Understand your
housing assistance options.
Explore rental support, public housing and specialist programs. Learn where to begin and what to check with your local agency.
Program directory
Housing programs, at a glance
Vouchers follow you to a private rental; public and project-based units stay with the building.
- 01
Housing Choice Vouchers
Section 8
- Support
- Rent help in the private market
- Start here
- Your local PHA
- 02
Public Housing
Local housing agencies
- Support
- Reduced-rent apartments
- Start here
- Your local PHA
- 03
Project-Based Section 8
Participating properties
- Support
- Assistance tied to a property
- Start here
- The property manager
- 04
HUD-VASH
HUD and VA
- Support
- Vouchers plus VA case management
- Start here
- Your VA medical center
- 05
Section 202
Senior housing
- Support
- Housing for adults 62 and older
- Start here
- The property owner
- 06
Section 811
Disability housing
- Support
- Supportive housing options
- Start here
- Your state housing agency
- 07
USDA Rural Rental Assistance
Rural rental housing
- Support
- Rent help in eligible rural properties
- Start here
- USDA Rural Development
- 08
Emergency rental help
State and local resources
- Support
- Local help to avoid eviction
- Start here
- 211 or your city
Housing authorities set their own waiting lists and preferences, so ask yours how its list opens and moves.
Practical next steps
Getting onto a waiting list, and staying on it
- 1Find your local housing agencyCheck its current programs, waiting lists and how to apply.
- 2Explore specialist programsLook at options for veterans, older adults and people with disabilities.
- 3Check individual propertiesProperty-based assistance usually has its own application and waiting list.
- 4Research local rental supportAsk 211 or your city about help that is available right now.
- 5Keep your information organizedRecord agency contacts, notices and the documents you were asked for.
Get the facts
Housing aid myths, checked against HUD rules
- AssumptionEvery waiting list works the same way.What to checkEach agency sets its own process, opening dates and preferences. Ask how its list works.
- AssumptionA voucher can be used anywhere right away.What to checkMoving a voucher is possible, but ask your agency about its transfer rules before you plan a move.
- AssumptionRental rules are identical everywhere.What to checkLocal rules and landlord protections differ. Check the guidance for where you live.
Common pitfalls
Where housing applications quietly stall
- Outdated contact detailsUpdate your address and phone with every list you are on.
- Missed noticesOpen and save every letter from the agency.
- Unclear deadlinesWrite down the dates that apply to your case.
Frequently asked questions
Housing questions, answered.
Start with the program types above, then contact the agency or property responsible for the option you want. For vouchers and public housing, that is your local public housing agency (PHA). HUD keeps a directory of PHAs by state.
With a Housing Choice Voucher, you generally pay about 30% of your adjusted monthly income toward rent and utilities. The voucher covers the rest, up to a limit your housing agency sets for your area.
Often, yes. Vouchers can usually move to another housing agency's area through a process called portability. If you did not live in the agency's area when you applied, it may ask you to stay for the first 12 months. Ask your agency before you plan a move.
Housing agencies check things like income, household members and eligible immigration status, and they may screen for certain criminal history. Landlords can run their own screening too. Ask each agency and landlord what they review.
Your housing agency can explain program rules. For discrimination concerns, HUD's Office of Fair Housing takes complaints, and local legal aid offices can help with lease and eviction questions.
Official sources
HUD, USDA and local housing authority links
Independent guide
GrantsHubUSA explains programs and links to official resources. We do not run these programs or process applications.
Read our editorial policyEligibility wizard
Answer a few questions and see which programs are worth a closer look. Only the agency decides eligibility.