Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8)

The Housing Choice Voucher program provides rental assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. Public Housing Agencies administer the program, determining eligibility based on income and family size. The subsidy pays the difference between 30 percent of the family's adjusted income and a payment standard set by the PHA.

Families select their own housing, which must meet housing quality standards. Landlords must agree to a Housing Assistance Payment contract with the PHA. The program serves approximately 2.3 million families nationwide.