Do I qualify for a housing voucher? Income limits and household size, explained
Housing vouchers help low-income households pay rent, but you have to meet income and household-size rules set by your local area. This guide breaks down how those limits work and what steps you can take right now.
Key takeaways
- Housing voucher eligibility is based on your household's income compared with your local Area Median Income, not a single national dollar amount.
- Household size matters — larger families can earn more and still qualify, so always count everyone who will live with you.
- Most areas have waitlists, and some are closed, so apply to every open list you can find as soon as possible.
- Applying for a housing voucher is always free — anyone who charges you a fee to get on a list is running a scam.
If you have ever heard of Section 8, you may already know a little about housing vouchers. The official name is the Housing Choice Voucher Program. It is run by the federal government through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, or HUD. But your local Public Housing Authority, called a PHA, is the office that actually runs the program where you live.
The basic idea is simple. If you qualify, a voucher helps pay part of your rent directly to your landlord. You pay the rest. The goal is to keep your housing costs at a manageable share of your income.
How income limits work
Eligibility is mostly based on your household's total gross income compared with what is called the Area Median Income, or AMI. That is the middle income for all households in your county or metro area.
HUD sets three general income tiers:
- Low income: up to 80% of AMI
- Very low income: up to 50% of AMI
- Extremely low income: up to 30% of AMI
Most vouchers go to households at 50% of AMI or below. By law, PHAs must give 75% of new vouchers to households at 30% of AMI or below. So the lower your income, the more likely you may be to get priority — though this varies by location.
The exact dollar amounts change every year and differ from city to city. A household in a high-cost city like San Francisco faces very different numbers than one in a rural area of Mississippi. Never go by numbers you see on old websites. Always check with your local PHA or HUD.gov for the current limits in your area.
How household size fits in
The income limit also changes based on how many people live in your home. A larger family can earn more and still qualify. HUD usually lists limits for household sizes from one person up to eight or more.
Count everyone who will live with you — including children, a spouse or partner, and any other relatives. Do not leave anyone out, because your household size affects both your income limit and the size of the unit you are approved for.
Other eligibility rules
Income is the biggest factor, but it is not the only one. PHAs also look at:
- Citizenship or eligible immigration status for at least one household member
- A background check (rules vary by PHA)
- Whether you owe money to a PHA from a past voucher
- Any history of certain drug-related or violent criminal activity (rules differ widely)
Even if something in your past feels like a barrier, it is worth applying or at least calling your local PHA to ask. Some rules have changed in recent years, and PHAs have some flexibility.
The waitlist reality
This is important to understand. Even if you may qualify, most areas have a waitlist. Some lists are closed and not accepting new applications at all. Others open for only a short window and then close again. There is no single national list — each PHA runs its own.
The best move is to get on every open list you are eligible for, including nearby cities or counties. More applications mean more chances.
What to do right now
Start by finding your local PHA. You can search the HUD website at HUD.gov or call 1-800-955-2232. Ask these key questions:
- Is your waitlist open?
- What are the current income limits for my household size?
- What documents do I need to apply?
Gather documents ahead of time. You will likely need proof of income, photo ID, Social Security numbers for household members, and proof of where you currently live.
Applying takes effort, but it is free. No one should ever charge you money to get on a housing voucher waitlist. If someone asks for payment, that is a scam.
Housing help is there for a reason. You deserve stable, affordable housing, and taking this first step is worth it.
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Related FAQs
Common questions about this topic, answered simply.
How do I find the income limit for my household size and city?
Income limits are set by HUD each year and vary by location and household size, so there is no single number that applies everywhere. The most reliable way to get your area's current limits is to contact your local PHA directly or look them up on HUD.gov. Limits from older websites or brochures may be out of date, so always verify with a current official source.
Does everyone in my household have to be a U.S. citizen to apply?
No — at least one household member must be a U.S. citizen or have eligible immigration status, but not everyone in the home must qualify. Households with mixed status may still be able to apply, though assistance is typically calculated only for the eligible members. Talk to your local PHA about your specific situation, since rules can vary.
What happens if the waitlist is closed in my area?
A closed waitlist means the PHA is not accepting new applications right now — it does not mean you can never apply. Lists open and close based on funding and demand, sometimes with little advance notice. Sign up for alerts from your local PHA if they offer them, and also check waitlists in nearby cities or counties. Staying proactive gives you the best chance of getting on a list when one opens.
Will a past eviction or criminal record automatically disqualify me?
Not always — it depends on the type of issue and the rules of your local PHA. PHAs are required to deny applicants for certain serious offenses like manufacturing methamphetamine in federally assisted housing, but many other situations are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Rules around background checks and eviction history have also become more flexible at some PHAs in recent years. It is worth calling your local PHA to ask before assuming you cannot apply.
Can I use a housing voucher in any city or state?
Yes, in many cases — this is called 'portability.' Once you receive a voucher, you may be able to move it to a different city or state as long as you follow the rules and the receiving PHA accepts the transfer. There are some timing and procedural requirements, so ask your PHA about portability rules before you make any moving plans. Not all areas have available landlords who accept vouchers, so research your destination area as well.
Keep reading
From renting to owning: Family Self-Sufficiency and Section 8 homeownership
Some Section 8 voucher holders may be able to join a savings program called Family Self-Sufficiency and, in some areas, even use their voucher to buy a home instead of rent. This guide explains how both options work and what steps you can take to explore them.
Read Help and assistance programsOther ways to lower your housing costs: LIHTC, HUD senior and disability housing, USDA rural rentals
Beyond housing vouchers, there are other programs that may help you find affordable rental housing — including income-restricted apartments, HUD programs for seniors and people with disabilities, and USDA help for rural renters. This guide explains each one and shows you how to start looking.
Read Help and assistance programsCan you move with a Section 8 voucher? Porting to another city or state
If you have a Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8), you may be able to take it with you when you move to a new city or state. This guide explains how voucher portability works, what steps to take, and what to watch out for.
Read Help and assistance programsAnnual recertification for housing assistance: what to report and when
If you receive housing assistance in the United States, your program is reviewed every year to make sure your information is still accurate. Knowing what to report and when can help you keep your benefits and avoid losing your housing.
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