Section 8 Income Eligibility Calculator
Find out if your household income qualifies for Section 8 or Public Housing assistance based on HUD 2026 income limits.
3609 waiting lists are currently open. Check eligibility below, then apply.
Check Your Eligibility
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HUD 2026 Income Limits at a Glance
National baseline limits. Your area may have higher limits — check with your local PHA.
| Household Size | 30% AMI (Extremely Low) | 50% AMI (Very Low — Section 8) | 80% AMI (Low Income) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $16,950 | $28,250 | $45,200 |
| 2 people | $19,350 | $32,250 | $51,650 |
| 3 people | $21,800 | $36,300 | $58,100 |
| 4 people | $24,200 | $40,300 | $64,500 |
| 5 people | $26,150 | $43,550 | $69,700 |
| 6 people | $28,100 | $46,750 | $74,850 |
| 7 people | $30,000 | $50,000 | $80,050 |
| 8 people | $31,950 | $53,200 | $85,200 |
Source: HUD FY2024 Income Limits. National non-metro baseline figures. Metro area limits are often significantly higher.
Frequently Asked Questions
HUD sets income limits annually based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for each metropolitan area and county. Most Section 8 programs require income at or below 50% of AMI (called "Very Low Income"). HUD prioritizes 75% of vouchers for households at or below 30% of AMI (called "Extremely Low Income").
Gross annual household income typically includes: wages and salaries from all working household members, Social Security and SSI payments, pension and retirement income, alimony and child support received, and unemployment compensation. It generally does not include one-time lump-sum payments. Some deductions (medical expenses, childcare, disability costs) can reduce your "adjusted income," which may further help eligibility.
HUD adjusts income limits based on the cost of living in each area. A household earning $50,000 in rural Mississippi is in a very different financial position than one earning the same in San Francisco. This is why the calculator above uses national baseline limits — your local PHA may have higher limits if you live in a high-cost metro area.
A few options: (1) Some deductions reduce your "adjusted income" below your gross income — medical expenses over 3% of gross income, childcare costs, and disability-related expenses can all help. (2) Income limits are updated annually and may increase. (3) Some PHAs operate programs with higher income thresholds. Always contact your local PHA directly — they can assess your full situation.
Check which housing authorities near you have open waiting lists, then submit an application. Applying to multiple housing authorities increases your chances. Our open waiting lists page shows which PHAs are currently accepting applications.
Next Steps
Last updated: 2026-06-15