Kentucky Section 8

In Kentucky, Kentucky Housing Corporation (KHC) provides the Housing Choice Voucher Program, formerly known as Section 8, for much of the state. Several cities and counties, in particular Louisville and Lexington, have their own public housing agencies (PHAs) that run the program locally. KHC lists the counties it serves and does not serve on its voucher page. 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 Kentucky?

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 Kentucky?

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 Kentucky, that limit for a family of four is between $35,950 and $54,950 a year, depending on the county. For a family of three it is between $32,400 and $49,500.²

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 Kentucky?

Fair Market Rent (FMR) is HUD’s estimate of what a modest rental costs in an area, including utilities. In Kentucky, the FY2027 FMR for a two-bedroom unit ranges from $909 a month in 55 counties (including Adair County) to $1,442 in 6 counties (including Boone 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 Kentucky?

The KHC waiting list is closed, and KHC does not have an estimate for when it will reopen. KHC states that the average wait for the program could be three to five years. The Louisville Metro Housing Authority is not accepting Housing Choice Voucher applications at this time. The Lexington Housing Authority waiting list is currently closed. 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 Kentucky?

In Kentucky, 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 Kentucky?

There is no cost to apply. KHC announces openings on kyhousing.org, on its social media accounts and through eGram. Call KHC at (502) 564-7630 or (800) 633-8896 from within Kentucky, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time. Louisville applicants may call 502-584-1704 to check a position on the waiting list. KHC allows special vouchers, such as Family Unification Program and Mainstream vouchers, to be used in any Kentucky county except Fayette and Jefferson. 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).