The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program-USA is a federal government program that provides rental assistance to low-income families, elderly individuals, and people with disabilities. The program was created in 1974 to help eligible participants afford decent, safe, and sanitary housing.
Under the program, eligible participants receive a voucher that they can use to rent a privately owned apartment or house. Participants are responsible for finding a suitable housing unit that meets certain program requirements, such as passing a housing inspection and being within certain rent limits. Once the participant finds a suitable unit, the program pays a portion of the rent directly to the landlord, while the participant pays the remainder based on their income.
The amount of rental assistance provided by the program is based on the participant’s income and the local housing market. Participants generally pay between 30% to 40% of their income toward rent and utilities, with the program paying the remainder up to a certain limit.
To be eligible for the Section 8 program, households must have an income that is below 50% of the median income for the area in which they live. Eligibility also depends on household size, citizenship status, and other factors.
The Section 8 program is administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), but it is implemented at the local level by public housing authorities (PHAs). Interested individuals can contact their local PHA to apply for the program or to learn more about eligibility requirements and how the program works in their area.
