Finding affordable housing in California is one of the biggest challenges facing low-income families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities. The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program helps bridge the gap between what you can afford and what housing actually costs. Administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and managed locally by Public Housing Authorities (PHAs), this program pays a portion of your rent directly to your landlord while you cover the rest. If you are wondering how to apply for Section 8 in California, this guide walks you through every step of the process.
Not sure which benefits you qualify for? Try our free eligibility screener to check Section 8 and 10+ other assistance programs in minutes. You can also visit our California Benefits Overview for a full list of programs available in the state.
What Is Section 8 and How Does It Work?
Section 8, officially known as the Housing Choice Voucher Program, is a federal rental assistance program. Once approved, you receive a voucher that covers a portion of your monthly rent. You are responsible for paying roughly 30% of your adjusted monthly income toward rent, and the voucher covers the difference up to a local payment standard set by your PHA.
Key features of the program include:
- You choose your housing. Unlike public housing, Section 8 lets you rent from any private landlord who accepts vouchers.
- Portable vouchers. You can use your voucher in any county or state where a PHA administers the program.
- Income-based rent. Your share of rent is tied to your income, so if your earnings change, your payment adjusts accordingly.
In California, more than 100 local PHAs administer the Section 8 program, each with its own waiting list, application process, and timeline.
California Section 8 Income Limits
To qualify for Section 8 in California, your household income must fall below certain thresholds set by HUD each year. These limits vary by county and metropolitan area because they are based on the Area Median Income (AMI).
HUD defines three main income categories for the HCV program:
- Extremely Low Income: 30% of AMI (or the federal poverty level, whichever is higher)
- Very Low Income: 50% of AMI
- Low Income: 80% of AMI
By law, PHAs must provide at least 75% of new vouchers to families at or below 30% of AMI (extremely low income).
Sample Income Limits for Select California Counties (2025)
The table below shows approximate Very Low Income (50% AMI) limits, which is the standard eligibility ceiling for Section 8. These figures are updated annually by HUD, typically in the spring.
| County | 1 Person | 2 Persons | 3 Persons | 4 Persons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles | $39,550 | $45,200 | $50,850 | $56,500 |
| San Francisco | $55,500 | $63,400 | $71,350 | $79,250 |
| San Diego | $40,250 | $46,000 | $51,750 | $57,500 |
| Sacramento | $36,800 | $42,050 | $47,300 | $52,550 |
| Fresno | $27,650 | $31,600 | $35,550 | $39,500 |
| Riverside/San Bernardino | $30,550 | $34,900 | $39,250 | $43,600 |
Note: These figures are approximate and based on the most recently published HUD income limits. Check HUD's Income Limits page or contact your local PHA for the most current numbers for your area.
Because California has some of the highest housing costs in the nation, income limits in metro areas like San Francisco and Los Angeles tend to be significantly higher than in rural counties.
Step-by-Step: How to Apply for Section 8 in California
Step 1: Find Your Local Public Housing Authority
Section 8 applications are handled at the local level. You must apply through the PHA that serves the area where you want to live. California has more than 100 PHAs, including:
- Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA): hacla.org
- San Francisco Housing Authority (SFHA): sfha.org
- San Diego Housing Commission (SDHC): sdhc.org
- Sacramento Housing and Redevelopment Agency (SHRA): shra.org
To find your local PHA, visit HUD's PHA Contact Directory or call HUD at 1-800-955-2232.
Step 2: Check If the Waiting List Is Open
This is the most critical step. Most California PHAs have closed waiting lists due to overwhelming demand. Waiting lists may only open for a few days or weeks, sometimes just once every few years.
Tips for staying informed:
- Visit your PHA's website regularly for announcements
- Sign up for email or text alerts if available
- Call the PHA periodically to ask about upcoming openings
- Check affordablehousingonline.com for waiting list status updates
- Monitor GoSection8.com for listings and updates
Some PHAs use a lottery system when the waiting list opens, randomly selecting applicants rather than using a first-come, first-served approach.
Step 3: Submit Your Pre-Application
When a waiting list opens, you will typically need to submit a pre-application (sometimes called a preliminary application). This is usually a short form that collects basic information:
- Full legal names of all household members
- Date of birth and Social Security numbers
- Current address and contact information
- Total household income
- Whether any household members are elderly (62+) or have disabilities
Many California PHAs now accept online pre-applications. Some may also offer paper applications at their office or by mail.
Step 4: Wait for Your Name to Be Called
After submitting your pre-application, you are placed on the waiting list. Wait times in California vary dramatically:
- Shorter waits (1 to 3 years): Smaller or rural PHAs such as those in Fresno, Bakersfield, or Merced counties
- Longer waits (5 to 10+ years): Large metro areas like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego
While waiting, make sure to:
- Keep your contact information updated with the PHA. If they cannot reach you, you may lose your place.
- Respond promptly to any letters or notices from the PHA.
- Do not assume silence means removal. Contact the PHA if you have not heard from them in over a year.
Step 5: Complete the Full Application and Interview
When your name reaches the top of the list, the PHA will contact you to schedule an eligibility interview. At this stage, you will need to provide:
- Proof of identity: Government-issued photo ID for all adult household members
- Social Security cards for all household members (or proof of eligible immigration status)
- Birth certificates for all household members
- Income verification: Recent pay stubs, tax returns, Social Security award letters, pension statements, or a zero-income affidavit
- Asset information: Bank statements (checking and savings), retirement accounts
- Rental history: Names and addresses of previous landlords (typically the last 3 to 5 years)
- Background information: PHAs will conduct criminal background checks
Step 6: Receive Your Voucher and Find Housing
If approved, you will receive a Housing Choice Voucher. You then have a set amount of time (usually 60 to 120 days, with possible extensions) to find a qualifying rental unit. The unit must:
- Meet HUD's Housing Quality Standards (HQS)
- Have rent at or below the PHA's payment standard for your area
- Pass a PHA inspection before you move in
- Be owned by a landlord willing to participate in the program
Once you find a unit, the PHA inspects it, approves the lease, and begins making payments directly to the landlord.
Priority and Preference Categories
Many California PHAs give preference to certain applicants, which can move you higher on the waiting list. Common preferences include:
- Homeless individuals and families currently living in shelters or places not meant for human habitation
- Veterans and their families
- Elderly applicants (age 62 and older)
- People with disabilities
- Domestic violence survivors
- Families with children
- Residents of the PHA's jurisdiction
Each PHA sets its own preferences, so check with your local authority to see which ones apply.
Tips for a Successful Section 8 Application in California
- Apply to multiple PHAs. You are not limited to one. Apply wherever waiting lists are open, even in nearby counties.
- Apply for related programs. Look into Project-Based Vouchers, VASH vouchers (for veterans), and state or local rental assistance programs.
- Keep meticulous records. Save copies of everything you submit and every notice you receive.
- Stay in contact. Update your PHA immediately if you move, change your phone number, or your household size changes.
- Be honest on your application. Providing false information is grounds for denial and can result in a permanent ban from the program.
- Check your eligibility for other programs. While waiting for Section 8, you may qualify for CalFresh, Medi-Cal, LIHEAP, or other assistance. Use our free benefits screener to find out.
What Happens If You Are Denied?
If your Section 8 application is denied, the PHA must provide a written explanation and inform you of your right to an informal hearing. Common reasons for denial include:
- Income exceeds the limit
- Negative rental history (evictions, owing rent to a previous landlord)
- Criminal background issues
- Failure to provide required documentation
- Outstanding debt to a PHA
You have the right to appeal the decision. At the hearing, you can present evidence, bring witnesses, and explain any mitigating circumstances. Consider reaching out to a local legal aid organization for assistance with your appeal.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Section 8 waiting list in California?
Wait times vary significantly by location. In major metro areas like Los Angeles and San Francisco, waits can exceed 8 to 10 years. Smaller or rural areas may have waits of 1 to 3 years. Some PHAs close their lists entirely for years at a time.
Can I apply for Section 8 online in California?
Many California PHAs now accept online pre-applications when their waiting lists are open. Check your local PHA's website for the most current application method.
Do I need to be a U.S. citizen to qualify for Section 8?
At least one household member must be a U.S. citizen or have eligible immigration status. Mixed-status families may receive prorated assistance based on the number of eligible members.
Can I use my California Section 8 voucher in another state?
Yes. Housing Choice Vouchers are portable. After your initial lease period (usually one year), you can request to transfer your voucher to another PHA's jurisdiction, including out of state.
What is the maximum rent Section 8 will pay in California?
The maximum rent depends on the PHA's payment standard, which is based on HUD's Fair Market Rents (FMR) for your area. For example, the FY2025 FMR for a two-bedroom apartment ranges from roughly $1,100 in some rural areas to over $3,000 in the San Francisco metro area.
Can I be on multiple Section 8 waiting lists?
Yes. You can apply to as many PHAs as you want. This is actually recommended to improve your chances of receiving a voucher sooner.
Does Section 8 cover utilities?
Section 8 includes a utility allowance. If you pay your own utilities, the PHA adjusts your rent portion downward to account for estimated utility costs.
Other Housing Resources in California
While waiting for Section 8, explore these additional resources:
- CalWORKs Housing Support Program: Provides housing assistance to CalWORKs recipients
- BenefitsCal: Apply for multiple California benefits at benefitscal.com
- 211 California: Dial 2-1-1 for referrals to local housing assistance, food banks, and other services
- HUD Counseling Agencies: Free housing counseling available at hud.gov/counseling
Do not forget to check your eligibility for all available programs using our free benefits screener. Many families who qualify for Section 8 also qualify for CalFresh, Medi-Cal, LIHEAP, and other programs that can significantly reduce your monthly expenses.
For a complete look at all benefits available in the state, visit our California Benefits Overview.
