Section 8

What it means

A federal rental assistance program run locally by the housing authority. A qualifying household gets a voucher that pays most of the rent directly to the landlord. The household pays about 30% of its adjusted income toward rent — the voucher covers the difference up to a payment standard set by the housing authority. The voucher works at any rental that accepts it, not just public housing. The waitlist in Monroe County is long — often years. When the list opens, it is first-come first-served or by lottery. After a voucher is issued, the household has a set time (usually 60-120 days) to find a unit, or the voucher expires. The landlord must agree to participate and the unit must pass an inspection.

When you might hear this

You hear this when people talk about affordable housing. Section 8 is a federal program that gives vouchers to help low-income families pay rent. The family pays about 30% of their income toward rent; the voucher covers the rest.

What to ask