When trying to understand Section 8 eligibility for undocumented immigrants families searching for affordable housing often stumble on the Housing Choice Voucher—better known as Section 8—only to find conflicting information online. Below we give straight, policy‑based answers to the the questions that are on the top of your mind. Plus we'll provide practical tips for finding housing when Section 8 is off the table.

Are undocumented immigrants eligible for Section 8 housing?

No. Federal law—Section 214 of the Housing and Community Development Act—limits HUD rental assistance (including Section 8) to households in which every person receiving the subsidy is either (1) a U.S. citizen or (2) a non‑citizen with an eligible immigration status (lawful permanent resident, asylee, refugee, VAWA self‑petitioner, etc.). Undocumented immigrants do not meet that definition. HUD.gov

Mixed‑status households. If at least one household member is an eligible citizen or qualified non‑citizen, the family may still apply. The Public Housing Agency (PHA) will prorate the voucher amount—only the eligible members’ share of rent is subsidized.

Read our step‑by‑step Section 8 application March 2025 guide

Can you get Section 8 without a Social Security number?

Effectively, no. HUD regulations require every assisted household member to disclose and verify a Social Security number before a voucher is issued, with two narrow exceptions:

Children under age 6 who were added to the household within the past six months, and
Certain elderly residents (62+) who can provide alternate identity documents.

Undocumented applicants typically do not possess valid SSNs, and ITINs (Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers) do not satisfy HUD’s verification rule. PHAs must deny assistance if the SSN requirement isn’t met.

Does using (or applying for) Section 8 affect your immigration status?

For undocumented immigrants, the question is moot because they cannot receive Section 8. But many mixed‑status families worry that a citizen child’s voucher could harm a parent’s future green‑card application.

Under the 2022 DHS “public charge” final rule (in force since Dec 23 2022), housing benefits received by someone else in the household are not counted against an immigrant applicant. Only the benefits personally received by the immigrant are considered, and Section 8 is analyzed in context rather than as an automatic negative factor.

Bottom line: Accepting Section 8 for an eligible family member does not jeopardize another member’s future adjustment‑of‑status case under current policy.

How do undocumented immigrants get apartments without Section 8?

Because federal vouchers aren’t available, undocumented renters often combine these approaches:

Use an ITIN in place of an SSN. Many landlords and screening services accept an ITIN for credit checks and tax reporting.
Provide extra documentation. Pay stubs, bank statements, or a letter from an employer can substitute for a traditional U.S. credit file.
Offer a larger security deposit or pre‑paid rent. Where legal, this can offset a landlord’s perceived risk.
Secure a co‑signer. A relative or friend with established credit can co‑sign the lease.
Look for “no‑SSN” or “second‑chance” rentals. Smaller owner‑managed properties are often more flexible than large property‑management firms.
Work with immigrant‑focused housing nonprofits. Local organizations can connect renters to sympathetic landlords and city or state rent‑relief programs that do not require proof of citizenship.
Know your rights. The federal Fair Housing Act bars discrimination based on national origin. While landlords can require proof of identity and income, they must apply the same standards to every applicant.

📝 How to Apply for an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number)

If you don't qualify for a Social Security Number (SSN), you can apply for an ITIN to verify your identity when renting an apartment.

Complete IRS Form W‑7 with your personal details.
Gather proof of identity — a passport, national ID card, or certified birth certificate works best.
Submit your application:
- By mail to the IRS in Austin, TX
- In person at an IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center (appointment required)
- Or through a Certified Acceptance Agent (CAA) near you
Wait 7–11 weeks for your ITIN to arrive by mail.

Important: ITINs are used for tax reporting and identification only — not for work authorization.

Learn More and Apply for an ITIN

Next Steps

Understanding Section 8 eligibility for undocumented immigrants can feel overwhelming, but it’s not impossible.
If you’re part of a mixed-status household, explore your options carefully.
And remember: even if Section 8 isn’t available, other programs—and a strong apartment search strategy—can still open doors to safe, affordable housing.