Kansas Section 8

In Kansas, local public housing agencies (PHAs) administer the Housing Choice Voucher Program, formerly known as Section 8, and each keeps its own waiting list. The Kansas Housing Resources Corporation states that it is not a direct provider of housing or services and directs households to a local provider. 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 Kansas?

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 Kansas?

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 Kansas, that limit for a family of four is between $42,850 and $56,700 a year, depending on the county. For a family of three it is between $38,600 and $51,050.²

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 Kansas?

Fair Market Rent (FMR) is HUD’s estimate of what a modest rental costs in an area, including utilities. In Kansas, the FY2027 FMR for a two-bedroom unit ranges from $961 a month in 64 counties (including Allen County) to $1,546 in 5 counties (including Johnson 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 Kansas?

The Kansas City Kansas Housing Authority, which administers vouchers in Wyandotte County, is not accepting applications for the program. The Johnson County Housing Authority waiting list is closed, and the authority states that it has no plans to open the list in 2026 because of federal budget constraints. Its program excludes the city of Olathe. 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 Kansas?

In Kansas, 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 Kansas?

There is no cost to apply. Kansas City applicants complete pre-applications online at waitlistcheck.com/KS3258 during a pre-application period, and the authority’s main number is 913-281-3300. Johnson County applicants may call 913-715-6600. Wichita applicants use the Wichita Housing Authority portal or call 316-462-3700. 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).