How to apply for Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8)

Who it's for

The Housing Choice Voucher program (commonly called Section 8) helps very-low-income households rent housing in the private market. The household generally pays about 30% of its adjusted income toward rent and the voucher covers the rest, up to a local payment standard, so housing cost scales to income instead of market rent. Unlike Section 202, a voucher is not tied to one building — it can be used at any rental whose owner accepts it and that meets program rent and quality standards, and in California source-of-income discrimination law requires most landlords to consider voucher holders. Vouchers are administered by local Public Housing Agencies, each with its own waiting list; many California PHAs maintain senior or senior/disabled preference categories. The benefit is large in high-rent California markets, but voucher waiting lists are among the longest of any benefit — frequently 5 to 10+ years, and many are closed except during brief lottery openings.

What you'll need

• Proof of all household income for the prior 12 months (Social Security award letter, pension statements, prior-year tax return)
• Photo ID and Social Security card for each household member
• Proof of residency in the area where you're applying
• Documentation of assets (bank and investment statements)
• Each local Public Housing Agency runs its own application and waiting list — applications go to the PHA serving the area where you want to live (or your current area), not to HUD centrally

Where to apply

What to say when you call

“Hello, I'm calling to ask about Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8). I'd like to know whether I may qualify, what documents I need, and whether I can apply online, by mail, by phone, or in person. I understand I may need proof of all household income for the prior 12 months (social security award letter, pension statements, prior-year tax return), photo id and social security card for each household member, proof of residency in the area where you're applying — is anything else required? What is the best next step?”

Tip: have a pen ready, ask for the person's name, and write down any case or reference number they give you.

Step by step

1. Find the local Public Housing Agency (PHA) that serves the area where you want to live. Each PHA runs its own waiting list — applications go to that local PHA, not to HUD directly.
2. Check whether the PHA's waiting list is open. Many lists open only briefly through a lottery. Call the PHA or the national HUD line at 1-800-955-2232 to ask about current openings and any senior or senior/disabled preference categories.
3. Gather your required documents before applying: proof of all household income for the prior 12 months (such as a Social Security award letter, pension statements, or prior-year tax return); a photo ID and Social Security card for each household member; proof of residency in the area where you are applying; and bank and investment statements showing your assets.
4. Submit your application to the local PHA online or by calling 1-800-955-2232. Follow that PHA's specific instructions, as each agency has its own process.
5. Keep your contact information current with the PHA after you apply. Waiting lists can be very long, and the PHA must be able to reach you when your name is called.
6. Once a voucher is issued, complete your annual income recertification on time each year to keep your benefit active.

What to expect: After submitting your application, you will be placed on the PHA's waiting list if it is open. Voucher waiting lists are among the longest of any housing benefit — often 5 to 10 or more years — so placement does not mean immediate assistance. Processing times vary; ask the PHA for an estimate of current wait times. When your name is reached, the PHA will contact you to verify your eligibility and documents. Once a voucher is issued, you can use it at any rental whose owner accepts it and that meets the program's rent and quality standards. To keep the voucher, you must complete an annual income recertification with the PHA each year.

Renewals

annual income recertification once a voucher is issued