Alabama Section 8

In Alabama, local public housing authorities (PHAs) administer the Housing Choice Voucher Program, formerly known as Section 8, and each keeps its own waiting list. The Alabama Housing Finance Authority states that it is not a public housing authority and refers renters to the Alabama Association of Housing and Redevelopment Authorities directory to find a local PHA. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) sets the income limits and Fair Market Rents that they use.

Who is eligible for Section 8 in Alabama?

To be eligible for a Housing Choice Voucher, your household must meet three requirements:¹

• Your income must generally be at or below the very low-income limit for your county and household size.
• You must be a “family,” which includes a single person, and at least one member must be a U.S. citizen or have eligible immigration status.
• You must meet the housing agency’s screening requirements.

What is the income limit for Section 8 in Alabama?

For a Housing Choice Voucher, a family generally has to be at or below the very low-income limit, which is 50% of the area’s median family income.¹ In Alabama, that limit for a family of four is between $37,100 and $57,550 a year, depending on the county. For a family of three it is between $33,400 and $51,800.²

At least 75% of new vouchers go to families under the extremely low-income limit, which is 30% of the area median. The calculator above shows all three limits for your county and household size. Your housing agency makes the final decision, and meeting the limit does not guarantee a voucher.

What is the Fair Market Rent in Alabama?

Fair Market Rent (FMR) is HUD’s estimate of what a modest rental costs in an area, including utilities. In Alabama, the FY2027 FMR for a two-bedroom unit ranges from $921 a month in 26 counties (including Barbour County) to $1,434 in Baldwin County.³ Your housing agency sets a payment standard, usually between 90% and 110% of the FMR, that limits how much of your rent a voucher can cover.⁴

Is Section 8 open in Alabama?

The Mobile Housing Authority Housing Choice Voucher waiting list is closed, and the authority is not accepting applicants for its general waiting list. The Montgomery Housing Authority Housing Choice Voucher waiting list is currently closed. Birmingham Housing states that applicants join its waiting list through the resident portal when the list opens. Other agencies open their lists only for certain periods, so ask each local agency about the status of its list.

How much does Section 8 pay in Alabama?

In Alabama, the rental subsidy is typically calculated as the difference between 30% of the household’s adjusted gross income and the current applicable payment standard.

How do I apply for Section 8 in Alabama?

There is no cost to apply. Birmingham applicants use the resident portal or call the Housing Choice Voucher department at 205-521-7640. Mobile applicants apply through the Mobile Housing Authority portal when a list is open or call 251-434-2300. Montgomery applicants submit an online application when the list reopens. For other areas, apply through the public housing agency that serves the county or city.

1. Find your local PHA. Each county or metropolitan area has its own public housing agency (PHA) with a separate waiting list. You may apply to more than one agency.
2. Join the waiting list. Submit a pre-application when the list is open. Agencies commonly ask for proof of identity, income and household composition.
3. Wait for your turn. The wait varies by agency. An agency may remove an applicant who does not respond to its notices, so keep your contact information current.
4. Receive and use your voucher. The agency inspects the unit before the lease begins. You pay a share of your income toward rent, and the voucher covers the rest up to the agency’s payment standard.⁴

If you need help locating a PHA, call HUD’s PIH Customer Service Center at (800) 955-2232 or look up through the official HUD’s directory of public housing agencies (PHAs).