State & federal programs
HUD Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8)
Federal rental assistance that lets you choose any private-market apartment where the landlord accepts the voucher. Tenant pays ~30% of income.
The Housing Choice Voucher program (commonly called Section 8) is HUD's largest rental-assistance program. Local Public Housing Agencies (PHAs) issue vouchers to eligible low-income families, seniors, and people with disabilities. The tenant pays roughly 30% of adjusted household income toward rent and utilities; the voucher pays the rest directly to the landlord. Waitlists are long - often years - but many PHAs give preferences to households with medical hardship, homelessness risk, or disability. Apply at every PHA whose waitlist is open; you can apply to multiple.
Who qualifies
A quick look at who this program is designed to help.
Where
Income
Age
Conditions
Insurance
Stage of care
What you'll need
Have these ready before you start the application.
- Birth certificates and Social Security cards for all household members, photo ID, proof of income (pay stubs, SSI/SSDI awards, TANF), proof of assets, tax returns, and disability or medical documentation if claiming preferences.
How it works
- 1
Fill out the application
The program runs its own application. We'll send you straight there.
- 2
Submit your documents
Upload or send the documents listed above, following the program's instructions.
- 3
Receive your benefit
If approved, the benefit kicks in based on the program's timeline.
Ready to apply?
Start your application on the program's own website. We'll keep your matches ready when you come back.