Iowa Section 8

In Iowa, local public housing agencies (PHAs) administer the Housing Choice Voucher Program, formerly known as Section 8, and each keeps its own waiting list. The Iowa Finance Authority (IFA) runs a separate state rent subsidy and lists no voucher program among its renter programs. 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 Iowa?

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 Iowa?

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 Iowa, that limit for a family of four is between $47,050 and $61,200 a year, depending on the county. For a family of three it is between $42,350 and $55,100.²

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 Iowa?

Fair Market Rent (FMR) is HUD’s estimate of what a modest rental costs in an area, including utilities. In Iowa, the FY2027 FMR for a two-bedroom unit ranges from $927 a month in 50 counties (including Allamakee County) to $1,450 in Harrison County, Mills County and Pottawattamie 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 Iowa?

The Des Moines Municipal Housing Agency, which serves Polk County, reports that its Section 8 waiting list is closed. The Cedar Rapids Section 8 waiting list is not accepting applications and will remain closed for an undetermined time. The Iowa City Housing Authority serves Johnson County, Iowa County and Washington County north of Highway 92. 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 Iowa?

In Iowa, 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 Iowa?

There is no cost to apply. Des Moines applicants may call 515-323-8950 to check a position on the Section 8 waiting list, and Cedar Rapids applicants may call 319-286-5872. Iowa City applicants apply through the waiting list portal. 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 Iowa HCBS Rent Subsidy Program?

The Home and Community-Based Services Rent Subsidy Program is a state rent subsidy run by the Iowa Finance Authority, and it is not a voucher. IFA accepts applications on an ongoing basis and processes them in the order received. Applicants must show proof that they are ineligible for HUD rental assistance, that they are on a waiting list, or that a PHA has notified them that its list is closed.