Elegibility
Eligibility for Section 8 Housing Vouchers is determined by local Public Housing Authorities. The standards are based on the total annual income of the family or individual and the family size relative to the income. In most areas, the family income may not exceed 50% of the average median income for the county or of the metropolitan area in which the family resides. The PHA also accounts for family assets when determining eligibility.
Legally, Public Housing Authorities are required to provide 75% of their vouchers to residents whose income is below 30% of the local median income; the remaining 25% of vouchers are distributed on a need-basis.
Once your local Public Housing Authority verifies your information, they will add you to their housing assistance waiting list (unless their waiting lists are closed**). If you need housing assistance because of an emergency domestic situation, some locations, such as New York City offer emergency categories for Section 8 assistance that bypass the waitlists that often contain thousands of recipients for housing assistance. These categories can include victims of domestic violence, people in witness protection programs, or other local programs designed to give aid to the neediest people.
In the event that a waiting list is closed, there are many other options for you and your family to recieve housing assistance. Check different stimulus plan options, mortgage assistance programs; or check housing assistance databases, which list all available options. You can also find financial assistance for debt relief.