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Section 8 Rent Calculator
Estimate your monthly rent portion based on your income, household size, and location. Understand exactly how much you'll pay and how much your voucher covers.
How Section 8 Rent Is Calculated
Calculate Adjusted Income
Start with gross income, then subtract allowed deductions for dependents and elderly/disabled status.
Apply the 30% Rule
Your rent portion is 30% of your adjusted monthly income. This is called your Total Tenant Payment (TTP).
Voucher Covers the Rest
The Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) covers the difference between your portion and the payment standard.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is my Section 8 rent portion calculated?
Your rent portion is typically 30% of your adjusted monthly income. Adjusted income is your gross income minus deductions for dependents ($480/year each) and elderly/disabled status ($400/year). Some PHAs may use different percentages (10-30%) based on specific circumstances.
What is the payment standard?
The payment standard is the maximum amount your voucher will pay toward rent. It's based on the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for your area and bedroom size — enter your ZIP code above and the calculator fills it in automatically from HUD's published data. Your local PHA sets payment standards between 90-110% of the FMR.
What if the rent is higher than my payment standard?
You can rent a unit that costs more than the payment standard, but you'll pay the difference yourself. However, your total rent cannot exceed 40% of your adjusted monthly income at initial lease-up.
What counts as income for Section 8?
Income includes wages, Social Security, SSI, pensions, child support, unemployment benefits, and most other regular income. Self-employment income counts as net income after business expenses.
How often is my rent recalculated?
Your PHA will recalculate your rent at your annual recertification (usually every 12 months). You must also report significant income changes (usually increases of $200+ per month) within 10-30 days.
What are the standard deductions?
$480 per year for each dependent (children under 18, full-time students, disabled family members). $400 per year if head of household, spouse, or sole member is elderly (62+) or disabled. Some PHAs also allow medical expense deductions for elderly/disabled families.