United States Benefit

Housing Choice Voucher Program

Also known as: Section 8, HCV

The Housing Choice Voucher Program helps very low-income families, the elderly, and the disabled afford decent, safe housing in the private market.

At a Glance

  • Family income must not exceed 50% of the area median income.75% of vouchers must go to families a...
  • At least one family member must be a U.S. citizen, national,or eligible immigrant.
  • Must meet HUD definition of "family."
  • Cannot have been evicted from federally assisted housingfor drug-related activity in the past 3 y...
  • + 1 more requirements below

Eligibility Requirements

Income Limit

Required

Family income must not exceed 50% of the area median income.75% of vouchers must go to families at or below 30% AMI.

household_income_ami 50 percent

Citizenship/Immigration

Required

At least one family member must be a U.S. citizen, national,or eligible immigrant.

citizenship_status in [us_citizen, us_national, eligible_immigrant]

Family Composition

Required

Must meet HUD definition of "family."

household_type in [family_with_children, elderly_head, disabled_head, single_person, remaining_family_member]

No Drug-Related Eviction

Required

Cannot have been evicted from federally assisted housingfor drug-related activity in the past 3 years.

evicted_for_drugs_3_years = false

Background Screening

Required

Must pass the local Public Housing Authority's screeningcriteria (criminal background, rental history, etc.).

passes_pha_screening = true

Ruleset effective: 2024-01-01

Quick Info

Agency
HUD
Category
Housing
Last Verified
2026-01-13

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Apply for Housing Choice Voucher Program