If you are struggling to afford rent in Virginia, the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program could help. This federally funded program pays a portion of your rent directly to your landlord, making it possible for low-income families, seniors, and people with disabilities to live in safe, decent housing in the private market. Virginia has dozens of local housing authorities that manage the program, and each one handles its own applications and waiting lists.
This guide walks you through every step of the process, from checking your eligibility to receiving your voucher and finding a home.
What Is Section 8 in Virginia?
Section 8, officially called the Housing Choice Voucher Program, is run by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). In Virginia, the program is administered at the local level by public housing authorities (PHAs) and coordinated statewide by Virginia Housing.
Here is how it works:
- You apply through your local housing authority and get placed on a waiting list.
- When your name comes up, the housing authority verifies your income and eligibility.
- If approved, you receive a voucher that covers a portion of your rent.
- You find a rental unit (house, apartment, townhouse, or mobile home) that meets HUD quality standards.
- You pay roughly 30% of your adjusted monthly income toward rent, and the voucher covers the rest up to a set limit called the payment standard.
The payment standard is based on Fair Market Rents (FMRs) published by HUD each year for your area. In Virginia, the average FMR for a two-bedroom unit is approximately $1,059 per month, but this varies widely by location. In the Washington, D.C. suburbs (Arlington, Fairfax), FMRs can exceed $2,300 for a two-bedroom, while in more rural areas like Alleghany County, they may be closer to $850.
Who Is Eligible for Section 8 in Virginia?
To qualify for the Housing Choice Voucher Program in Virginia, you must meet several requirements.
Income Requirements
Your total household income must fall below the income limits set by HUD for your area. HUD defines three income tiers:
- Extremely Low Income (ELI): At or below 30% of the Area Median Income (AMI)
- Very Low Income (VLI): At or below 50% of AMI
- Low Income (LI): At or below 80% of AMI
Most Section 8 vouchers go to households at or below the very low income level (50% AMI). By law, at least 75% of new vouchers issued by each housing authority must go to extremely low income households.
The table below shows the current HUD statewide income limits for Virginia. Keep in mind that limits in specific metro areas like Richmond, Virginia Beach, or Northern Virginia may be higher due to higher local median incomes. Contact your local housing authority or check HUD's income limits page for your exact area.
Virginia Statewide Section 8 Income Limits (HUD FY 2025)
| Household Size | Extremely Low Income (30% AMI) | Very Low Income (50% AMI) | Low Income (80% AMI) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $25,000 | $41,600 | $66,550 |
| 2 Person | $28,550 | $47,550 | $76,050 |
| 3 Person | $32,100 | $53,500 | $85,550 |
| 4 Person | $35,650 | $59,400 | $95,050 |
| 5 Person | $38,550 | $64,200 | $102,700 |
| 6 Person | $41,400 | $68,950 | $110,300 |
| 7 Person | $44,250 | $73,700 | $117,900 |
| 8 Person | $47,100 | $78,450 | $125,500 |
Source: HUD FY 2025 Income Limits. Virginia statewide median family income: $118,800. Limits are updated annually, typically in the spring. Check with your local housing authority for the most current figures.
Income limits vary by metro area. For example, in the Washington, D.C. metro area (which includes Northern Virginia), the very low income limit for a family of four may be significantly higher than the statewide figure because the local median income is higher.
Other Eligibility Requirements
Beyond income, you must also meet these criteria:
- Citizenship: At least one member of your household must be a U.S. citizen or have eligible immigration status.
- Background check: Housing authorities conduct criminal background checks. Convictions involving violence, sexual offenses, or drug-related crimes (particularly methamphetamine production) may disqualify you. Each housing authority has its own screening policies.
- Rental history: A history of evictions or owing money to a previous housing authority can affect your eligibility.
- Child support: You may need to be current on child support payments.
Priority Categories
Because demand far exceeds supply, many housing authorities give preference to certain groups when selecting applicants from the waiting list. Common preference categories in Virginia include:
- Families with extremely low incomes
- Elderly individuals (age 62 and older)
- People with disabilities
- Families experiencing homelessness
- Veterans
- Victims of domestic violence
- Families displaced by natural disasters or government action
Check with your local housing authority to find out which preferences apply in your area.
Step-by-Step: How to Apply for Section 8 in Virginia
Step 1: Find Your Local Housing Authority
Virginia has more than 30 local housing authorities and agencies that administer the HCV program. Your first step is to identify the housing authority that serves your area. Here are some of the largest:
- Virginia Housing (statewide, partners with local agencies): virginiahousing.com
- Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority (RRHA): rrha.com
- Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority (NRHA): nrha.us
- Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority (ARHA): arha.us
- Fairfax County Housing and Community Development: fairfaxcounty.gov/housing
- Hampton Redevelopment and Housing Authority: hamptonrha.com
You can also search for your local PHA on the HUD PHA Contact Directory or find Virginia Housing administrators at virginiahousing.com/partners/housing-choice-vouchers/administrators-in-virginia.
Step 2: Check if the Waiting List Is Open
This is the most important step, and the one that frustrates many applicants. Section 8 waiting lists in Virginia open and close on the housing authority's schedule, and many lists remain closed for months or even years at a time due to high demand.
When a waiting list opens, the housing authority will typically announce it through:
- Their website
- Local newspapers
- The Virginia Housing website
- Sites like AffordableHousingOnline.com
Some housing authorities use a lottery system rather than first-come, first-served. In those cases, you submit your application during a set window, and selections are made randomly.
Tip: Apply to multiple housing authorities. You are not limited to just one. The more lists you are on, the better your chances of receiving a voucher.
Step 3: Gather Your Documents
Before you apply, collect the following documents for every member of your household:
- Identification: Driver's license, state ID, passport, or birth certificate
- Social Security cards for all household members
- Proof of citizenship or immigration status
- Income verification: Recent pay stubs (last 30 days), tax returns, Social Security benefit letters, pension statements, child support documentation, or a letter from your employer
- Bank statements (last 3 months for checking and savings accounts)
- Rental history: Names and contact information for current and previous landlords
- Proof of current address: Lease agreement or utility bill
- Disability documentation (if applicable): Letter from a doctor or Social Security disability award letter
Step 4: Submit Your Application
Most Virginia housing authorities now accept online applications. When a waiting list opens, visit the housing authority's website and follow the instructions. Some agencies also accept applications in person or by mail.
Fill out the application carefully and completely. Incomplete applications can be rejected or delayed. Double-check all information before submitting.
If you need help with the application, you can:
- Call the HUD hotline at (800) 569-4287 for referral to local assistance
- Visit a local community action agency
- Contact a HUD-approved housing counseling agency in Virginia
Step 5: Wait for Your Name to Be Called
After your application is accepted, you will be placed on the waiting list. Wait times in Virginia vary widely:
- In high-demand areas like Northern Virginia or Richmond, waits of 2 to 5 years (or longer) are common.
- In smaller cities and rural areas, wait times may be shorter, sometimes under a year.
During this time, keep your contact information up to date with the housing authority. If they cannot reach you when your name comes up, you may lose your place on the list.
Step 6: Attend the Eligibility Interview
When your name reaches the top of the list, the housing authority will contact you for an eligibility interview. You will need to provide updated documentation of your income, household composition, and other relevant information. The housing authority will verify everything and make a final determination.
Step 7: Receive Your Voucher and Find Housing
If you are approved, you will receive a Housing Choice Voucher. You then have a set period (usually 60 to 120 days, depending on the housing authority) to find a rental unit that:
- Meets HUD Housing Quality Standards (HQS) for safety and habitability
- Falls within the payment standard for your area
- Has a landlord willing to participate in the program
The housing authority will inspect the unit before you can move in. Once everything is approved, you sign your lease, and the housing authority begins making payments to your landlord on your behalf.
Tips for a Successful Application
- Apply early and often. Sign up for alerts from multiple housing authorities so you know the moment a waiting list opens.
- Keep copies of everything. Save copies of your application and all documents you submit.
- Respond quickly. When the housing authority contacts you, respond within the deadline. Missing a deadline can mean losing your spot.
- Update your information. If you move, change your phone number, or your income changes, notify every housing authority where you have an active application.
- Be honest. Providing false information on your application can result in permanent disqualification from the program.
Other Housing Assistance Programs in Virginia
If Section 8 waiting lists are closed or the wait is too long, consider these additional resources:
- Virginia Rent Relief Program: State-funded emergency rental assistance (when available)
- Public Housing: Some housing authorities operate public housing communities with shorter wait times
- Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) properties: Income-restricted apartments with below-market rents that do not require a voucher
- LIHEAP: The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program helps with heating and cooling costs. Check your eligibility
- SNAP and other benefits: You may qualify for food assistance, Medicaid, and other programs. Use our free benefits screener to find out what programs you are eligible for.
For a full overview of assistance programs available in the state, visit our Virginia Benefits Overview.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Section 8 waiting list in Virginia?
Wait times depend on your location and the housing authority. In high-demand areas like Northern Virginia, Richmond, and Hampton Roads, waits of 2 to 5 years are typical. Some smaller or rural housing authorities may have shorter waits. Applying to multiple housing authorities can improve your chances.
Can I apply for Section 8 in Virginia if I am currently homeless?
Yes. Many Virginia housing authorities give preference to individuals and families experiencing homelessness. Contact your local housing authority or call 211 to connect with emergency housing resources while you wait.
Do I have to live in Virginia to apply?
You generally need to apply through a housing authority in the area where you want to live. Some housing authorities require that you live or work in their service area at the time of application, while others do not. Once you have a voucher, you may be able to "port" it to a different area, including other states.
What happens if my income changes after I receive a voucher?
You are required to report any changes in income or household composition to your housing authority. Your rent portion will be recalculated based on the new information. If your income increases, your share of rent will go up. If it decreases, your share will go down.
Can I choose any apartment or house with a Section 8 voucher?
You can choose any rental unit that meets HUD Housing Quality Standards and where the landlord agrees to participate in the program. The rent must be reasonable compared to similar units in the area, and it must fall within the housing authority's payment standard for your voucher size.
How much rent will I pay with a Section 8 voucher?
You will typically pay about 30% of your adjusted monthly income toward rent. The voucher covers the difference between your payment and the approved rent amount, up to the payment standard for your area.
What if I get denied?
If your application is denied, the housing authority must provide a written explanation and inform you of your right to an informal hearing. Common reasons for denial include income above the limit, criminal history, or outstanding debt to a housing authority.
Check Your Eligibility for More Programs
Section 8 is just one of many assistance programs available to Virginia residents. You may also qualify for Medicaid, SNAP (food stamps), LIHEAP, WIC, and other programs that can reduce your monthly expenses and stretch your budget further.
Use our free benefits screener to check your eligibility for over 11 federal and state programs in just a few minutes. It is completely free, confidential, and takes less than 5 minutes.
