When people look for affordable housing help, two programs come up again and again: Public Housing and Section 8. Both are designed to help people with low incomes find safe, affordable places to live. But they work in different ways. This article explains the differences and similarities in simple, clear language so you can understand which one might be right for you.
What Are Public Housing and Section 8?
Both public housing and Section 8 are programs run with help from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). They aim to make housing affordable for families, seniors, and people with low income.
Public Housing
Public housing is made up of apartments or houses that are owned and managed by a local housing agency. You live in a unit that the housing authority owns.
Section 8 (Housing Choice Voucher Program)
Section 8 helps you pay for rent in the private rental market. You find your own apartment or house, and the program pays part of the rent directly to your landlord.
You can learn about these programs on the official HUD site.
How Public Housing Works
Housing Owned by the Government
Public housing properties are owned by local housing authorities (called PHAs — Public Housing Authorities). These units can look like apartment buildings or townhomes.
You Apply to Your Local Housing Authority
You apply through your local PHA, and if your income qualifies, you may be placed on a waiting list. Many public housing programs have long waiting lists.
Rent Based on Income
If you are approved, your rent is usually set based on a percentage of your income — often about 30%. This can make rent affordable even if your income is low.
Who Lives in Public Housing
Public housing helps:
- Low-income families
- Seniors
- People with disabilities
Each local housing authority sets rules for who they help, but all follow HUD income guidelines.
How Section 8 (Housing Choice Vouchers) Works
You Find Your Own Home
With Section 8, you don’t live in housing owned by the government. Instead, you find an apartment, house, or other rental that meets program rules.
Voucher Pays Part of Your Rent
If you qualify, you get a voucher. The housing authority pays part of your rent to your landlord. You typically pay about 30% of your income toward rent, and the voucher pays the rest.
Income Limits Apply
Section 8 uses income limits based on where you live and how many people are in your household. If your income is below the limit, you may qualify.
Waiting Lists
Like public housing, many Section 8 programs have waiting lists that may be long or closed for a time.
Local Rules Matter
Each housing authority manages its own Section 8 program, so rules about how to apply, waiting lists, and preferences can vary.
You can learn more about Section 8 on HUD’s official site.
And for available units that accept Section 8 vouchers, check our partner site.
Key Differences Between Public Housing and Section 8
Here’s how the programs differ:
| Feature | Public Housing | Section 8 |
| Who owns the home | Local housing authority owns the building or units | You choose a private rental |
| Where you live | In a public housing property | In the private housing market |
| Rent payment | Rent paid to housing authority | Voucher pays part of rent to landlord |
| Choice of housing | Limited to units owned by authority | More choice; you find your own home |
| Waiting lists | Often long and local | Often long and may close when full |
| Mobility | Less flexibility to move | More flexibility to move within program rules |
How to Decide Which Is Best for You
The best option depends on your situation and the housing help available where you live.
Public Housing May Be Better If:
- You want a known monthly rent based on income
- You prefer housing managed by the local authority
- There are units available near where you want to live
Section 8 May Be Better If:
- You want more choice in where you live
- You want to live in a unit in the private market
- You want flexibility to move to another private unit (with approval)
Both programs have rules and waiting lists, so it can help to apply to both if possible.
Who Qualifies for These Programs?
Both public housing and Section 8 use income limits to decide who can apply. Your household size and where you live affect the income limit that applies to you.
For example, a family of four in a big city may have a different income limit than a smaller family in a rural area. HUD updates income limits each year based on local income data.
You can look up your area’s income limits.
In general, these programs help households with:
- Very low income
- Low income
- Moderate income (some local programs)
If your income is above the limit, you may not qualify.
What Happens After You Apply
1. You Get on a Waiting List
Most housing authorities use waiting lists because demand is higher than supply. Waiting lists can be long.
2. Wait for Your Name to Be Called
When a unit or voucher becomes available, the housing authority contacts people near the top of the list.
3. Verification
You provide updated income and household information.
4. Placement
- In public housing, you are offered a specific unit.
- With Section 8, you search for a unit that accepts vouchers and meets program rules.
What You Need to Apply
When applying for public housing or Section 8, you may need:
- Photo ID
- Social Security cards for all household members
- Proof of income (pay stubs or benefit letters)
- Proof of address
- Bank statements
- Information about household members
Making sure these documents are ready can help speed up the process.
Can You Be in Both Programs?
Yes. In many areas, you can apply for both public housing and Section 8 at the same time. You may qualify for one even if you don’t get into the other.
Applying to both can increase your chances of getting housing help faster.
Local Offices and How to Contact Them
Both programs are managed by local housing authorities (PHAs). Contacting your local PHA is a good first step if you want to apply or check your status.
You can find PHA contacts on HUD’s site.
They can help you:
- Apply for programs
- Understand waiting lists
- Update your application
Other Housing Help While You Wait
Because waiting lists can be long, there are other forms of help you can explore while you wait:
Rent Assistance Programs
Local nonprofits and community groups often help with rent payments or short-term support.
Utility Assistance
Programs such as LIHEAP help pay utility bills for eligible households.
You can search for housing and financial help on Benefits.gov.
Emergency Services
If you’re facing homelessness or immediate housing need, calling 211 can connect you to local resources.
Common Questions People Have
Which program is easier to get into?
It depends on your area. Both programs often have waiting lists, and availability varies greatly by location and demand.
Is rent cheaper in public housing?
Rent is usually based on income in both programs, but public housing rent is calculated by the housing authority, which may be lower in some areas.
Can I use Section 8 anywhere?
Not anywhere — the unit must pass inspection and the landlord must agree to accept Section 8 vouchers.
Summary: Public Housing vs Section 8
| Feature | Public Housing | Section 8 |
| Where you live | Housing authority property | Private rental you find |
| Rent help | Subsidized rent in place | Voucher pays part of rent |
| Flexibility | Less ability to choose where | More choice of area and unit |
| Application | Local housing authority | Local housing authority |
| Waiting lists | Often long | Often long |
Both programs aim to help people who struggle to pay market rents. Knowing the difference can help you decide where to apply, what to expect, and how to plan while you wait.
For help searching available Section 8 housing in your area — once you have a voucher or are exploring options — check out our partner site.
