How to Apply for Section 8 Housing in California

Section 8 housing is designed for low-income families and individuals.

Section 8 housing is a federal program that provides assistance to renters with low income. To qualify, a renter must make less than 50 percent of the Area Median Income. Renters receive a voucher, which is then given to a property owner that accepts Section 8 vouchers.

Things You'll Need

• Income verification

Instructions

1. Contact your local public housing agency. Visit the Housing and Urban Development website for a list of agencies in California (see Resources).

2. Verify that you meet local eligibility requirements. Standard requirements are that applicants are citizens or legal immigrants. Income restrictions determined by household size are also available at the local agency and vary by location.

3. Complete the application for public housing at your local office.

4. If the public housing application process at your local office is closed, apply to be on the waiting list for the next available voucher.

5. Once a voucher is issued, you generally have between 60 and 120 days to locate suitable housing.

Resources

• HUD.gov: Public Housing Agencies in California