AWCA Resource Center
AWCA Resource Center

Housing

Section 8

Section 8 is a program where the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) subsidizes a portion of rent so that low-income households can enjoy a safe and pleasant living environment in the private market. Its official name is the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program.

The most significant feature of Section 8 is that the amount paid by the tenant is linked to their income.

  • Tenants generally pay 30% of their adjusted monthly income, and if the gross rent exceeds the payment standard at initial occupancy, they may pay up to a maximum of 40%. 
  • Public Housing Authority pays the landlord directly in the form of Housing Assistance Payment.

Two Types of Section 8

CategoryHousing Choice Voucher
(Tenant-Based)		Project-Based Voucher
(Project-Based)
TargetVoucher is issued to the tenant (individual)Subsidy is assigned to a specific apartment unit
MobilityThe voucher stays with the tenant when movingWhen moving, the voucher remains with the specific unit. However, for PBV (Project-Based Vouchers) only, after residing there for 12 months, you may apply for a tenant-based voucher to relocate.
Housing ChoiceAny private housing that accepts the voucherMust move into the designated apartment to receive benefits
RemarksCommonly known as the "Section 8 Voucher"Specific units designated by the PHA, such as senior apartments, housing for individuals with disabilities, and redeveloped housing.

Eligibility

  • Income Standards
    • Annual Gross Income of the household must be 50% or less of the Area Median Income (AMI).
    • 75% of vouchers are allocated to ‘Extremely Low-Income’ households, whose income is at or below 30% of the Area Median Income. 
  • Household Composition: Seniors aged 62 or older, individuals with disabilities, households with children, and veterans may be considered for priority. 
  • Status: U.S. citizens or those with eligible immigration status (Permanent Residents, etc.).
  • Exclusions: Eligibility may be restricted for individuals with records of drug-related crimes or sex offenses. Detailed criteria vary by PHA. Additionally, eligibility may be restricted if there is a record of prior eviction from public housing.
  • Asset Limit: Eligibility may be restricted if Net Family Assets exceed $105,574 (2026) or if you own habitable real property. (Essential assets such as vehicles and medical equipment may be excluded.)
  • Income Deductions: Income deduction standards (such as medical expenses) applied to senior and disabled households are being adjusted according to HOTMA (Housing Opportunity Through Modernization Act). 

*Policies may vary by PHA; please check with each individual agency.

Application and Leasing Process

  1. Application: Submit an application to the Public Housing Authority (PHA) of your desired area.
    • At HABCNJ, you can check and apply for all housing program waiting lists operated by the HABC (Section 8 vouchers, public housing, senior apartments, etc.) in one place.
    • However, the opening period for the Section 8 (HCV) voucher waiting list is irregular and may remain closed for several years. You must check the official HABC website frequently.
  2. Waitlist Registration: Since demand is high, waitlists are often closed; you must register immediately when a list opens. (Seniors/Disabled individuals may receive priority).
  3. Eligibility Interview: When your turn comes, the PHA will contact you. At this stage, you will submit supporting documents for income, assets, and family composition and undergo an interview.
  4. Voucher Issuance: Once approved, the voucher is issued. You must find housing within a minimum of 60 days to a maximum of 120 days after the voucher is issued. (Extensions may be granted at the PHA’s discretion.)
  5. Housing Inspection: Once you find a home, you must submit a Request for Tenancy Approval (RFTA) together with the landlord, and the unit must pass a housing safety standards inspection (HQS or NSPIRE — standards may vary by PHA) conducted by the Public Housing Authority.
  6. Contract Execution: A Housing Assistance Payments (HAP) contract is signed between the PHA and the landlord, and a lease agreement is signed between the tenant and the landlord simultaneously.

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Housing