Maryland Section 8

In Maryland, the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) acts as the public housing authority for part of the state. DHCD directly administers the Housing Choice Voucher Program, formerly known as Section 8, for Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Somerset, Talbot, Wicomico and Worcester Counties and the City of Elkton. Other jurisdictions keep their own programs and waiting lists. 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 Maryland?

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 Maryland?

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 Maryland, that limit for a family of four is between $47,500 and $83,050 a year, depending on the county. For a family of three it is between $42,750 and $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 Maryland?

Fair Market Rent (FMR) is HUD’s estimate of what a modest rental costs in an area, including utilities. In Maryland, the FY2027 FMR for a two-bedroom unit ranges from $1,014 a month in Allegany County and Garrett County to $2,438 in 4 counties (including Charles 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 Maryland?

The DHCD waiting list is closed. It reopened on April 1, 2026, and closed on April 30, 2026, and DHCD uses a lottery to place applicants on the list. The Housing Authority of Baltimore City tenant-based waiting list is closed. The Housing Opportunities Commission of Montgomery County keeps its waiting list open for applications, but it cannot issue new vouchers because of a HUD funding deficit that it learned of on June 30, 2026. It expects to resume issuing vouchers to new applicants in early spring 2027. 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 Maryland?

In Maryland, 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 Maryland?

There is no cost to apply. When the DHCD list is open, applicants submit a preliminary application online. The DHCD main number is 301-429-7400. Montgomery County applicants apply through the HOC online application, and the commission reports an average wait of 6.5 years to be selected. 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).