Yes, single people can receive Section 8 vouchers, but you must meet income and citizenship requirements

Section 8 housing vouchers are not limited to families with children. A single person living alone can receive a voucher if you meet your local housing authority's income limits and citizenship rules. However, single applicants often face longer wait lists than families do, and some housing authorities have stopped accepting new applications altogether due to demand.

The key difference for single people is that your income limit is based on one person's earnings, not a household of multiple people. Your local housing authority sets the exact income ceiling each year, and it varies by location. You will also need to show proof of U.S. citizenship or may be able to access immigration status, just as any applicant would.

Key Takeaways

  • Single people meet the same income and citizenship requirements as families, but income limits are calculated for one person only.
  • Wait lists for single applicants are often longer than for families, and many housing authorities have closed their lists to new applications.
  • You must have a valid lease or rental agreement with a landlord who accepts Section 8 before you can use your voucher.
  • Your local housing authority determines whether they are currently taking applications and what the wait time is in your area.

Income limits for single applicants

Your income must fall below a threshold set by your local housing authority. This limit changes each year and depends on the area median income where you live. For a single person, the limit is typically 50 percent of the area median income, though some housing authorities use 60 percent.

Income includes wages, self-employment earnings, Social Security, disability payments, unemployment benefits, and child support you receive. It does not include food stamps, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or certain other benefits. If you are unsure whether a specific income source counts, your housing authority can tell you during the intake process.

You will need to bring recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer showing your income. If you receive benefits, bring the award letter or bank statements showing deposits. The housing authority will verify this information before moving forward.

Citizenship and immigration status requirements

You must be a U.S. citizen or have an may be able to access immigration status. may be able to access statuses include lawful permanent resident, refugee, asylee, and certain other designations. The housing authority will ask for proof, which can be a birth certificate, passport, green card, or immigration court documents.

If you are not a citizen, you will need an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or Social Security Number. Some housing authorities require additional documentation for non-citizens, so call ahead and ask what they need before you visit.

How wait lists work for single applicants

Most housing authorities maintain a wait list because demand for vouchers far exceeds the number available. Single applicants typically wait longer than families do. In some cities, the wait is several years. In others, the housing authority has stopped accepting new applications and only serves people already on the list.

When you explore, ask the housing authority directly: Is the list open to new applicants? If yes, what is the current wait time? If no, when do they expect to reopen? Some housing authorities reopen their lists periodically, so you can ask to be notified when that happens.

A few housing authorities give priority to applicants with disabilities, veterans, or people experiencing homelessness. Ask whether your situation qualifies for priority placement.

Finding your local housing authority

Section 8 is administered by local public housing authorities, not by a single federal office. You must explore to the authority in the area where you want to live. If you are moving to a new city, you explore to that city's or county's housing authority.

To find your local authority, search "[your city] public housing authority" or "[your county] housing authority." You can also call 211 and ask for the Section 8 program in your area. The housing authority's website will list their office hours, phone number, and whether they are currently taking applications.

Documents you will need to bring

Bring proof of identity, such as a driver's license or passport. Bring proof of income, such as recent pay stubs, tax returns, or benefit award letters. Bring proof of citizenship or immigration status. Bring proof of residency in the area, such as a utility bill or lease in your name.

Some housing authorities also ask for a Social Security card, references from previous landlords, and a criminal background check authorization form. Call your local authority before you go and ask what documents they require. Bringing everything at once speeds up the process.

What happens after you are approved

Approval does not mean you receive money when ready. It means you are issued a voucher, which is a certificate that allows you to rent from a private landlord. You then search for an apartment on your own. The landlord must agree to accept Section 8, and the unit must pass a housing quality inspection.

Once you find an apartment and the landlord agrees, the housing authority inspects it. If it passes, they sign a contract with the landlord. The authority pays the landlord a portion of the rent, and you pay the rest out of your own income. Your share is typically 30 percent of your monthly income, though this varies by program.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be unemployed to get Section 8 as a single person?

No. You can be employed and still receive a voucher if your income is below your housing authority's limit. Many Section 8 recipients work full-time or part-time. The program is designed to help people whose income is too low to afford market-rate rent, regardless of employment status.

What if the wait list is closed in my area?

Contact your housing authority and ask when they expect to reopen applications. Some authorities reopen their lists once a year or every few years. Ask if you can be added to a notification list so you know when applications are accepted again. In the meantime, explore other rental information programs through your local 211 service.

Can I use my Section 8 voucher in a different city?

You can transfer your voucher to another housing authority, but the process and timeline vary. Some authorities allow transfers when ready, while others require you to live in their jurisdiction for a set period first. Contact your current housing authority and ask about their transfer policy before you move.

Will having a criminal record disqualify me?

It depends on the offense and when it occurred. Housing authorities have different policies. Some disqualify applicants for certain felonies or drug convictions, while others consider the time elapsed since the conviction. Call your local housing authority and ask about their specific policy before you explore.

Do I need a job offer or lease before I explore?

No. You explore first, get approved, and then search for housing. You do not need a lease or job offer at the time of process. However, once you are approved and issued a voucher, you will need to find a landlord willing to accept Section 8 before you can use it.