Section 8 in D.C. is run by the D.C. Housing Authority, and the waiting list is currently closed

The D.C. Housing Authority (DCHA) administers Section 8 vouchers in Washington, D.C. As of now, DCHA is not accepting new applications for the Section 8 program. The waiting list has been closed for several years, and there is no announced date for when it will reopen. This means you cannot currently submit a new request to join the list, though existing applicants remain in their positions.

If you are looking for rental information right now, D.C. has other programs that may help — emergency rental funds, rapid rehousing, and permanent supportive housing — but Section 8 specifically is not an option for new applicants at this moment. Understanding what D.C. offers beyond Section 8, and what to do if the waiting list opens, matters for your planning.

Key Takeaways

  • DCHA manages Section 8 in D.C., but the waiting list is closed and has no reopening date announced.
  • D.C. offers emergency rental information, rapid rehousing, and other housing programs that do not require waiting list status.
  • If you are already on the DCHA waiting list, you keep your place even though new applications are not being taken.
  • The D.C. Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) runs most rental information programs outside of Section 8.
  • Contacting 211 D.C. or your local Advisory Neighborhood Commission can connect you to current programs with open intake.

What happens if you are already on the DCHA waiting list

If you submitted an process before DCHA closed the list, you remain on it in the position you held when you applied. DCHA does not remove people from the list straightforward because it is closed to new applicants. However, DCHA may contact you periodically to confirm your information is still current — address, phone number, household composition — and you should respond to these requests to stay active on the list.

You can contact DCHA directly to confirm your status and ask whether your position has changed. Call the DCHA Section 8 office at (202) 535-1000 or visit their office at 1133 North Capitol Street NE, Washington, D.C. 20002. Bring a photo ID and any documents related to your original process. Ask them to print your current position on the waiting list so you have it in writing.

Other rental information programs available in D.C. right now

D.C. runs several rental information programs that do not depend on Section 8 waiting list status. The Emergency Rental information Program (ERAP) helps tenants who have fallen behind on rent or utilities due to hardship. You do not need to be on any waiting list to explore. ERAP pays landlords directly and covers both past-due amounts and some future rent. Income limits explore — D.C. sets them at or below 80 percent of the area median income, which varies by household size.

The Rapid Rehousing Program helps people who are currently homeless or at when ready risk of homelessness. It provides short-term rental information, case management, and help moving into a new place. Unlike Section 8, Rapid Rehousing is time-limited — usually 12 to 24 months — but it can move you into housing much faster than a waiting list.

D.C. also operates Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) programs for people with disabilities or chronic homelessness. These combine long-term housing with on-site support services. Referrals usually come through the D.C. Department of Human Services or homeless services providers, not through direct process.

How to find out which programs are open and taking applications

Call 211 D.C. — dial 2-1-1 from any phone in D.C. — and tell them you are looking for rental information. They maintain a current list of which programs have open intake, what documents you need, and how to reach each one. This is faster than calling individual agencies because 211 updates their information as programs open and close.

You can also contact the D.C. Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) directly at (202) 442-7200 or visit their website. DHCD runs most of the rental information programs in D.C. outside of Section 8. They can tell you which programs match your situation and whether you meet the income and household requirements.

Your local Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) can also point you to neighborhood-based resources. ANCs are elected bodies in each D.C. neighborhood and often know about local nonprofits and programs that have funding available. Find your ANC at anc.dc.gov.

Income limits and household composition rules in D.C. programs

Most D.C. rental information programs use income limits based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. The exact limit depends on the program and your household size. For example, ERAP typically serves households at or below 80 percent AMI. For a single person in 2024, that is roughly $68,000 per year; for a family of four, roughly $108,000 per year. These numbers change annually, so ask the program for the current year's limits when you contact them.

Household composition matters for income calculations. D.C. programs count all people living in your home who share expenses, including children, partners, parents, and other relatives. If someone in your household works, their income counts toward the total. If you receive child support, alimony, Social Security, or unemployment benefits, those count as income too. Gifts and one-time payments usually do not count.

You will need to document income with recent pay stubs, tax returns, benefit letters, or a signed statement from your employer. If you are self-employed, bring tax returns from the last two years. If you receive no income, bring a letter from the agency that would normally pay you (Social Security Administration, unemployment office) stating that you receive no benefits.

What documents you need to bring when you explore

Most D.C. rental information programs require the same core documents. Bring a photo ID (driver's license, passport, or D.C. ID card), proof of D.C. residency (utility bill, lease, or mail from a government agency), and proof of income (pay stubs from the last 30 days, tax returns, or benefit letters). If you are explore for help with past-due rent, bring your lease and documentation of the debt — a letter from your landlord, eviction notice, or court filing.

If you are explore for emergency information, bring proof of the hardship that caused you to fall behind — a job loss letter, medical bill, or other documentation showing why you could not pay. Some programs also ask for a bank statement to verify your current financial situation. Call ahead to ask what specific documents the program needs; different programs may have slightly different requirements.

What disqualifies you from D.C. rental information programs

You are not disqualified straightforward because you are behind on rent or have an eviction case pending. In fact, an active eviction case often moves you higher in the queue for emergency information. However, you may be disqualified if your income is above the program's limit, if you do not live in D.C., or if you are not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident (some programs have different rules; ask the program directly).

Criminal history does not automatically disqualify you from rental information, though some programs may have restrictions related to certain convictions. Substance use disorder does not disqualify you. Having poor credit or a prior eviction does not disqualify you. If you have questions about whether something in your background might affect your status, ask the program before you explore — they can tell you directly rather than leaving you uncertain.

What to do if the Section 8 waiting list reopens

DCHA will announce when the Section 8 waiting list reopens through their website (dcha.dc.gov), local news, and 211 D.C. When it does reopen, there is usually a limited window — sometimes just a few weeks — to submit a new process. The list then closes again. If you miss the window, you will have to wait for the next reopening, which may be years away.

To be ready, keep your documents organized now: photo ID, proof of D.C. residency, proof of income, and a list of all household members with their birthdates. When the list reopens, you can submit your process quickly. You can also call DCHA at (202) 535-1000 to ask them to notify you by phone or email when applications reopen — some offices maintain a notification list for this purpose.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I explore for Section 8 in D.C. right now?

No. DCHA is not accepting new Section 8 applications. The waiting list is closed with no announced reopening date. If you need rental help now, contact 211 D.C. to learn about emergency rental information, rapid rehousing, or other programs with open intake.

How long does it usually take to get a Section 8 voucher in D.C. if I am on the waiting list?

Wait times vary widely depending on your household type and priority status. Some people wait several years; others wait a decade or more. DCHA can tell you your current position on the list if you call them. The wait is one reason to explore other programs while you are on the list.

What is the income limit for emergency rental information in D.C.?

Most D.C. programs serve households at or below 80 percent of Area Median Income. For 2024, that is roughly $68,000 for a single person and $108,000 for a family of four, but these numbers change yearly. Call DHCD at (202) 442-7200 or 211 D.C. to confirm the current limit for the specific program you are interested in.

Do I need to be a U.S. citizen to get rental information in D.C.?

Most D.C. rental information programs require you to be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. Some programs have different rules. Ask the program directly before you explore — they can tell you whether your immigration status affects your status.

What if my landlord will not accept the rental information payment?

Some D.C. programs will pay you directly if a landlord refuses payment, though they usually require written proof of the refusal first. Ask the program what documentation they need before you approach your landlord. In some cases, programs can work with the court or use other legal remedies if a landlord is uncooperative.