Yes, single people can get Section 8, but you compete for limited vouchers in your area
Section 8 housing vouchers are available to single people, but the rules and wait times depend on where you live. Your local Public Housing Authority (PHA) sets its own income limits, preferences, and waiting list policies. Some areas prioritize families with children or people over 62; others do not. Being single does not disqualify you, but it may mean a longer wait or stricter income requirements than in your area's previous years.
The federal program itself has no rule against single people. What matters is your income relative to your area's median income, whether your PHA's waiting list is open, and whether any local preferences explore to you. A few PHAs have closed their lists entirely; others accept new names regularly. The only way to know your actual chances is to contact your local PHA directly.
Key Takeaways
- Single people can hold Section 8 vouchers in most areas, but your local Public Housing Authority sets the rules and may have preferences that affect your position on the waiting list.
- Your income must fall below a threshold set by your PHA, usually between 50 and 80 percent of your area's median income, and this limit varies by location and changes yearly.
- Many PHAs have closed waiting lists due to high demand, so you need to contact your local authority to learn whether they are currently taking new names.
- If your PHA gives preference to families or seniors, you may wait longer than other applicants, but you can still be served once those groups are housed.
How income limits work for single people
Your income must be below your PHA's limit to hold a voucher. For a single person, this limit is usually set at 50 percent of your area's median income, though some PHAs use 80 percent. A PHA in a high-cost city might set the limit at $35,000 per year for a single person; a PHA in a lower-cost area might set it at $22,000. These numbers change every year and vary widely by location.
The income counted includes wages, Social Security, unemployment benefits, child support you receive, and some other sources. It does not include food stamps or certain other information. Your PHA will ask you to document your income with recent pay stubs, tax returns, or benefit letters. If your income is above the limit, you cannot get a voucher in that area, though you may be able to reapply later if your circumstances change.
Waiting lists and how to get on one
To get on a waiting list, you contact your local PHA directly — by phone, in person, or online, depending on how that authority takes names. Some PHAs accept applications year-round; others open the list for a few weeks each year and then close it. Many have closed lists because demand far exceeds the number of vouchers available. If the list is closed, you may be able to ask to be notified when it reopens, or you may have to check back periodically.
When you contact your PHA, have your Social Security number, proof of income, and a list of any addresses where you have lived in the past two years. The PHA will tell you whether you can explore, what documents to bring, and roughly how long the wait is. Wait times range from a few months to several years, depending on the area and how many vouchers the PHA has.
Local preferences that may affect single people
Your PHA can give preference to certain groups — for example, people over 62, people with disabilities, families with children, or people who work in the area. If you fall into a preferred group, you move up the waiting list. If you do not, you wait behind those who do. Preferences vary by PHA and change over time, so ask your local authority what preferences are in effect now.
Being single does not automatically put you at a disadvantage, but if your PHA prioritizes families, you will wait longer than a family with the same income. Some PHAs have no preferences at all and serve people in the order they applied. Others have multiple preferences that stack — for example, a family where the head of household is over 62 and works locally might move to the front of the list.
What happens after you get a voucher
Once your name reaches the top of the waiting list and a voucher becomes available, your PHA will contact you. You then have a set amount of time — usually 60 to 120 days — to find a rental unit that meets program standards and is willing to accept Section 8. The landlord must agree to rent to you and accept the voucher as part of the payment. You pay a portion of the rent (usually 30 percent of your income) and the voucher covers the rest, up to a limit set by your PHA.
If you cannot find a unit in time, your voucher may be returned to the PHA. If you do find one, you sign a lease and the voucher is activated. You then pay your share each month and the PHA pays the landlord directly. As long as you stay within income limits and follow program rules, you can keep the voucher as long as you need it.
What to do if your local waiting list is closed
If your PHA's waiting list is closed, you have a few options. First, ask whether they have a waiting list for the waiting list — some PHAs keep a separate list of people who want to be notified when the main list reopens. Second, check whether a neighboring PHA's list is open; you may be able to get a voucher in a nearby area and use it where you live. Third, look into other housing programs in your state or city, such as state-funded rental information or local affordable housing programs.
Some PHAs reopen their lists periodically, so you can also check back every few months or call to ask when they expect to accept new names. There is no penalty for explore multiple times or in multiple areas, so it is worth staying in touch with your PHA even if the list is closed now.
How being single affects your rent payment
As a single person, you pay 30 percent of your gross monthly income toward rent, or the PHA's minimum rent, whichever is higher. The minimum rent is set by your PHA and is usually between $50 and $100 per month. If your income is $1,500 per month, you pay $450 toward rent. The voucher covers the rest of the approved rent, up to the PHA's payment standard for your area and unit size.
A single person typically qualifies for a one-bedroom unit, though some PHAs allow a studio. The payment standard — the maximum rent the voucher will cover — depends on your area's market and is set by your PHA. If you find a unit that rents for more than the payment standard, you can pay the difference out of pocket, or you can look for a cheaper unit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be a citizen to get Section 8 as a single person?
No, but you must be a U.S. citizen or a may have access to immigrant. may have access to immigrants include lawful permanent residents, refugees, asylees, and some other categories. Your PHA will ask for proof of citizenship or immigration status. If you are not sure whether you may have access to, contact your local PHA with your immigration documents and ask.
What if I have a criminal record?
Your PHA can deny a voucher for certain criminal convictions, but the rules vary by location and by offense. Most PHAs will not deny you for a single old conviction, but they may deny you for recent drug convictions or violent felonies. Contact your local PHA to ask whether your record would disqualify you. Some areas have policies that allow people with records to be served after a waiting period.
Can I use a Section 8 voucher if I move to a different state?
You can transfer your voucher to another state, but the process takes time and the new PHA must have vouchers available. You must request a transfer from your current PHA, which will contact the PHA in your new state. The new PHA then decides whether to accept your voucher. If they do, you have a set time to find a unit there. Not all PHAs accept transfers, so ask before you move.
How long does it usually take to get a voucher as a single person?
Wait times vary widely. In some areas, the wait is a few months; in others, it is several years. A few areas have no wait at all because demand is low. Your local PHA can tell you the current wait time when you contact them. Keep in mind that wait times change, and preferences may move some people ahead of you.
What if my income goes above the limit after I get a voucher?
You can usually stay on the voucher for a grace period, often one year, even if your income exceeds the limit. After that, you may have to leave the program or your rent share may increase. The exact rules depend on your PHA. If your income rises, tell your PHA right away so they can explain your options.