Finding affordable housing in Vermont can be a real challenge. Rent prices have climbed steadily across the state, from Burlington to Brattleboro, and many families are spending well over 30% of their income just to keep a roof overhead. The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program helps bridge that gap by covering a portion of your rent so you can afford safe, decent housing in the private market.
In Vermont, Section 8 is primarily administered by the Vermont State Housing Authority (VSHA), which operates statewide. A few local housing authorities, including the Burlington Housing Authority and the Brattleboro Housing Authority, also run their own voucher programs. This guide walks you through everything you need to know about applying, from eligibility requirements to what happens after you submit your application.
Not sure if you qualify for Section 8 or other assistance programs? Check your eligibility for multiple benefits in minutes.
What Is Section 8 and How Does It Work in Vermont?
Section 8, officially called the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program, is a federal rental assistance program funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The program helps low-income families, elderly individuals, and people with disabilities afford housing in the private rental market.
Here is how it works in practice:
- You apply and get placed on a waiting list
- When your name reaches the top, VSHA determines your final eligibility
- If approved, you receive a voucher specifying your bedroom size and subsidy amount
- You find a rental unit that meets housing quality standards
- VSHA pays a portion of your rent directly to the landlord
- You pay roughly 30% of your adjusted monthly income toward rent
The voucher is portable, meaning you can use it anywhere in Vermont where VSHA operates. You are not locked into a specific building or neighborhood.
Who Is Eligible for Section 8 in Vermont?
To qualify for the Housing Choice Voucher program in Vermont, you must meet several requirements:
Income Requirements
Your household income must fall below 50% of the Area Median Income (AMI) for your county and household size. HUD sets these limits each year, and they vary by location across Vermont. By law, housing authorities must also ensure that at least 75% of new admissions go to extremely low-income families (those earning 30% of AMI or less).
Other Eligibility Factors
- You must be a U.S. citizen or have eligible immigration status
- You must pass a background screening
- Your household must meet the definition of a "family" under HUD guidelines (this includes single individuals, elderly persons, and disabled persons living alone)
Vermont Section 8 Income Limits
Income limits are updated annually by HUD and vary by county. Below are the FY 2025 income limits for the Burlington-South Burlington metro area as a reference point. Your local limits may differ.
Burlington-South Burlington MSA (FY 2025)
| Household Size | Extremely Low Income (30% AMI) | Very Low Income (50% AMI) | Low Income (80% AMI) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $27,300 | $45,450 | $72,700 |
| 2 | $31,200 | $51,950 | $83,100 |
| 3 | $35,100 | $58,450 | $93,500 |
| 4 | $38,950 | $64,900 | $103,850 |
| 5 | $42,100 | $70,100 | $112,200 |
| 6 | $45,200 | $75,300 | $120,500 |
| 7 | $48,650 | $80,500 | $128,800 |
| 8 | $54,150 | $85,700 | $137,100 |
Source: HUD FY 2025 Income Limits. The "Very Low Income" column (50% AMI) is the standard cutoff for Section 8 eligibility. Limits for other Vermont counties may be lower. Check with VSHA or visit HUD's income limits page for your specific area.
These figures are based on an area median income of $130,400 for a household of four in the Burlington metro area. Rural parts of Vermont typically have lower median incomes and correspondingly lower income thresholds.
How to Apply: Step by Step
Step 1: Check Whether the Waiting List Is Open
This is the most important first step. VSHA's Housing Choice Voucher waiting list opens and closes periodically based on funding availability. The waiting list most recently closed on January 31, 2025. When the list is closed, VSHA does not accept new applications.
To find out if the waiting list is currently open:
- Visit vsha.org for official announcements
- Call VSHA at (802) 828-1991
- Check vermont.affordablehousing.com for updates
You should also check with local housing authorities like the Burlington Housing Authority at (802) 658-1286, as they may have separate waiting lists with different open periods.
Step 2: Create an Account on AffordableHousing.com
VSHA has partnered with AffordableHousing.com to handle the application process. When the waiting list is open:
- Go to vermont.affordablehousing.com
- Create an account with your email address
- Click "Apply Now"
- Complete the pre-application form with your household information
You will receive an email confirmation once your application is submitted.
Step 3: Submit a Paper Application (Alternative)
If you prefer not to apply online, you can request a paper application:
- Download the pre-application form from vsha.org
- Or call (888) 406-4003 to have one mailed to you
Return the completed form by:
- Email: vermont@affordablehousing.com
- Fax: (561) 416-9848
- Mail: VSHA, Section 8 Intake, 1 Prospect Street, Montpelier, VT 05602
Step 4: Wait for Your Turn on the List
After applying, you are placed on the waiting list. Wait times in Vermont can range from several months to several years, depending on funding and demand. VSHA does not disclose your position number on the list, but you can call (888) 406-4003 to check your general status.
Keep your application updated. If your address, phone number, income, or household size changes, log into your AffordableHousing.com account and update your information. VSHA periodically sends update requests to applicants who have not updated in over a year. Failing to respond to these requests could result in removal from the waiting list.
Step 5: Complete the Eligibility Review
When you reach the top of the list, VSHA will contact you to complete a full eligibility determination. 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
- Birth certificates for all household members
- Proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, benefit award letters, Social Security statements)
- Bank statements (checking and savings accounts)
- Proof of Vermont residency
- Landlord references or rental history
- Documentation of any disability (if applicable, for preference consideration)
Step 6: Attend a Briefing and Receive Your Voucher
If you are approved, VSHA will schedule a briefing session where they explain:
- Your rights and responsibilities as a voucher holder
- The bedroom size your family qualifies for
- How to search for housing
- Rent limits and payment standards for your area
- Housing quality standards that units must meet
You will receive your voucher at this briefing along with a timeframe to find suitable housing.
Step 7: Find a Rental Unit
With voucher in hand, you search for a rental unit in the private market. The unit must:
- Meet HUD Housing Quality Standards (HQS)
- Have rent within the payment standard for your area
- Pass a VSHA inspection before you move in
Your VSHA Field Representative will inspect the unit to make sure it is safe and meets program requirements. Once the unit passes inspection and the landlord agrees to participate, your lease begins and VSHA starts paying the subsidy directly to your landlord.
Tips for a Successful Application
Apply to multiple housing authorities. Besides VSHA, check whether the Burlington Housing Authority, Brattleboro Housing Authority, or other local agencies have open waiting lists. You can be on more than one list at a time.
Respond promptly to all correspondence. Missing a deadline or failing to respond to a letter from VSHA can get you removed from the waiting list. Keep your contact information current.
Gather documents early. Start collecting proof of income, identity documents, and bank statements well before you reach the top of the list. Having everything ready speeds up the process.
Look into preferences. VSHA may give priority to certain applicants, such as veterans, people experiencing homelessness, or households with a member who has a disability. Ask about local preferences when you apply.
Consider Project-Based Vouchers. Unlike the standard Housing Choice Voucher, Project-Based Vouchers are tied to specific properties. These may have shorter wait times since eligibility is property-specific. Check VSHA's website for available project-based units.
Other Housing Assistance in Vermont
If the Section 8 waiting list is closed or the wait is too long, Vermont offers several other housing resources:
- Emergency Housing: Call the Vermont Emergency Housing line at 1-800-775-0506 if you are currently homeless or at risk of homelessness
- Seasonal Fuel Assistance (LIHEAP): Helps pay heating bills for households earning up to 185% of the Federal Poverty Level. Apply through myBenefits
- Emergency General Assistance: Short-term help with rent, utilities, and other basic needs through your local DCF district office
- Public Housing: Government-owned affordable rental units managed by local housing authorities
- Vermont Rental Subsidy Program: A state-funded program that may provide rental assistance outside of the federal Section 8 program
For a complete overview of programs available in your state, visit our Vermont Benefits Overview page.
You can also use our free screening tool to check your eligibility for housing assistance, SNAP (3SquaresVT), Medicaid, heating assistance, and other programs all at once.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Section 8 waiting list in Vermont?
Wait times vary significantly depending on demand and available funding. It is common for applicants to wait one to three years or even longer. VSHA does not provide specific position numbers, but you can call (888) 406-4003 to check your status.
Can I use my Vermont Section 8 voucher in another state?
Yes. Housing Choice Vouchers are portable through a process called "portability." After your initial lease period in Vermont, you can request to transfer your voucher to another state. You will need to work with both VSHA and the receiving housing authority to complete the transfer.
Is the Vermont Section 8 waiting list open right now?
The VSHA Housing Choice Voucher waiting list most recently closed on January 31, 2025. Waiting list openings are announced on the VSHA website at vsha.org. Check back regularly, as lists can reopen without much advance notice.
What happens if I am denied?
If VSHA determines you are not eligible, you will receive a written notice explaining the reason. You have the right to request an informal hearing to appeal the decision. The notice will include instructions on how to request a hearing and the deadline for doing so.
How much rent will I pay with a Section 8 voucher?
Generally, you will pay approximately 30% of your adjusted monthly income toward rent. VSHA pays the difference between your portion and the approved rent amount, up to the payment standard for your area. If you choose a unit with rent above the payment standard, you may pay more out of pocket.
Can I apply for Section 8 if I am currently living in Vermont but not a U.S. citizen?
You must have eligible immigration status to receive Section 8 assistance. At least one member of your household must be a U.S. citizen or have eligible immigration status. Households with mixed immigration status may receive prorated assistance. Contact VSHA for more details about your specific situation.
What is the difference between a Housing Choice Voucher and a Project-Based Voucher?
A Housing Choice Voucher lets you choose any qualifying rental unit in the private market. A Project-Based Voucher is attached to a specific property, meaning the subsidy stays with the unit, not with you. If you leave a project-based unit, you do not take the subsidy with you and would need to reapply for a different program.
Key Contacts
| Agency | Phone | Website |
|---|---|---|
| Vermont State Housing Authority (VSHA) | (802) 828-1991 | vsha.org |
| AffordableHousing.com (Applications) | (888) 406-4003 | vermont.affordablehousing.com |
| Burlington Housing Authority | (802) 658-1286 | burlingtonhousing.org |
| Brattleboro Housing Authority | (802) 254-6071 | Contact by phone |
| Vermont Emergency Housing Line | 1-800-775-0506 | dcf.vermont.gov |
Start Checking Your Eligibility Today
Even if the Section 8 waiting list is currently closed, you may qualify for other programs that can help reduce your housing costs, lower your grocery bills, or cover heating expenses. Vermont offers a wide range of assistance programs, and many families qualify for benefits they do not even know about.
Check what benefits you qualify for with our free screening tool. It takes just a few minutes and covers Section 8, 3SquaresVT, Medicaid, fuel assistance, and more.
