Washington D.C. Section 8 requirements for eligibility are primarily based on your family’s size and total income. Your Section 8 qualifications are also determined by the median household earning in your area and whether you qualify for elderly, disabled or family status.
Applicants who meet the DC Section 8 eligibility requirements will be added to a waiting list. Some waiting lists in the area are currently closed. Applicants in these areas must check with the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to see which districts are accepting new Section 8 applications. Additionally, certain categories of eligible applicants, such as families, receive preference. Parties rejected from the waitlist for ineligibility may file a Section 8 denial appeal to receive an informal hearing to contest their status.
HUD defines families as one or more individuals who live together. Families that meet Section 8 housing eligibility requirements do not have to be related by blood, marriage or adoption. In any case, HUD gives preference to specific categories of families to provide for those most in need. The kinds of families currently given preference are:
Housing choice vouchers are also provided to families who meet HUD housing requirements in Washington D.C. for the Family Unification Program. The Family Unification Program serves families that would be affected by a lack of housing in the following ways:
Section 8 income limits are determined by HUD and divided into three separate categories: low, very low and extremely low income. For those asking, “Do I qualify for low income housing in D.C.?” applicants will need to review the requirements for each category based on the number of people in their household:
Note: The median family earning in D.C. is $117,500. The District of Columbia Housing Authority (DCHA) provides 75 percent of its housing choice vouchers to applicants who qualify for the extremely low income bracket.
Section 8 income requirements are updated each year. Find out which current income limit you may qualify for based on your family size below:
D.C. HUD housing requirements indicate that applicants must be at least 18 years of age and United States citizens to receive Section 8 benefits. Additionally, candidates can obtain low income housing eligibility if they have an eligible immigration status. A petitioner may qualify if he or she is 18 years of age and:
For D.C. residents wondering how to qualify for Section 8 housing if they move to a new home or state, they may take their housing voucher with them. Families that would like to retain their housing assistance are required to report their move to the DCHA ahead of time, find an acceptable housing alternative and submit an update form to the DCHA.