North Carolina's Section 8 program, officially known as the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program, helps low-income renters pay for safe, private-market housing. The federal program is administered locally by Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) throughout the state, from the Charlotte Housing Authority in the largest metro area to rural PHAs serving smaller counties. In 2026, eligibility is based on your household income relative to your area's median income, citizenship or eligible immigration status, and background history.
What Is North Carolina Section 8?
The Housing Choice Voucher Program is funded by HUD and administered at the local level by more than 60 PHAs across North Carolina. Key housing authorities include the Charlotte Housing Authority, Housing Authority of the City of Raleigh, Greensboro Housing Authority, Durham Housing Authority, and Winston-Salem Housing Authority.
When you receive a voucher, HUD subsidizes the difference between 30% of your adjusted monthly income and the local payment standard for your unit size. You find your own rental in the private market, the housing authority inspects it, and assistance begins once the unit passes and you sign a lease.
North Carolina Section 8 Eligibility Requirements 2026
1. Income Limits
Your household income must fall below 50% of the AMI for your county or metro area. HUD requires that at least 75% of new voucher holders fall at or below 30% AMI (Extremely Low Income), so that group receives priority.
Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia Metro: Very Low Income (50% AMI)
| Household Size | Annual Income Limit |
|---|
| 1 person | $38,250 |
| 2 persons | $43,700 |
| 3 persons | $49,150 |
| 4 persons | $54,600 |
| 5 persons | $59,000 |
| 6 persons | $63,350 |
| 7 persons | $67,700 |
| 8 persons | $72,050 |
Charlotte Metro: Extremely Low Income (30% AMI, Priority Tier)
| Household Size | Annual Income Limit |
|---|
| 1 person | $22,950 |
| 2 persons | $26,200 |
| 3 persons | $29,500 |
| 4 persons | $32,750 |
| 5 persons | $35,400 |
| 6 persons | $38,000 |
| 7 persons | $40,600 |
| 8 persons | $43,250 |
Raleigh-Cary Metro Area: Very Low Income (50% AMI)
| Household Size | Annual Income Limit |
|---|
| 1 person | $43,100 |
| 2 persons | $49,250 |
| 3 persons | $55,400 |
| 4 persons | $61,550 |
| 5 persons | $66,500 |
| 6 persons | $71,400 |
| 7 persons | $76,300 |
| 8 persons | $81,200 |
These figures are based on HUD FY2025 data. Rural counties have lower limits. Verify current figures with your local housing authority.
2. Citizenship and Immigration Status
At least one household member must be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen (lawful permanent resident, refugee, asylee). Mixed-status households can apply; assistance covers only eligible members.
3. Social Security Numbers
All citizens and eligible non-citizens must provide a Social Security Number. Undocumented members do not disqualify the household.
4. Background Screening
PHAs conduct background checks on adult applicants. Mandatory bars include lifetime sex offender registration and meth production convictions in federally assisted housing. Other criminal history is reviewed case by case.
5. Eviction History
Eviction from federally assisted housing for drug-related activity within three years is generally disqualifying unless the responsible person no longer lives in the household.
Priority Groups in North Carolina
When demand exceeds vouchers, housing authorities apply preferences:
- Extremely Low Income (30% AMI or below)
- Homeless or at risk of homelessness
- Survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking (VAWA protections apply)
- Displaced by natural disaster, fire, or government action
- Elderly (62 or older) or disabled households
- Veterans and surviving family members
North Carolina is frequently affected by hurricanes and floods, and many PHAs add disaster displacement as a local preference.
How to Apply for Section 8 in North Carolina
Step 1: Find an Open Waiting List
Most North Carolina PHAs have waiting lists that are frequently closed. Check:
- Charlotte Housing Authority: charlottehousing.org
- Housing Authority of the City of Raleigh: rhaonline.com
- Greensboro Housing Authority: greensboroha.com
- Durham Housing Authority: durhamhousingauthority.org
- Winston-Salem Housing Authority: wshousing.com
- AffordableHousingOnline.com: Tracks open waiting lists statewide
Apply to multiple housing authorities simultaneously to maximize your chances.
Step 2: Submit Your Application
When a list opens, apply quickly. You will need legal names, dates of birth, and SSNs for all household members, current contact information, and income documentation for all adults. Applications are always free.
Step 3: Track Your Application
Save your confirmation number and monitor your position on the list. Respond immediately to any correspondence from the housing authority.
Step 4: Attend Your Eligibility Interview
When your name comes up, bring photo ID for all adults, birth certificates and SSN cards for all household members, 12 months of income documentation, and any documentation supporting a local preference.
Step 5: Find a Qualifying Unit and Sign Your Lease
After approval, you have 60 to 120 days to find an eligible rental that passes an HQS inspection. Your rent portion is 30% of adjusted income; the voucher covers the rest up to the payment standard.
Wait Times and Other Options
Wait times in Charlotte and Raleigh typically run two to five years. Smaller cities may be shorter. If the wait is too long, consider:
- NCHFA Rental Assistance: nchfa.com
- Public Housing: Apply directly at your local PHA
- Project-Based Section 8: Attached to specific properties
- LIHTC Apartments: Income-restricted below-market rentals
Use the Benefits Navigator screener at /screener to check all programs available to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Section 8 income limits in North Carolina for 2026?
In Charlotte, the 50% AMI limit is $38,250 for one person and $54,600 for four people. In Raleigh, it is $43,100 for one and $61,550 for four. Rural counties have lower limits.
Is the North Carolina Section 8 waiting list open?
Lists open periodically and close quickly. Check individual housing authority websites and AffordableHousingOnline.com for current openings.
How long is the Section 8 wait in North Carolina?
In Charlotte and Raleigh, two to five years is typical. Smaller cities may have shorter waits.
Can I use a North Carolina voucher in another state?
Yes, after meeting a 12-month residency requirement you can generally port your voucher to another jurisdiction through HUD's portability process.
Does North Carolina have emergency housing assistance?
Yes. Contact your county Department of Social Services or call 211 (nc211.org) for current emergency rental assistance options.
For a personalized eligibility check across all North Carolina housing and benefits programs, visit the Benefits Navigator screener at /screener or the North Carolina state page at /states/north-carolina.
