Navigating Section 8: Housing Choice Vouchers for Older Adults

Everyone needs a safe place to live that they can afford. But rising prices can make paying rent difficult for older adults living on a fixed income. If you’re worried about paying rent, you are not alone — and there are helpful programs available. One of these is the Housing Choice Voucher Program, commonly known as Section 8. This program helps families, older adults, and people with disabilities find clean, safe homes without spending too much money on rent.

Let’s walk through what Section 8 is, who qualifies for the program, and how to apply.

What Are Housing Choice Vouchers?

Housing Choice Voucher (often called “Section 8”) is a financial helping hand that allows low-income families, seniors, and people with disabilities afford a safe and decent place to live. Here’s how it works:

• You get a “coupon” for rent: If you qualify, your local public housing agency (PHA) gives you a voucher. Think of this voucher like a special coupon that helps pay for your rent.
• You choose your home: Unlike other housing programs that limit you to specific buildings, with a Housing Choice Voucher, you get to choose where you want to live. This could be an apartment, a townhouse, a single-family or mobile home – as long as the landlord agrees to accept the voucher.
• The government helps pay: You’ll typically pay about 30% of your income towards rent and utilities. The local housing agency then pays the rest of the approved rent amount directly to your landlord.
• Homes need to be safe: Before the housing agency approves a rental, they’ll inspect it to make sure it meets basic health and safety standards. This means things like working plumbing, heating, and smoke detectors.
• It’s about choice and independence: The goal of the program is to give people more freedom to choose a home that fits their needs and is located in a neighborhood they prefer, rather than being limited to specific government-owned housing.

Who Can Get Housing Choice Vouchers?

Older adults may qualify for based on a few things:

• Your income is less than 50-80% of the median income for the area where you want to live.
• You are a U.S. citizen or have an eligible immigration status.
• You pass screening checks related to your criminal history, past rental behavior, and any outstanding debts to other housing programs.
• You live in the area or plan to move there: Local housing offices (called Public Housing Authorities or PHAs) usually give help first to people already living in their community.

How to Apply for Section 8

1. Find your local Public Housing Authority (PHA) office
   Complete the form below or call HUD at 1-800-955-2232 to find your nearest Public Housing Authority.
2. Find out if the waitlist is open
   Some areas have waiting lists that occasionally close. Others may open only a few times a year. If the list is closed, ask when it will open again or if there are other options.
3. Fill out an application
   You can apply in person, by mail, or online (if your local office allows it). Get your paperwork ready, including:
   • ID (a driver’s license or state ID)
   • Proof of income (Social Security, pension, etc.)
   • Your Social Security number
   • Information about your current living situation. This includes your address, the type of housing you’re in (renting, staying with family, in a shelter, or homeless), how much you pay for rent and utilities, and whether you’re living in unsafe or overcrowded conditions. They may also ask how long you’ve lived there and if you’re being asked to leave or facing eviction. This information helps the housing office understand your needs and decide if you qualify for urgent help.
4. Wait for approval
   Waiting for a decision can take time. Your PHA office may be able to tell you how long a decision normally takes. While you wait, stay in touch with your housing office and update them if your address or income changes.
5. Use your voucher
   Once you’re approved, you can start looking for a place. You can search rental listings for landlords that accept Section 8 vouchers. The PHA may help you with this.

 Other Things to Think About

• Ask for help: A family member, social worker, or trusted friend can help you fill out forms or call offices.
• Write things down: Keep a notebook with phone numbers, dates, and names of people you speak to.
• Check other programs: If Section 8 isn’t available right away, ask your local PHA about other rental help programs.

Navigating housing options can feel overwhelming. But remember, programs like Section 8 are there to help. Many older adults use Housing Choice Vouchers to live comfortably and with dignity. Using a program like this to find a safe, secure, and comfortable home on your own terms  is a smart step—not a last resort.