Housing Choice Voucher
The primary federal rental assistance program (commonly "Section 8"), providing eligible low-income families a portable subsidy to rent private market units. Authorized by 42 U.S.C. § 1437f(o); administered under 24 CFR Part 982.
Also known as: Section 8 voucher, HCV, tenant-based rental assistance, TBRA
Definition
The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program — commonly referred to as "Section 8" — is the largest federal rental assistance program, providing eligible low-income households with a portable subsidy to rent housing from private market landlords.
Statutory Authority
The HCV program is authorized by 42 U.S.C. § 1437f(o) and implemented by HUD regulations at 24 CFR Part 982.
Program Structure
Unlike project-based assistance, the HCV subsidy attaches to the household rather than to a particular unit. Eligible families may use vouchers to rent any unit in the private market that:
- Meets HUD's Housing Quality Standards (HQS) (24 CFR § 982.401)
- Has a gross rent (contract rent + utilities) at or below the PHA's payment standard
- Passes a rent reasonableness determination (24 CFR § 982.507)
Tenant Contribution
Participating families pay the difference between the payment standard and 30% of their adjusted monthly income. If a family selects a unit with rent above the payment standard, they pay the full additional amount (24 CFR § 982.508(b)).
Portability
HCV vouchers are portable — families can move to another jurisdiction served by a different PHA through the portability process (24 CFR § 982.353), subject to 12-month residency requirements and absorbing-PHA procedures.
Eligibility
Eligibility is based on household income (not exceeding 50% of area median income, with 75% of new admissions required to be below 30% AMI) and citizenship/immigration status requirements (24 CFR § 982.201).
Sources
- 42 U.S.C. § 1437f(o), Cornell LII —
cornell-lii - 24 CFR Part 982, eCFR —
ecfr - HUD.gov: Housing Choice Voucher Program —
hud-gov
Frequently asked questions
Statutory Authority
The HCV program is authorized by 42 U.S.C. § 1437f(o) and implemented by HUD regulations at 24 CFR Part 982.
Program Structure
Unlike project-based assistance, the HCV subsidy attaches to the household rather than to a particular unit. Eligible families may use vouchers to rent any unit in the private market that: Meets HUD's Housing Quality Standards (HQS) (24 CFR § 982.401) Has a gross rent (contract rent + utilities) at or below the PHA's payment standard Passes a rent reasonableness determination (24 CFR § 982.507)
Tenant Contribution
Participating families pay the difference between the payment standard and 30% of their adjusted monthly income. If a family selects a unit with rent above the payment standard, they pay the full additional amount (24 CFR § 982.508(b)).
Portability
HCV vouchers are portable — families can move to another jurisdiction served by a different PHA through the portability process (24 CFR § 982.353), subject to 12-month residency requirements and absorbing-PHA procedures.
Eligibility
Eligibility is based on household income (not exceeding 50% of area median income, with 75% of new admissions required to be below 30% AMI) and citizenship/immigration status requirements (24 CFR § 982.201).
Sources
U.S.C. § 1437f(o), Cornell LII — cornell-lii CFR Part 982, eCFR — ecfr HUD.gov: Housing Choice Voucher Program — hud-gov