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Am I Eligible for Section 8?
Section 8 (Housing Choice Voucher) eligibility depends on four things: income, household size, citizenship/immigration status, and a background screening. Check your income eligibility instantly, then review the other requirements to see where you stand.
The 4 Section 8 Eligibility Factors
Household Income
Gross annual household income must generally fall at or below the "Very Low Income" limit (50% of Area Median Income) for your county and family size. PHAs must direct at least 75% of new vouchers each year to Extremely Low Income households (30% AMI).
Family Composition
Household size determines both your income limit and the voucher bedroom size you can qualify for. You must report every household member, and the PHA verifies family composition.
Citizenship / Immigration Status
At least one household member must be a U.S. citizen or have eligible immigration status. Mixed families can still receive prorated assistance.
Background Screening
Federal law sets two permanent bans (lifetime sex-offender registration; methamphetamine manufacture on federally assisted premises) and requires denial for current illegal drug use and, for three years, after a drug-related eviction from federally assisted housing. Other screening policy is set by each PHA.
What Disqualifies You From Section 8?
A common misconception is that any criminal record automatically disqualifies an applicant. Under 24 CFR § 982.553, the two permanent, mandatory, nationwide bans are a household member subject to a lifetime sex-offender registration requirement, and a household member convicted of manufacturing or producing methamphetamine on the premises of federally assisted housing.
The same regulation also requires PHAs to deny admission for current illegal drug use and, for three years, after an eviction from federally assisted housing for drug-related criminal activity (with exceptions for completed rehabilitation). These are not permanent bars.
Everything else is evaluated at the local PHA's discretion, and policies differ between housing authorities. If a PHA denies your application, you generally have the right to request an informal review or hearing. This page is general information, not legal advice — verify specifics with your local PHA.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I qualify for Section 8?
Eligibility for the Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) program is based on four factors: (1) your household income compared to the HUD income limit for your county and family size, (2) family composition and household size, (3) citizenship or eligible immigration status for at least one household member, and (4) a criminal background and rental history screening. Your local Public Housing Authority (PHA) makes the final determination — use the calculator above to check your income eligibility instantly.
What is the income limit for Section 8?
Most PHAs require gross annual household income to be at or below the "Very Low Income" limit (50% of Area Median Income) for your county and household size. By federal law, PHAs must also give at least 75% of new vouchers each year to "Extremely Low Income" households (30% of Area Median Income or below), so applicants at or under that lower threshold are typically prioritized. Income limits vary by location and are updated annually by HUD — check your exact limit with our Income Limits Checker.
Can felons get Section 8 housing?
In most cases, yes. Federal law (24 CFR § 982.553) sets two permanent bans: (1) a household member subject to a lifetime sex offender registration requirement, and (2) a household member convicted of manufacturing or producing methamphetamine on the premises of federally assisted housing. It also requires PHAs to deny admission for current illegal drug use and, for three years, after an eviction from federally assisted housing for drug-related criminal activity (with rehabilitation exceptions). Beyond those federally required grounds, PHAs have discretion to set their own criminal history screening policies (for example, look-back periods for drug-related or violent criminal activity), so requirements vary by housing authority. Look-back periods are set locally and can change, so confirm them with your PHA.
Do I need to be a U.S. citizen for Section 8?
At least one member of the household must be a U.S. citizen or have "eligible immigration status" (such as a lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee) to receive assistance. "Mixed" families with both eligible and ineligible members can still qualify, but assistance is prorated based on the number of eligible members.
What disqualifies you from Section 8 housing?
Common disqualifiers include household income above your area's limit, no household member with eligible citizenship/immigration status, a lifetime sex-offender registration requirement, a conviction for manufacturing methamphetamine in federally assisted housing, current illegal drug use, a recent drug-related eviction from federally assisted housing, and — at the PHA's discretion — a history of fraud against a housing program, unpaid debt owed to a PHA, or other criminal activity within the look-back period set by the local agency. Because PHA policies differ, always confirm specifics with your local housing authority.
How long is the Section 8 waiting list?
Wait times vary enormously by PHA — from a few months to several years — depending on local demand and available funding. Some waiting lists are closed to new applicants entirely. Check current wait times and whether the list is open with your local PHA.
How do I apply once I think I qualify?
Contact the Public Housing Authority (PHA) that serves the county where you want to live and ask about their Housing Choice Voucher waiting list. Many PHAs accept applications online through their own website only during specific open-enrollment windows. HUD maintains a directory of local PHA contact information at hud.gov.