Section 8 housing vouchers can make a huge difference for people on disability benefits. Here's how the program works and how to access it.
In this article, we'll cover:
- What Section 8 is
- Eligibility requirements
- How benefits are calculated
- Applying and waiting lists
1. What Section 8 Is
The basics:
- Federal rental assistance program
- Officially called Housing Choice Voucher Program
- Run by local Public Housing Authorities (PHAs)
- Helps pay for private rental housing
How it works:
- You find a rental unit
- Landlord must agree to participate
- PHA pays portion of rent directly to landlord
- You pay the remainder
Benefits:
- Significantly reduces housing costs
- Choose where you live (within guidelines)
- Portable between areas
- Long-term assistance available
2. Eligibility Requirements
Income limits:
- Generally below 50% of area median income
- SSI and SSDI recipients often qualify
- Varies by location
- Check your local PHA
Who gets priority:
- Families with very low income (below 30% median)
- Elderly individuals
- People with disabilities
- Local preferences may apply
For disability:
- Having a disability may provide preference
- Receiving SSI/SSDI helps document
- Some PHAs have disability-specific vouchers
- Non-Elderly Disabled (NED) vouchers
Other requirements:
- U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
- Pass background check
- Comply with lease terms
- Meet local PHA requirements
Important: Waiting lists are often long—apply early and to multiple PHAs if possible.
3. How Benefits Are Calculated
Your share:
- Generally 30% of adjusted income
- Some pay 30% of gross income
- Utility allowance may reduce your payment
- Never more than 40% for new tenants
Example (SSI recipient):
- Monthly SSI: $967
- Adjusted income: $967
- 30% = $290/month your share
- Voucher covers the rest (up to payment standard)
Payment standards:
- Each PHA sets limits by bedroom size
- Based on Fair Market Rents
- Voucher covers up to this amount
- You can rent higher-cost units if you pay difference
Utility allowances:
- If you pay utilities separately
- PHA provides allowance
- Reduces your rent portion
- Or increases voucher amount
4. Applying and Waiting Lists
Finding your PHA:
- Search at hud.gov
- May apply to multiple PHAs
- Consider nearby areas
- Each has own list
The application:
- Complete application form
- Provide required documentation
- Income verification
- Disability verification (if applicable)
What happens next:
- Placed on waiting list
- Lists can be years long
- May open for limited periods
- Check frequently for openings
While waiting:
- Keep contact information current
- Respond to all PHA communications
- Reapply when list reopens
- Consider other housing assistance
When your name comes up:
- Complete eligibility process
- Attend briefing
- Receive voucher
- Find a unit (within time limit)
Section 8 and Disability Benefits
Income reporting:
- Report all income to PHA
- SSI and SSDI count as income
- Changes affect rent calculation
- Report promptly
Medical deductions:
- Elderly and disabled may deduct
- Out-of-pocket medical expenses
- Disability-related expenses
- Reduces your rent portion
Reasonable accommodations:
- Request modifications for disability
- Service animals allowed
- Accessible unit search assistance
- Don't be afraid to ask
Other Housing Options
Public housing:
- Government-owned rental units
- Similar income-based rent
- May have shorter wait
- Less housing choice
Project-based Section 8:
- Voucher tied to specific building
- Often shorter wait
- Must live in that property
- Good option while waiting for voucher
State/local programs:
- Many areas have additional programs
- Short-term assistance
- Disability-specific housing
- Check local resources
How Purple Helps
- Track rent payments
- Monitor your income for reporting
- Stay under SSI limits
- Budget for housing costs
- Clear financial records for PHA