How to Apply for Section 8 in 2025 and Get Priority on the Waitlist

Introduction: Section 8, commonly known as the “Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program,” is a federal program sponsored by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), whose primary goal is to provide safe and decent rental housing to low-income families.

Under this program, selected families receive a voucher, allowing them to choose eligible rental housing, and a portion of the rent is subsidized by HUD/local Public Housing Authority (PHA). Families typically pay approximately 30% of their income towards rent.

However, the biggest challenge is that the demand for this program is very high, resources are limited, and waitlists are long in many areas. In recent years, many PHAs have closed their waitlists or only open them for very limited periods.

What’s New in 2025 — Waitlist Updates and Priorities

Looking at 2025, we are seeing updates like these:

• For example, the Housing Authority of the City and County of San Francisco opened its waitlist from May 7, 2025, to May 21, 2025
• On the other hand, many waitlists remain closed, such as the Housing Authority of the County of Riverside, which states: “Waiting list will remain closed until further notice.”
• HUD is providing information that the waitlist process, priority categories, and selection methods are now being more actively updated.

The Role of Preferences

• If you apply to be on the waitlist, simply being selected is not enough — many PHAs have policies that give “preference” to certain groups, such as: senior citizens, disabled individuals, veterans, local residents, etc.
• This means that a person who meets a preference category has a better chance of receiving a voucher.
• For example: Long-term unemployed or extremely low-income family
• Priority group due to disability or old age
• Giving priority to local residents (in the area where the PHA operates)

Changes in Funding Resources in 2025

As reported in May 2025 many PHAs have stated that they are slowing down the selection process from the waitlist, or delaying the issuance of new vouchers, due to budget and resource constraints in FY2025 This means that applying early, providing timely information, and advocating for yourself is crucial in this program.

How to Apply — Step-by-Step Guide

Preparing to Apply

• Find out if your local PHA has opened the waitlist check the PHA’s website announcements or search on the HUD website.
• Before applying, have your household size, adjusted gross income, citizenship/visa status, and other details ready.
• Ensure you haven’t delayed previous applications and that you have kept your address/phone information updated as unavailable information can lead to removal from the waitlist.

Application Process

• When the waitlist is open, applications can be submitted online, by mail, or sometimes in person application links or instructions are issued by the PHA.
• Common information requested when submitting an application includes: name, date of birth, SSN or eligible ID, family size, income details, current address, etc.
• Sometimes a “lottery” process is used for the waitlist meaning the time to fill out the application may be limited, so contacting them promptly is important.

Compliance and Updates

After applying, it is essential that you immediately inform the PHA of any changes to your contact information, income changes, or changes in family size otherwise, your name may be removed from the waitlist.

Check with the PHA to find out when you were added to the list, whether your application has been selected, etc. This will also allow you to explore other options. While on the waitlist, it will be easier to understand the program rules—such as what your responsibilities will be after receiving a voucher, what your rent portion will be, etc.

Find out what priority you might qualify for.

If you want your application to move up from the “general list,” consider the following points:

• Disability or Elderly Status: If there is an elderly or disabled member in the household, you may qualify for a priority category.
• Veteran or War-Related Priority: Many PHAs give priority to veterans or their families.
• Local Employment or Residency: Some PHAs give priority to those who live or work in the same district/city. For example, the San Francisco PHA offered various assistance programs for local residents.
• Special Need (Emergency Need): Homeless or extremely low-income families may receive separate priority.
• Qualifying for these categories may shorten the waiting period—although “shorter” does not mean receiving a voucher immediately.

Common Challenges and Precautions

• Being on the waitlist does not mean you will receive a voucher immediately. The wait can last several months or even years.
• Waitlist applications open for only a few days and may close quickly—so it’s important to stay informed.
• Sometimes, when the waitlist opens, the online application links crash, or there are too many applicants leading to system overload.
• Even after receiving a voucher, finding suitable housing and an appropriate landlord is not easy some landlords do not accept vouchers (there have been recent cases of this).
• Beware of those who demand “fees” for the application process according to HUD policy, there should be no charge for applying to the waitlist.

Suggestions for You — Tips that will help

• Keep your reserved information updated such as address, telephone number, employment status, and changes in family size.
• If you receive a notice of a waitlist opening, apply immediately days and hours matter.
• If you have applied to one waitlist, be prepared for other open waitlists as well. Applying to multiple waitlists increases your chances.
• Don’t be discouraged if you are not selected circumstances can change, and new opportunities may arise.
• When searching for housing after receiving a voucher, check the list of landlords who accept vouchers and choose your rental wisely.
• Verify the authenticity of any information/form updates before acting on them from a reliable source such as your local PHA.

Conclusion

The Section 8/Housing Choice Voucher program can be a vital option in 2025 for those seeking safe and affordable housing. But remember — it’s not a quick fix, but rather requires time, patience, and proper preparation.

Understanding the waitlist opening status, priority categories, and application process is crucial. If you are eligible and apply correctly, following the guidelines, you can benefit from this program If you would like, I can also write on the topic of Comparing rental assistance programs in India and suggestions for Indian residents living in the U.S.

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