies commonly ask for pay stubs, bank information, proof of citizenship and Social Security cards.
- Submit your application and keep a copy. If found eligible, you will usually be placed on a waiting list.
- Keep your contact details current with the agency, or you could be removed from the list.
- When selected, attend the voucher briefing, then search for a home within the time allowed, which HUD says is typically 60 to 120 days.
Costs to expect
HUD says your share of rent, called the Family Rent Portion, is usually 30% of your adjusted monthly income, though it can be as high as 40%. The agency pays the rest, up to a local payment standard, directly to the landlord. If you choose a unit that costs more than the payment standard, you pay the difference. The unit must pass an inspection, and the agency checks that the rent is reasonable for the area. You may still owe a security deposit and any utilities not included in rent.
Preparing to contact your agency
Before you call or visit your local public housing agency, gather the information they are likely to ask for: the names and birth dates of everyone in your household, your income from all sources, your current address and any identification you have. Having it ready makes the first conversation quicker and helps you understand whether you may qualify.
Write down your questions in advance. Useful ones include whether the waiting list is open, how long the wait usually is, whether any preferences apply and how you will be contacted.
Understanding waiting lists
Many agencies have more applicants than vouchers, so waiting lists are common and some open only for short periods. Some agencies use a lottery when lists open, while others go in date order or give preference to certain groups. Ask your agency how its list works and how you will be notified.
Because lists can be long, it is often worth applying to more than one agency if you are willing to live in different areas. Keep a record of every application, including the date and any confirmation number.
Keeping your application active
Once you are on a waiting list, keep your contact details up to date with each agency. Agencies may send letters asking you to confirm you are still interested, and missing one can remove you from the list. Report changes in household size or income if the agency asks you to, and keep copies of everything you send.
After you receive a voucher
When your name comes up and you receive a voucher, you usually have a set period to find a home with a landlord who accepts it. The home must pass an inspection and the rent must be reasonable for the area. Stay in close contact with your caseworker, ask questions early and request an extension before your search period ends if you need more time.
Tips and scam warnings
- Because waitlists are long, HUD notes you may need to apply to multiple agencies. You do not have to live in an agency's area to apply, though it may require you to live there for the first 12 months.
- Apply only through the official agency. Be wary of websites or people who charge a fee to "get you a voucher" or promise faster placement.
- Never pay to join a waitlist by wire transfer, gift card or cryptocurrency.
- When searching with a voucher, ask landlords early whether they accept vouchers, and check the HUD Resource Locator for tax credit properties, which HUD says must accept them.
- Ask your agency for its list of participating landlords and for help if you have questions at any stage.
Applying early, keeping your information up to date and following up regularly are the most practical steps you can take while you wait.
