How to Qualify for Section 8 After Losing Your Job or Facing Eviction in 2025
/If you’ve recently lost your job or are dealing with an eviction notice, you may now be eligible for Section 8 housing assistance—even if you weren’t before. In fact, learning exactly how to qualify for Section 8 after losing your job can be the first step toward regaining housing stability. This guide explains who qualifies in 2025, what income changes mean for your application, and how to apply for rent help when you need it most.
Can You Get Section 8 If You Don’t Have a Job?
Yes. You do not need to be employed to qualify for Section 8. The program is based on household income, not job status. If you’ve lost your job and your income is now very low or zero, you may qualify for priority placement—especially if your household includes children, seniors, or someone with a disability.
In fact, many approved Section 8 applicants have no income at the time they apply. If you’re approved, your portion of the rent could be as low as $0 depending on your situation.
What Happens If You’re Already on Section 8 and Lose Your Job?
If you’re already receiving Section 8 assistance and your income changes, you must notify your local Public Housing Authority (PHA) immediately—usually within 10 days.
When you report a job loss:
Your rent share may be reduced based on your new income
Your PHA will likely do an interim recertification
You won’t lose your voucher—but you could risk repayment penalties if you don’t report changes
Who Qualifies for Section 8 in 2025?
To qualify for Section 8 housing in 2025, you must meet several core criteria:
Basic Requirements:
Income must be below 50% of your area’s median income (AMI)
You must be a U.S. citizen or have eligible immigration status
You must pass basic background and rental history checks
Priority Groups Often Include:
Families with children
Seniors (age 62+)
People with disabilities
Households facing homelessness or eviction
Veterans and survivors of domestic violence
👉 Check your state’s eligibility rules here.
What Can Disqualify You From Getting Section 8?
While the program is designed to serve vulnerable renters, some factors may disqualify an applicant:
Prior eviction from Section 8 or other HUD-assisted housing
Serious criminal history (especially drug trafficking or violent offenses)
Providing false information on your application
Income above the local eligibility limit
Many local housing authorities allow informal appeals if you’re denied. Always ask for a written explanation and know your rights.
How to Get Housing Help After an Eviction
Facing eviction doesn’t automatically disqualify you—it may actually help you qualify faster under certain housing preferences.
Long-Term Solutions:
Apply for Section 8 through your local PHA
Many agencies give eviction-related priority to applicants
Be prepared to join a waitlist, but stay active and check for openings regularly
Short-Term Emergency Options:
Contact local rental assistance programs
Look into shelters, rapid rehousing, or transitional housing
Ask about Emergency Housing Vouchers (EHVs) through service providers
Is Rental Assistance Still Available in 2025?
Yes, but many state and local programs are operating with reduced funding. Rent relief is still available in many areas for:
Households facing active eviction
Individuals who have recently lost income
Families with vulnerable household members (e.g. children or disabilities)
Find rental assistance programs in your state here.
Each program sets its own rules, so eligibility varies widely.
How Many Months Does Rent Relief Cover?
Most rental assistance programs in 2025 provide help for 3 to 6 months of rent. Some may cover past-due rent, while others only pay future months. Be ready to show:
Proof of income loss (e.g. layoff notice or UI statement)
A current lease or rental agreement
A notice of eviction or past-due rent
How to Get Help With Rent If You’ve Lost Your Job
Here’s a step-by-step plan if you’ve lost income and need housing help:
1. Apply for Section 8
Use the HUD resource locator to find your nearest housing authority
Check for open waitlists and apply to multiple PHAs if allowed
2. Ask About Emergency Housing Vouchers (EHVs)
Available only through referrals from shelters or service providers
Often reserved for high-risk individuals and families
3. Apply for Local Rent Assistance
Many counties and cities offer their own programs
Contact 2-1-1 or your local housing coalition for updated info
Conclusion: You May Now Qualify—Don’t Wait to Apply
Job loss or eviction can feel overwhelming, but it may unlock housing help you didn’t qualify for before. Section 8 is just one of many options—combine it with local rent programs and emergency resources to stay housed.
✅ Start by gathering documents
✅ Join every waitlist you’re eligible for
✅ Don’t wait until you're homeless to apply—many programs take weeks to process
