Finding affordable housing in West Virginia can be a real challenge, especially if your household income is limited. The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program is a federally funded program that helps low-income families, elderly individuals, and people with disabilities afford safe, decent housing in the private rental market. If you live in West Virginia and need help covering rent, this guide walks you through every step of the application process, from checking your eligibility to getting a voucher and finding a home.
Not sure what benefits you qualify for? Use our free benefits screener to check your eligibility for Section 8 and other programs in minutes.
What Is Section 8 and How Does It Work in West Virginia?
Section 8, officially called the Housing Choice Voucher Program, is administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). In West Virginia, the program is managed at the local level by Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) spread across the state. The West Virginia Housing Development Fund (WVHDF) also plays a role in contract administration for project-based Section 8 units.
Here is how the program works:
- You apply to your local PHA and get placed on a waiting list.
- When your name comes up, the PHA verifies your eligibility and issues a voucher.
- You find a rental unit in the private market that meets HUD quality standards.
- The PHA pays a portion of your rent directly to the landlord.
- You pay the remaining share, typically around 30% of your adjusted monthly income.
The voucher is "portable," meaning you can use it at any rental property where the landlord accepts Section 8, as long as the unit passes a housing quality inspection.
Who Is Eligible for Section 8 in West Virginia?
To qualify for the Housing Choice Voucher Program in West Virginia, you must meet several requirements set by HUD and your local PHA.
Income Requirements
Your household income must fall at or below 50% of the Area Median Income (AMI) for the county where you are applying. HUD requires that at least 75% of new voucher admissions go to families earning at or below 30% of AMI (classified as "extremely low income").
Income limits vary by county and metro area. The following table shows FY2025 Section 8 income limits for nonmetropolitan areas of West Virginia, as published by the WVHDF. If you live in a metro area like Charleston, Huntington, or Morgantown, your local limits may differ.
FY2025 Section 8 Income Limits (West Virginia Nonmetro Areas)
| Household Size | Extremely Low Income (30% AMI) | Very Low Income (50% AMI) | Low Income (80% AMI) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $15,650 | $25,350 | $40,550 |
| 2 | $21,150 | $29,000 | $46,350 |
| 3 | $26,650 | $32,600 | $52,150 |
| 4 | $32,150 | $36,200 | $57,900 |
| 5 | $37,650 | $39,100 | $62,550 |
| 6 | $42,000 | $42,000 | $67,200 |
| 7 | $44,900 | $44,900 | $71,800 |
| 8 | $47,800 | $47,800 | $76,450 |
Source: WVHDF FY2025 Section 8 Income Limits, effective April 1, 2025. Limits vary by county. Check with your local PHA for your specific area.
To qualify for a voucher, your income generally must be at or below the "Very Low Income" column. Families at the "Extremely Low Income" level receive priority for most new admissions.
Other Eligibility Requirements
Beyond income, you must also meet these criteria:
- Citizenship or immigration status: You must be a U.S. citizen or have eligible immigration status. At least one household member must have eligible status.
- Background check: All adult household members are subject to criminal background screening. Certain convictions, particularly for drug-related offenses or violent crimes, may disqualify applicants.
- Household composition: You will need to document everyone living in your household, including their ages and relationships.
- Rental history: Some PHAs review your previous rental history for evictions or lease violations.
Step-by-Step: How to Apply for Section 8 in West Virginia
Step 1: Find Your Local Public Housing Authority
West Virginia has roughly 34 housing authorities that administer voucher programs. Your first step is identifying the PHA that serves your area. You can:
- Visit the HUD website at hud.gov/states/west-virginia for a list of West Virginia PHAs
- Call HUD's general information line at (800) 955-2232
- Contact the West Virginia Housing Development Fund (WVHDF) at wvhdf.com
Some of the larger PHAs in West Virginia include:
- Charleston-Kanawha Housing Authority (CKHA): Serves the Charleston metro area. Phone: (304) 348-6451
- Huntington West Virginia Housing Authority: Serves the Huntington area
- Fairmont-Morgantown Housing Authority: Serves the north-central region
- Wheeling Housing Authority: Serves the Northern Panhandle area
- Southern West Virginia Housing Authority: Serves several southern counties
Step 2: Check If the Waiting List Is Open
This is critical. Most PHAs in West Virginia do not accept applications year-round. Instead, they open their waiting lists for a limited window, sometimes just a few days or weeks, then close them once they receive enough applications.
To stay informed:
- Check your local PHA website regularly for announcements
- Call the PHA office to ask when the list is expected to open
- Monitor sites like affordablehousingonline.com that track open waiting lists across the state
- Watch for notices in local newspapers, as PHAs are required to advertise open enrollment periods
When the waiting list opens, apply as soon as possible. Spots fill up fast.
Step 3: Complete and Submit Your Application
When the waiting list is open, you can apply. Many West Virginia PHAs now offer online applications, though some still require paper forms submitted in person or by mail.
The application will ask for:
- Names, dates of birth, and Social Security numbers for every household member
- Your current address and contact information
- Employment and income details for all adults in the household
- Information about your current housing situation
- Any preferences you may qualify for (disability, veteran status, elderly, homeless, etc.)
For example, the Charleston-Kanawha Housing Authority accepts online pre-applications through their website at ckha.com, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Step 4: Gather Your Documents
When your name comes up on the waiting list, the PHA will contact you for an eligibility interview. At that point, you will need to provide documentation. Start gathering these items early:
- Proof of identity: Government-issued photo ID, birth certificates for all household members
- Social Security cards: For every person in the household
- Proof of income: Recent pay stubs (at least 4 weeks), tax returns, Social Security or SSI award letters, pension statements, child support documentation, or a zero-income affidavit if you have no income
- Proof of citizenship or eligible immigration status: Birth certificate, U.S. passport, or immigration documents
- Verification of household composition: Documents showing who lives with you
- Rental history: Names and contact information for previous landlords (typically the last 3 to 5 years)
- Bank statements: Recent statements for checking and savings accounts
Step 5: Wait on the Waiting List
After you submit your application, you will be placed on a waiting list. Wait times in West Virginia vary widely depending on the PHA and the demand in your area. Some families wait several months; others may wait two years or longer.
During this time:
- Keep your contact information updated. If the PHA cannot reach you when your name comes up, you may lose your spot.
- Respond to all correspondence promptly. Many PHAs require you to update your application every 6 to 12 months.
- Apply to multiple PHAs. You are allowed to be on more than one waiting list at the same time.
Step 6: Attend Your Eligibility Interview
When your name reaches the top of the list, the PHA will schedule an interview. During this meeting, a caseworker will:
- Review your application and supporting documents
- Verify your income and household composition through HUD's Enterprise Income Verification (EIV) system
- Conduct background checks
- Explain the program rules and your responsibilities as a voucher holder
Step 7: Receive Your Voucher and Find Housing
If you are approved, the PHA will issue your Housing Choice Voucher. You then have a set period (usually 60 to 120 days, depending on the PHA) to find a rental unit that:
- Meets HUD Housing Quality Standards (HQS)
- Has a landlord willing to participate in the program
- Falls within the payment standard for your area
The PHA will inspect the unit before approving the lease. Once everything checks out, the PHA, the landlord, and you sign a Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) contract, and rental payments begin.
How Much Will You Pay with a Section 8 Voucher?
Section 8 participants typically pay about 30% of their adjusted monthly income toward rent. The PHA covers the rest, up to the local payment standard.
Fair Market Rents (FMRs) in West Virginia vary by county and bedroom size. For reference, HUD FY2025 FMR data shows that the statewide average for a two-bedroom unit is approximately $927 per month. In the Charleston metro area, the two-bedroom FMR is higher, around $1,050.
If you choose a unit with rent above the payment standard, you can still rent it, but your share of the rent increases. However, your total rent payment at the time of lease signing cannot exceed 40% of your adjusted monthly income.
Tips for a Successful Section 8 Application
- Apply to multiple housing authorities. You are not limited to one. Cast a wide net across different counties.
- Check waiting list status regularly. Lists open and close without much notice. Being ready to apply immediately gives you the best chance.
- Keep every document organized. Having your paperwork ready speeds up the process when your name is called.
- Be honest on your application. Any false information can result in denial or termination from the program.
- Look into local preferences. Many PHAs give priority to certain groups, including veterans, families experiencing homelessness, domestic violence survivors, the elderly, and people with disabilities. Ask your PHA about their specific preference categories.
- Consider project-based vouchers. Some housing developments in West Virginia have Section 8 assistance tied to specific units. These may have shorter wait times than tenant-based vouchers.
Other Housing Assistance Programs in West Virginia
While waiting for Section 8, you may qualify for other forms of help:
- Public Housing: HUD-funded apartments managed by local housing authorities with rent based on income
- WVHDF Programs: The West Virginia Housing Development Fund offers homeownership assistance and down payment programs
- LIHEAP/LIEAP: The Low Income Energy Assistance Program helps with heating and cooling costs. Apply through WV PATH
- Emergency Rental Assistance: Local Community Action Agencies may offer short-term rental help
Check out our West Virginia Benefits Overview for a complete list of programs available in the state, or use our free screener to see what you qualify for.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Section 8 waiting list in West Virginia?
Wait times depend on the housing authority and local demand. Some PHAs have waits of several months, while others may take two or more years. Applying to multiple housing authorities can help reduce your overall wait time.
Can I apply for Section 8 online in West Virginia?
Many West Virginia housing authorities now accept online applications. For example, the Charleston-Kanawha Housing Authority has an online pre-application portal available around the clock. Check with your specific PHA to see if they offer online applications.
What happens if I miss a waiting list update request?
Most PHAs require you to update your application every 6 to 12 months. If you do not respond, your application may be removed from the waiting list. Always keep your contact information current and respond to any mail or calls from the PHA promptly.
Can I transfer my Section 8 voucher to another state?
Yes. Housing Choice Vouchers are portable. After your initial lease period (usually one year), you can request to transfer, or "port," your voucher to another PHA in a different city or state.
What if my income changes after I receive a voucher?
You are required to report any changes in income or household composition to your PHA. If your income goes up, your share of the rent may increase. If your income decreases, your portion may go down. The PHA conducts annual re-examinations to adjust your payment.
Can I be denied Section 8 for a criminal record?
Certain criminal histories can disqualify you. PHAs are required to deny applicants who are registered sex offenders or who have been convicted of manufacturing methamphetamine in federally assisted housing. Other criminal activity may be grounds for denial at the PHA's discretion. If you are denied, you have the right to request an informal hearing.
How many housing authorities are in West Virginia?
West Virginia has approximately 34 housing authorities that administer voucher programs, serving roughly 188,000 renter households across the state.
Get Started Today
Applying for Section 8 in West Virginia takes patience, but the financial relief it provides is substantial. Start by identifying your local PHA, checking whether the waiting list is open, and getting your documents in order. The sooner you get on a waiting list, the sooner you can receive assistance.
Use our free benefits screener to check if you qualify for Section 8 and other assistance programs in West Virginia. It takes just a few minutes and could connect you with thousands of dollars in annual benefits.
