SECTION 8 - Program Overview

The Housing Choice Voucher Program (also known as Section 8) is a federal program designed to allow low-income families, elderly, and the disabled to afford decent and safe housing in the private market. Through the Section 8 program, the participant is able to find housing that meets their specific needs.

Eligibility to the program will depend on annual gross income, family size, eligible immigration status or citizenship, criminal background, and rental history as it pertains to a federally funded program. PBCHA has a local preference, for working families. To earn the local preference, at least one household member must be working 30 hours or more per week for one full year.

Once a voucher is administered, it is the participant’s responsibility to find suitable housing where the owner agrees to rent under the Section 8 program. The owner of the housing unit must be registered with PBCHA as a Section 8 landlord, and must agree to meet minimum HOS standards of health and safety. Every month, PBCHA pays a housing subsidy directly to the landlord, and the participant is responsible for paying their portion of rent to the landlord.

PBCHA places a notice in the Palm Beach Post, to indicate when the Section 8 waiting list is open. You may also check the status of the Section 8 waiting list on the website homepage.