District of Columbia Section 8

In the District of Columbia, the District of Columbia Housing Authority (DCHA) administers the Housing Choice Voucher Program, formerly known as Section 8. DCHA states that participants may choose any rental unit located within the District. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) sets the income limits and Fair Market Rents that DCHA uses.

Who is eligible for Section 8 in the District of Columbia?

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 the District of Columbia?

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 the District of Columbia, the limit for a family of four is $83,050 a year. For a family of three it is $74,750.²

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 the District of Columbia?

Fair Market Rent (FMR) is HUD’s estimate of what a modest rental costs in an area, including utilities. In the District of Columbia, the FY2027 FMR for a two-bedroom unit is $2,438 a month.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 the District of Columbia?

DCHA states that its waiting lists for public housing and the Housing Choice Voucher Program are closed to new applicants, and it will post updates on waiting list status when available.

How much does Section 8 pay in the District of Columbia?

In the District of Columbia, 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 the District of Columbia?

There is no cost to apply, and no application is open. Applicants already on a list may check their status through the DCHA portal. The DCHA call center is 202-535-1000. 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).

What is the Local Rent Supplement Program in the District of Columbia?

DCHA also runs the Local Rent Supplement Program, which is funded by the District and modeled after the federal Housing Choice Voucher Program. DCHA lists Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing, Mainstream and Family Unification Program vouchers as available by referral.