In Arkansas, where the average renter must earn $16.05 per hour to afford a modest two-bedroom apartment, programs like Section 8 are essential. With the state minimum wage at just $11 per hour, many families face significant challenges affording basic housing. Section 8 bridges the gap by reducing the cost burden and fostering economic stability.

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of Arkansas’s Section 8 program, including eligibility requirements, how to apply, waiting lists, fair market rents, and income limits for 2025.

Who Qualifies for Section 8 Housing in Arkansas?

To qualify for Section 8 housing in Arkansas, applicants must meet specific criteria:

Income Eligibility: Household income must not exceed 50% of the area’s median income (AMI). For example, in Little Rock, the income limit for a family of four in 2025 is $29,250 for very low-income households.
Residency Status: Applicants must be U.S. citizens or legal residents with eligible immigration status.
Background Checks: Household members aged 18 and older must pass a criminal background check.
Rental History: Applicants should have a history of timely rent payments and no outstanding rental debts or recent evictions.

Additional factors, such as family size, disability status, and local housing availability, may also influence eligibility. Contact your local housing authority to determine if you qualify and learn more about the application process. For a list of Arkansas housing authorities, visit the HUD PHA Directory.

How Much Does Section 8 Pay in Arkansas?

The amount of assistance provided by Section 8 depends on household income, family size, and the fair market rent (FMR) in your area. Generally, tenants pay 30% of their income toward rent, and the program covers the remainder up to the FMR limit.

Income Limits for Section 8 Housing in Arkansas

HUD determines income limits annually, based on local AMI and household size. In 2025, these limits vary across Arkansas:

Fair Market Rents for Section 8 Housing in Arkansas

Fair market rents (FMRs) are used by the Section 8 program in Arkansas to determine the maximum amount of assistance that can be provided to eligible households. FMRs represent the estimated cost of rent, including utilities, for a given area and unit size. FMRs are determined annually by HUD and are based on a survey of rental prices in the area.

HUD calculates FMRs for Section 8 housing in Arkansas based on the average rental prices for the area. HUD collects data on rental prices for different unit sizes and types and calculates the median rental price for each area. FMRs are then set at 40% of the median rental price for the area.

Fair market rents have a significant impact on the availability of Section 8 housing in Arkansas. Because the amount of assistance provided by the program is based on FMRs, households may struggle to find affordable housing if the FMR is set too low for the area. Additionally, the availability of Section 8 housing may be limited if there are not enough landlords willing to accept the program's rental rates.

In some cases, the Section 8 program in Arkansas may offer higher FMRs for certain areas or unit sizes to address these challenges. However, the availability of affordable housing remains a significant challenge for low-income households in Arkansas, and addressing this issue is critical to improving housing stability and economic security for these families. The following table shows current Fair Market Rents for Arkansas.

How to Apply for Section 8 Housing in Arkansas

Applying for Section 8 in Arkansas involves several steps:

Contact Your Local Housing Authority: Find your nearest public housing agency (PHA) for guidance and application forms.
Submit Documentation: Provide proof of income, Social Security numbers, IDs, and any required residency verification.
Complete the Application: Include details about your household size, income, and rental history.
Pass a Background Check: All adult household members will undergo a criminal background screening.
Wait for Approval: Processing times vary depending on demand and PHA resources.

By following these tips and working closely with their local PHA, applicants can increase their chances of success in applying for Section 8 housing in Arkansas. The following table is a list of Public Housing Authorities in Arkansas along with the contact information.

Housing Authority	Address & Contact Information	Website
Arkansas Delta Housing Development Corporation	109 S. 14th St., Suite A, Paragould, AR 72450 (870) 239-8210 Email	Visit Website
Central Arkansas Development Council	707 Robins Street, Suite 118, Conway, AR 72034 (501) 329-3891 Email	Visit Website
Conway Housing Authority	440 Ingram St, Conway, AR 72034 (501) 329-5151 Email	N/A
East Arkansas Regional Housing Authority	2144 State Hwy 163, Cherry Valley, AR 72324 (870) 588-4585 Email	Visit Website
Fort Smith Housing Authority	2100 N 31st St, Fort Smith, AR 72904 (479) 785-2303 Email	Visit Website
Hot Springs Housing Authority	100 Werner St, Hot Springs, AR 71913 (501) 624-4411 Email	Visit Website
Jonesboro Urban Renewal & Housing Authority	100 N. Union Street, Jonesboro, AR 72401 (870) 935-4811 Email	Visit Website
Northwest Regional Housing Authority	702 SE Plaza Ave, Bentonville, AR 72712 (479) 636-7301 Email	Visit Website
Pine Bluff Housing Authority	1700 S. Blake St., Pine Bluff, AR 71603 (870) 536-4155 Email	Not Available
West Memphis Housing Authority	501 W Broadway St, West Memphis, AR 72301 (870) 735-5500 Email	Visit Website

How Long Does it Take to Get Approved for Section 8 in Arkansas?

The timeline for approval of Section 8 housing applications in Arkansas can vary depending on the individual case and the workload of the local PHA. Generally, the process can take several weeks or even months to complete. Once an application is submitted, the PHA will typically conduct a background check and verify the applicant's income and rental history. If approved, the applicant will be placed on a waiting list until a voucher becomes available.

Several factors can affect the timeline for Section 8 housing approval in Arkansas, including:

Workload of the PHA: If the local PHA is understaffed or has a high volume of applications, the approval process may be delayed.
Completeness of the application: If the application is incomplete or missing required documents, the approval process may be delayed while the applicant provides additional information.
Background checks: Background checks can take several weeks to complete, depending on the complexity of the case.

While the approval process for Section 8 housing in Arkansas can be lengthy, there are several tips that can help applicants expedite the process. These include:

Ensuring the application is complete: Applicants should carefully review the application instructions and ensure that all required documents and information are included with their application.
Following up regularly: Applicants should follow up with their local PHA regularly to check on the status of their application and provide any additional information or documentation as needed.
Being proactive: Applicants should be proactive in providing information and responding to requests from the PHA to expedite the approval process.
Exploring other resources: While waiting for Section 8 housing approval, applicants should explore other resources such as emergency housing assistance or low-income rental housing programs to ensure they have safe and stable housing in the meantime.

By following these tips and working closely with their local PHA, applicants can increase their chances of a timely approval for Section 8 housing in Arkansas.

Waiting Lists for Section 8 Housing in Arkansas

Due to the significant demand for Section 8 assistance in Arkansas, many housing authorities manage waiting lists that prioritize individuals and families based on need. Those experiencing homelessness, seniors, and individuals with disabilities are often given higher priority.

  
      Housing Authority
      Waiting List Status
    
      Clarendon Housing Authority
      Open
    
      Desha County Residential Housing Facilities Board
      Open
    
      Fort Smith Housing Authority
      Open
    
      Franklin County Public Housing Agency
      Open
    
      Hope Housing Authority
      Open
    
      Hot Springs Housing Authority
      Open
    
      Jonesboro Urban Renewal Housing Authority
      Open
    
      Lonoke County Housing Authority
      Open
    
      Paragould Housing Authority
      Open
    
      Pine Bluff Housing Authority
      Open
    
      Pope County Public Facilities Board
      Open
    
      Stuttgart Housing Authority
      Open
    
      White River Regional Housing Authority
      Open
    
      Wynne Housing Authority
      Open
    
      Yell County Public Facilities Board
      Open

To check your position on a waiting list, reach out to your local housing authority for updates or, if available, use online portals that track application statuses. The duration of waiting times varies greatly by region, with some areas experiencing delays of several months to over a year.

During this period, it may be helpful to explore other affordable housing programs or temporary housing solutions to address immediate needs.

Arkansas Emergency Housing Assistance Resources

For those in immediate need, Arkansas offers several emergency housing resources:

Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP): Provides short-term financial help for overdue rent and utilities. Contact the Arkansas Department of Human Services for details, or visit their Emergency Rental Assistance Program page.
Homeless Prevention Programs: Many local organizations offer temporary shelter, rapid rehousing, and rental support.
Local Nonprofits: Groups like the Salvation Army and Arkansas Coalition of Housing Advocates provide housing-related assistance.

If you require urgent help, dial 2-1-1 Arkansas to connect with community resources, or visit Arkansas 211 for additional support.

Building a Path to Stable Housing in Arkansas

Section 8 housing in Arkansas offers essential support for low-income families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities. By reducing housing costs, the program improves access to safe and stable homes while promoting financial independence.

For assistance, contact your local housing authority or visit the Arkansas Department of Housing website. Take advantage of additional emergency resources if needed. By staying informed and proactive, Arkansas residents can secure the housing stability they deserve.