Finding affordable housing can be hard, especially when rent keeps going up. The good news is that the U.S. government offers programs that may help lower your housing costs if you qualify.
These programs are designed to support low-income individuals, families, and people with disabilities. The two most common programs you will hear about are:
- Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers
- Section 811 Supportive Housing for People With Disabilities
Keep reading to learn more about how both programs work, who can qualify, and how to apply.
What Is Affordable Housing Assistance?
Affordable housing assistance comes from federal programs that help reduce monthly rent costs. These programs are managed by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Instead of paying full rent, eligible households usually only pay about 30% of their income, and the program pays the rest directly to the landlord.
These programs are often called:
- Rental assistance programs
- HUD housing programs
- Low-income housing support
Section 8 Housing (Housing Choice Vouchers)
The Section 8 program is one of the most widely used rent assistance programs in the country.
Section 8, also known as the Housing Choice Voucher Program, helps low-income individuals and families afford housing in the private rental market.
Instead of giving you a specific apartment, Section 8 gives you a voucher that helps pay part of your rent.
How Section 8 Works
Once approved, the process usually looks like this:
- You receive a housing voucher from your local housing office
- You find a rental unit that accepts Section 8
- The housing authority checks that the home meets safety rules
- You sign a lease with the landlord
- You pay part of the rent (usually about 30% of income)
- The program pays the rest directly to the landlord
This gives you more freedom to choose where you live compared to some other programs.
Who Can Qualify for Section 8?
Eligibility is based mainly on income and household status. To qualify, you usually must:
- Meet income limits based on your area
- Be a U.S. citizen or have eligible immigration status
- Provide proof of income and household size
- Pass background screening checks
Income limits are based on something called the Area Median Income (AMI). In many cases, households must earn less than 50% of the AMI to qualify.
Section 8 Waiting Lists
One important thing to know is that Section 8 often has long waiting lists.
Because demand is high:
- Some lists are closed for long periods
- Wait times can range from months to years
- Being on the list does not guarantee approval
Each local housing authority manages its own list, so timing varies by location.
How to Apply for Section 8
To apply, you must go through your local Public Housing Authority (PHA), which manages housing assistance in your area.
Basic steps include:
- Find your local housing authority
- Check if the waiting list is open
- Submit an application
- Provide the required documents
- Wait for approval or waitlist placement
Some PHAs allow online applications, while others require in-person forms.
Section 811 Housing for People With Disabilities
Section 811 is a special housing program designed specifically for adults with disabilities who need support to live independently.
The program is officially called the Section 811 Supportive Housing for Persons With Disabilities Program.
Unlike Section 8, this program is focused on independent living with support services, not just rent help.
What Section 811 Provides
Section 811 housing offers:
- Affordable rental housing
- Independent living support
- Access to care and daily living services
In many cases, residents pay about 30% of their income toward rent, and the program covers the rest.
Who Can Qualify for Section 811?
This program has more specific requirements than Section 8.
To qualify, you usually must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have a qualifying disability
- Have a condition that affects independent living
- Need supportive housing services to live safely
The disability must generally be long-term and impact daily functioning.
Households may include:
- Single adults
- Couples
- Families with one disabled adult member
However, the person with the disability must be at least 18 years old.
Income Requirements
Section 811 is also a low-income housing program. Most applicants must:
- Earn very low income (often under 50% of AMI)
- Meet program-specific financial limits in their area
Income rules vary depending on location and housing provider.
Support Services in Section 811 Housing
What makes Section 811 different is the support services included.
Depending on need, services may include:
- Case management
- Help with daily living tasks
- Meal support
- Transportation assistance
- Counseling services
- Life skills training
- Personal care support
- Social and community activities
These services are designed to help residents live more independently and safely.
How to Apply for Section 811
The application process usually involves:
- Finding Section 811-approved housing
- Contacting the property manager
- Completing an application
- Submitting income and disability documentation
- Waiting for approval or placement on a waitlist
In some cases, staff, caregivers, or caseworkers can help complete the application if needed.
Key Differences: Section 8 vs Section 811
Here is a quick breakdown to understand the important differences between these two rental assistance programs:
Section 8
- Open to many low-income households
- Provides a housing voucher
- You choose your rental home
- No built-in support services
Section 811
- Only for adults with disabilities
- Provides housing + support services
- Focus on independent living
- Limited availability in certain housing units
Both programs aim to reduce rent costs, but they serve different needs.
Other Helpful Housing and Financial Resources
If you are looking for more help, you may also explore:
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
- Medicaid or Medicare support programs
- Local housing counseling agencies
These programs may help with income, healthcare, or housing stability.
Why Affordable Housing Programs Matter
Rent costs continue to rise in many parts of the country. Programs like Section 8 and Section 811 help:
- Reduce monthly housing expenses
- Prevent homelessness
- Support people with disabilities
- Provide safer living conditions
- Improve long-term stability
While wait times can be long, these programs remain one of the most important forms of housing assistance in the United States.
Final Thoughts
Affordable housing programs are designed to make rent more manageable for people who need financial support. Whether through Section 8 vouchers or Section 811 supportive housing, eligible applicants may be able to reduce rent and access safer, more stable housing. If you think you may qualify, the best first step is to contact your local housing authority and ask about current availability and waiting lists.
