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What is the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program?

The housing choice voucher program is the federal government's major program for assisting very low-income families, the elderly, and the disabled to afford decent, safe, and sanitary housing in the private market. Since housing assistance is provided on behalf of the family or individual, participants are able to find their own housing, including single-family homes, townhouses and apartments.

The participant is free to choose any housing that meets the requirements of the program and is not limited to units located in subsidized housing projects.

Housing choice vouchers are administered locally by public housing agencies (PHAs). The PHAs receive federal funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to administer the voucher program.

A family that is issued a housing voucher is responsible for finding a suitable housing unit of the family's choice where the owner agrees to rent under the program. This unit may include the family's present residence. Rental units must meet minimum standards of health and safety, as determined by the PHA.

A housing subsidy is paid to the landlord directly by the PHA on behalf of the participating family. The family then pays the difference between the actual rent charged by the landlord and the amount subsidized by the program. Under certain circumstances, if authorized by the PHA, a family may use its voucher to purchase a modest home.

You can find all information regarding the Housing Choice Voucher Program please click the link below: 
http://portal.hud.gov/portal/page/portal/HUD/topics/housing_choice_voucher_program_section_8



How affordable is Section 8 Housing?

The formula used in determining rental payment is the highest of the following:

-30% of monthly adjusted income (after allowed deductions)
-10% of monthly gross income
-$50 minimum rent
-Flat Rent (varies by property as determined by market survey)

How Long a Wait for Section 8 Housing?

The Waiting List is currently CLOSED. 



Fiscal Year 2009 Income Limits City and County of San Francisco Area Median

Family Size

Extremely Low Income Limits 30% of AMI

Very Low Income Statements 50% of AMI

Low Income Limits 80% of AMI

1

$ 23,750.00

$ 39,600.00

$ 63,350.00

2

$ 27,150.00

$ 45,250.00

$ 72,400.00

3

$ 30,550.00

$ 50,900.00

$ 81,450.00

4

$ 33,950.00

$ 56,550.00

$ 90,500.00

5

$ 36,650.00

$ 61,050.00

$ 97,700.00

6

$ 39,400.00

$ 65,600.00

$ 104,950.00

7

$ 42,100.00

$ 70,100.00

$ 112,200.00

8

$ 44,800.00

$ 74,650.00

$ 119,450.00




Fiscal Year 2010 Income Limits

FAMILY SIZE

30% of AMI (Income Targeting Per QHWRA)

SECTION 8 - 50 % of AMI

LOWER INCOME 80 % of AMI

1

$23,750.00

$39,600.00

$63,350.00

2

$27,150.00

$45,250.00

$72,400.00

3

$30,550.00

$50,900.00

$81,450.00

4

$33,950.00

$56,550.00

$90,500.00

5

$36,650.00

$61,050.00

$97,700.00

6

$39,400.00

$65,600.00

$104,950.00

7

$42,100.00

$70,100.00

$112,200.00

8

$44,800.00

$74,650.00

$119,450.00



click here for complete listing of Section 8 staff