Texas's Section 8 program, officially the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program, helps low-income renters pay for private-market housing by subsidizing the difference between 30% of their income and the local payment standard. Texas has more than 300 local Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) administering the program, including the Houston Housing Authority, Dallas Housing Authority, San Antonio Housing Authority, and the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA), which runs a statewide program. This guide covers 2026 eligibility requirements, income limits for major Texas metros, and a complete application walkthrough.
What Is Texas Section 8?
The HCV Program is funded by HUD and administered locally by county and city housing authorities. Texas is a large state with wide variation in housing costs and income limits across its metro areas and rural regions. The Houston Housing Authority, Dallas Housing Authority, and San Antonio Housing Authority each run large programs; TDHCA administers a statewide HCV program serving areas not covered by local PHAs.
When you receive a voucher, you find your own apartment in the private market. The housing authority pays the landlord directly, and you pay your share (typically 30% of adjusted gross income).
Texas Section 8 Eligibility Requirements 2026
1. Income Limits
Your gross household income must fall below 50% of the AMI for your metro area or county. By federal law, 75% of new vouchers must go to households at or below 30% AMI (Extremely Low Income).
Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land Metro: Very Low Income (50% AMI)
| Household Size | Annual Income Limit |
|---|
| 1 person | $38,800 |
| 2 persons | $44,350 |
| 3 persons | $49,900 |
| 4 persons | $55,400 |
| 5 persons | $59,850 |
| 6 persons | $64,300 |
| 7 persons | $68,700 |
| 8 persons | $73,150 |
Houston Metro: Extremely Low Income (30% AMI, Priority Tier)
| Household Size | Annual Income Limit |
|---|
| 1 person | $23,300 |
| 2 persons | $26,600 |
| 3 persons | $29,950 |
| 4 persons | $33,240 |
| 5 persons | $35,910 |
| 6 persons | $38,580 |
| 7 persons | $41,220 |
| 8 persons | $43,890 |
Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington Metro: Very Low Income (50% AMI)
| Household Size | Annual Income Limit |
|---|
| 1 person | $41,600 |
| 2 persons | $47,550 |
| 3 persons | $53,500 |
| 4 persons | $59,400 |
| 5 persons | $64,200 |
| 6 persons | $68,950 |
| 7 persons | $73,700 |
| 8 persons | $78,450 |
San Antonio Metro Area: Very Low Income (50% AMI)
| Household Size | Annual Income Limit |
|---|
| 1 person | $36,850 |
| 2 persons | $42,100 |
| 3 persons | $47,350 |
| 4 persons | $52,600 |
| 5 persons | $56,850 |
| 6 persons | $61,050 |
| 7 persons | $65,250 |
| 8 persons | $69,450 |
Figures based on HUD FY2025 data. Rural Texas counties have lower limits. Verify with your local housing authority before applying.
2. Citizenship and Immigration Status
At least one household member must be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen. Eligible non-citizens include lawful permanent residents, refugees, and asylees. Mixed-status households can apply; assistance covers only eligible members.
3. Social Security Numbers
All citizens and eligible non-citizens must provide an SSN. 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 individually.
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 Texas
When waiting lists have more applicants than available vouchers, PHAs apply preferences:
- Extremely Low Income (30% AMI or below)
- Homeless or at risk of homelessness
- Domestic violence survivors (VAWA protections apply)
- Displaced by natural disaster (Texas frequently applies this preference after storms and floods)
- Elderly (62 or older) or persons with disabilities
- Veterans
- Working families
TDHCA and local Texas PHAs apply their own local preferences within HUD's federal framework.
How to Apply for Section 8 in Texas
Step 1: Find an Open Waiting List
Most Texas PHAs have closed lists. Check:
- Houston Housing Authority: housingforhouston.com
- Dallas Housing Authority: dhadal.com
- San Antonio Housing Authority: saha.org
- Fort Worth Housing Solutions: fwhs.org
- Austin Housing Authority: ahfc.org
- TDHCA (Statewide): tdhca.state.tx.us
- AffordableHousingOnline.com: Tracks open lists by city and county
Apply to every open list in your region simultaneously.
Step 2: Submit Your Application
When a list opens, apply immediately. You will need legal names, dates of birth, and SSNs for all household members, plus income documentation. Applications are free.
Step 3: Monitor Your Application
Save your confirmation number and check your status regularly. Reply immediately to any housing authority correspondence.
Step 4: Attend Your Eligibility Interview
When your turn comes, bring photo IDs for all adults, birth certificates and SSN cards for all household members, 12 months of income proof, and documentation of any preference being claimed.
Step 5: Find a Qualifying Unit
After approval, you have 60 to 120 days to find a rental that passes an HQS inspection and falls within the payment standard. Landlord participation is voluntary in Texas.
Step 6: Sign the Lease
You sign a lease with the landlord; the housing authority signs a HAP contract. Your portion is 30% of adjusted income.
Wait Times and Other Options
Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio wait times range from two to five years. TDHCA's statewide program serves rural areas with sometimes shorter waits. Other Texas housing resources:
- TDHCA Rental Assistance Programs: tdhca.state.tx.us
- Public Housing: Apply at your local PHA
- Project-Based Section 8: Apply at specific properties
- LIHTC Apartments: Income-restricted rentals statewide
- Texas Rent Relief: Check current availability at texasrentrelief.com
Use the Benefits Navigator screener at /screener to check all programs you may qualify for.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Section 8 income limits in Texas for 2026?
In Houston, the 50% AMI limit is $38,800 for one person and $55,400 for four. In Dallas, it is $41,600 for one and $59,400 for four. San Antonio limits are $36,850 for one and $52,600 for four. Rural counties are lower.
Is the Texas Section 8 waiting list open?
Most PHAs have closed lists that open periodically. Check individual housing authority websites and AffordableHousingOnline.com for current openings.
How long is the Section 8 wait in Texas?
In Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio, waits typically run two to five years. Smaller cities and rural areas may be shorter.
Can I use a Texas Section 8 voucher in another state?
Yes, after meeting a 12-month residency requirement in your issuing jurisdiction you can port your voucher to another state through HUD's portability process.
Does Texas have emergency rental assistance?
Check texasrentrelief.com for current programs. You can also call 211 or contact your county health and human services office.
For a personalized eligibility check across Section 8 and other Texas housing and assistance programs, visit the Benefits Navigator screener at /screener or the Texas state page at /states/texas.
