Section 8 Waiting List Openings for December 2025: How to Apply for Housing Vouchers Online?
With rental prices soaring across the U.S., low-income families are eagerly waiting for Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher waiting lists to open. The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has announced new openings in several states for December 2025. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to check availability and apply online before the lists close.
Benefit
The Housing Choice Voucher Program, commonly known as Section 8, is the federal government's major program for assisting very low-income families, the elderly, and the disabled to afford decent housing. Due to high demand, waiting lists are often closed, but they open periodically for short windows. Missing an opening means waiting months or even years. Knowing where to look and how to apply quickly is essential for securing a spot.
4 Requirements to Qualify for Section 8
Before applying, ensure your household meets the HUD eligibility criteria:
-
Income Limit: Your household's annual gross income must not exceed 50% of the median income for the county or metropolitan area where you choose to live.
-
Citizenship: Applicants must be U.S. citizens or have eligible immigration status.
-
Background Check: Housing authorities will check for criminal history, particularly drug-related or violent crimes, which may lead to disqualification.
-
Family Status: You must meet the definition of a "family," which can include single individuals, families with children, or elderly/disabled households.
How to Apply Online? (3 Simple Steps)
Applying for Section 8 is free; never pay a fee to apply.
-
Step 1: Find an Open List: Visit the official HUD website or use a trusted housing authority locator to see which Public Housing Agencies (PHAs) have open waiting lists in your state.
-
Step 2: Submit Application: Complete the preliminary application online through the PHA’s portal. You will need social security numbers, birth dates, and income details for all family members.
-
Step 3: Confirmation: After submitting, save your confirmation number. You can use this number to check your status on the waiting list later.
Waiting lists can close within days or even hours. Check your local housing authority's website daily and apply immediately when a list opens.
