HomeHousingHousing voucher (Section 8)

How to Get a Housing Voucher

Section 8 · 5 Steps to Apply

Families who meet income guidelines, seniors, and people with disabilities

Take it one step at a time. We're here to help.

Quick facts

Who it's forFamilies who meet income guidelines, seniors, people with disabilities

What it costsFree to apply

How long it takesWaiting lists can take months or years

Step 1 of 5: Find your housing office
The office near you (called a PHA)
- Search online: HUD PHA Finder (opens in a new tab)
- Apply where you live
- Check the waiting list
Important: List closed? Ask them to tell you when it opens.
Step 2 of 5: Get your papers ready
Things that show who you are
- Photo ID
- Social Security card (SSN)
- Birth papers for children
- Proof of your money
- Bank papers
- Immigration papers (if any)
Good to know: Missing a paper? Apply anyway. You can bring it later.
Step 3 of 5: Send your application
Pick one way to send it
- Online
- In person
- By mail
Good to know: Keep your confirmation number. Apply soon to keep your spot.
Step 4 of 5: Wait for your turn
This can take months or years
- Wait a long time
- Watch for letters
- Say "yes, still interested"
Don't miss: Please answer every letter. If they can't reach you, you may lose your spot.
Step 5 of 5: Your turn comes
They check you, then you get your voucher
- They check your papers
- They check your history
You've worked hard to get here. Welcome home — you belong here.
If you are approved:
1
Go to a meetingThey explain the rules (called a briefing)
2
Get your voucherYou now have time to find a home (60–120 days)
3
Find a homeFind a landlord who takes Section 8
4
Sign the leaseThe home is checked, then you and the landlord sign

A how to guide to help you apply to the Federal Housing Choice Voucher program.

Locate your Public Housing Agency (PHA)

Use the HUD’s PHA Finderto find your local Public Housing Agency (PHA).

Your PHA page will show:

Whether the voucher waiting list is open

How to apply (online, in person, or by mail)

Local eligibility preferences

Contact information

You must apply in the jurisdiction where the PHA administers vouchers.

Each PHA maintains its own waiting list. To check availability use:

HUD’s PHA Finder (official tool)

If the waiting list is closed, you must wait until it opens. There may be options to sign up for text message or email alerts via your local PHA website. If it is open, proceed to the application stage.

Prepare your documents

Every PHA requires documentation for each household member. Common documents include:

Government-issued ID

Social Security cards or documentation for household members with SSNs

Birth certificates for children

Proof of income

Pay stubs

Benefit letters (SSI, SSDI, TANF, unemployment, etc.)

Bank statements

Proof of residency, if required

Immigration documents for non-citizen household members with eligible status

Bring originals or copies as the PHA specifies. If you are missing documents, still apply—many PHAs allow you to submit missing items later.

Submit your application

Depending on your PHA, you may be able to:

Apply online

Apply in person at the housing authority office

Submit a paper application by mail or drop-off

Tips:

Submit your application as soon as possible to lock in your place on the waiting list.

Keep a copy or screenshot of your confirmation number, if one is provided.

Update your contact information immediately if it changes—PHAs remove applicants if they cannot be reached.

Wait for your position on the waiting list

After applying, you may wait:

Months

Years

Sometimes longer

PHAs may:

Send update letters

Ask you to log into an online portal

Require periodic confirmation that you want to remain on the list

If you do not respond to notices, you may be removed from the waiting list.

Some PHAs use a lottery system, meaning everyone who applies during the open period has an equal chance, regardless of when they applied.

After You Apply: What to Expect

If your name reaches the top of the list

The PHA will contact you to begin final eligibility screening, which includes:

Verifying all income and household documentation

Criminal background checks

Reviewing rental history

If approved, you will receive:

1. A Voucher Briefing

A meeting (in person or online) where the PHA explains:

How your voucher works

Payment standards (maximum rents they can approve)

How to find a unit

Program rules

Your responsibilities and your landlord’s responsibilities

2. Your Voucher

This is the document that allows you to begin searching for housing. It includes:

Voucher size (based on household composition)

Deadline to find a unit (often 60–120 days, extensions may be possible)

3. Start Looking for Housing

You must find a landlord willing to accept Section 8 vouchers. The unit:

Must be within local rent limits

Must pass a Housing Quality Standards (HQS) inspection

Must be reasonably priced in the local market

4. Lease and Inspection Process

Once you find a unit:

The landlord submits a Request for Tenancy Approval (RFTA)

The PHA conducts an HQS inspection

If approved, you and the landlord sign the lease

The PHA signs a Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) contract with the landlord

If you have any additional questions, you can email Mirza support, support@heymirza.com. We are happy to help in any way we can.

Last updated December 10, 2025

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