Do You Qualify for a Housing Choice Voucher?

Income Requirements

Your household income must generally be below 50% of the median income in your area. Here are current limits for a family of four:

Limits vary by county and family size. Larger families may qualify with higher incomes.

Note: At least 75% of new vouchers go to families earning below 30% of median income (Extremely Low Income). The remaining 25% can go to families earning up to 50%.

Who Gets Priority?

Most local agencies give preference to:

• Veterans and active-duty military families
• Elderly applicants (62 and older)
• People with disabilities
• Families currently homeless or at risk of homelessness
• Families displaced by natural disasters
• Households where at least one member is employed

If you fit any preference category, highlight it in your application — it can move you to the front of the waitlist.

Citizenship Requirements

• U.S. citizens qualify automatically
• Lawful permanent residents (green card holders) are eligible
• Certain other eligible immigration statuses qualify
• Mixed-status families: eligible members can still receive prorated assistance

Background Check

PHAs will review:

• Rental history — evictions in the last 3–5 years may be disqualifying
• Criminal background — certain offenses may disqualify (varies by PHA)
• Prior housing assistance — outstanding debts to a previous PHA must be resolved

Important: Each PHA has different rules. Being denied by one doesn’t mean all will reject you.

Deductions That Can Lower Your Calculated Income

The PHA allows deductions that reduce your income calculation — meaning the government covers more of your rent:

• $480 per dependent in your household
• $400 deduction for elderly or disabled households
• Medical expenses exceeding 3% of income (elderly/disabled only)
• Childcare costs for working families

Many applicants don’t claim all available deductions. Make sure you do.

Think You Qualify?

Questions? Call HUD: 1-800-955-2232