Section 8 Eligibility Calculator
Estimate your eligibility for Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers based on your household income, family size, and local area median income. See your potential housing subsidy amount and expected wait times.
Understanding Section 8 Income Limits
The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program uses Area Median Income (AMI) as the benchmark for eligibility. HUD calculates AMI for every metropolitan area and county in the United States, then adjusts it by household size. A single person's income limit is set at 70% of the four-person limit, while a family of six has their limit set at 116% of the four-person figure. This adjustment ensures that larger families are not unfairly excluded simply because they have more members.
Eligibility falls into three tiers: extremely low income (at or below 30% of AMI), very low income (at or below 50% of AMI), and low income (at or below 80% of AMI). While families up to 80% of AMI technically qualify, federal regulations require that at least 75% of newly issued vouchers go to extremely low-income families. This means that in practice, most successful applicants have incomes well below the 50% threshold.
How the Housing Subsidy Is Calculated
Once approved, your housing subsidy is calculated using the payment standard for your area and bedroom size minus 30% of your adjusted monthly income. Your adjusted income accounts for certain deductions including dependent allowances ($480 per dependent), elderly/disabled household deductions ($400), childcare expenses, medical expenses for elderly or disabled families, and disability assistance expenses. These deductions can meaningfully reduce your tenant portion, especially for families with multiple children or high childcare costs.
The payment standard represents the maximum amount HUD considers reasonable for a given unit size in your area. If you find a unit that costs less than the payment standard, you may keep some of the savings. If you choose a unit above the payment standard, you must pay the difference out of pocket, though your total housing cost cannot exceed 40% of your adjusted income when you first lease a unit.
Can I use Section 8 if I am going through a divorce?
Yes, and divorce or separation can actually help you qualify. When a household splits, each new household's income is assessed independently. A custodial parent with children who previously did not qualify because of combined household income may now qualify based on their individual income alone. You should apply to your local PHA as soon as you establish a separate household. Some PHAs give preference to families who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, which may apply during a separation.
What happens if my income changes after I receive a voucher?
Section 8 requires annual income re-certifications, and your tenant portion adjusts accordingly. If your income increases, your share of rent goes up and the subsidy decreases. If your income increases above the program limits, there is typically a grace period before the voucher is terminated. If your income decreases, your portion goes down and the subsidy increases. You are required to report significant income changes between annual reviews.
Can I transfer my Section 8 voucher to another state?
Yes, Section 8 vouchers are portable. You can transfer your voucher to any jurisdiction in the United States that has a PHA administering the program. This is called "porting" and requires coordination between your current PHA and the receiving PHA. The process typically takes 2-4 weeks. Your payment standard will change to reflect the new area's rates, which means your subsidy amount may increase or decrease depending on whether you move to a higher or lower cost area.