Get to Know Housing Choice Vouchers in 2025

The Housing Choice Voucher Program is a U.S. government program aimed at helping people with limited income find good, reasonably priced homes.

This program, often called Section 8, is not like public housing that requires you to live in specific buildings. Instead, it gives you the freedom to find a house, apartment, or townhouse that you like, as long as it meets the program's rules.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) provides the money for this program, but local Public Housing Agencies (PHAs) run it. Here's a straightforward look at how it all works:
 

How Does It Work?

 

• Find a Home: You can pick any place that's safe and meets the program guidelines.
• Get Approval: Your local PHA must check the place to make sure it's in good condition before you can move in.
• Government Helps with Rent: Each month, the PHA pays a part of your rent directly to your landlord, making your rent more affordable.
• You Pay Your Part: You're responsible for paying the rest of the rent, usually around 30% of your monthly income.

In some cases, you might even be able to use your voucher to help buy a home.
 

Who Can Get a Voucher?

Your local PHA looks at a few things to see if you qualify, such as:
 

• Income: Your family's income can't be more than 50% of the median income in your area, but this number can change depending on where you live.
• Family Size: Bigger families might get more help because they need more space.
• Citizenship: You need to be a U.S. citizen or have eligible non-citizen status.
• Need: Most vouchers go to families with incomes below 30% of their area's median.

Since there's often a long list of people waiting for vouchers, it's important to apply early and keep in touch with your PHA.
 

How to Apply?

 

• Find Your PHA: Look up your local PHA online.
• Apply: Give proof of your income, family size, and other important info and submit your application. Be ready to wait—it can take a while to get a voucher.
• Find a House: Once approved, you'll get help finding a suitable home.

 

How Much Rent Will You Pay?

You'll usually pay about 30% of your income towards rent. The voucher covers the rest up to a certain limit, which depends on your area's rent prices. If you pick a place that's pricier than what the voucher covers, you might have to pay a bit more.
 

Why Apply?

The Housing Choice Voucher program is a great way to make rent more affordable if you're finding it hard to keep up with housing costs. Get in touch with your local PHA to apply and see if you qualify for this helpful program.

For more details, visit HUD’s official site or contact your local HUD office.

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Find out if you're eligible for housing support here!