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) serving the area where you want to live — applications go to that PHA, not to HUD directly. Call 1-800-955-2232 if you need help locating your local PHA.
2. Check whether that PHA's waiting list is currently open. Many lists only open briefly for a lottery, so ask the PHA about upcoming openings if the list is closed.
3. Gather your required documents: 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. Apply online or by phone at 1-800-955-2232 when the waiting list is open. Follow the PHA's specific instructions, as each agency runs its own application process.
5. Submit all required documents along with your application. Ask the PHA what format they prefer — paper, upload, or mail.
6. Ask the PHA whether a senior or senior/disabled preference category applies to your household, as many California PHAs offer these preferences and they may affect your place on the waiting list.

What to expect: After submitting, you will be placed on the PHA's waiting list. Processing times vary widely — voucher waiting lists are among the longest of any housing benefit, often running five to ten or more years. Ask the PHA for an estimate and how to check your status. Once a voucher is issued, you will need to find a rental whose owner accepts the voucher and that meets the program's rent and quality standards. After that, you must complete an annual income recertification each year to keep your voucher active — the PHA will contact you with instructions when recertification is due.

Renewals

annual income recertification once a voucher is issued