Millions of low-income Americans are waiting for housing assistance, but how long does it actually take to get a Section 8 voucher? Wait times vary widely depending on your state, housing authority, and local demand.
How Section 8 waitlists work
Section 8, officially known as the Housing Choice Voucher Program, is administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Local public housing agencies (PHAs) manage the waitlists.
Because demand exceeds available vouchers in most areas, PHAs often close their waitlists for extended periods. Some open for just a few days each year.
Once on a list, applicants are selected through a lottery or by time and date of application, with preferences for seniors, disabled individuals, or those experiencing homelessness.
Average Section 8 wait times by state
Wait times can range from several months to over 10 years depending on location. Here’s a breakdown of estimated average wait times:
- New York City, NY: 5–10 years
- Los Angeles, CA: 4–8 years
- Chicago, IL: 5–7 years
- Houston, TX: 2–5 years
- Phoenix, AZ: 3–6 years
- Philadelphia, PA: 3–7 years
- Atlanta, GA: 1–3 years
- Seattle, WA: 2–5 years
- Buffalo, NY: 1–2 years
- Des Moines, IA: 6–18 months
Smaller cities and rural areas may have shorter waits, especially where demand is lower or fewer preferences are applied.
Why wait times vary
Several factors affect how long you’ll wait for a voucher:
- Local funding availability
- Population and demand
- Number of returned or expired vouchers
- PHA preferences and priority categories
Some PHAs also use regional or project-based vouchers, which may have different wait periods.
How to check your Section 8 status
If you’ve already applied, you can check your status by:
- Visiting your local housing authority’s website
- Logging into your online applicant portal
- Calling the PHA office directly
Be sure to keep your contact information updated to avoid missing notifications.
What happens after you’re approved
Once selected, you’ll be notified by mail or electronically and must attend a briefing. After that:
- You’ll receive your voucher
- You have 60–120 days to find a rental unit
- The unit must pass a HUD inspection before move-in
What to do if your waitlist is closed
If your local list is closed, consider:
- Applying in other counties or states with open waitlists
- Signing up for email alerts from PHAs
- Looking for emergency housing resources through HUD or local nonprofits
You can view open waitlists on AffordableHousing.com and HUD.gov.
Key takeaway: Section 8 wait times vary by location, but proactive applicants can improve their chances by applying widely and monitoring for list openings.
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