For many Georgia residents, finding affordable housing is a critical need. The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program helps bridge the gap between income and rising housing costs, offering rental assistance to low-income families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities.

Unlike some public housing programs, Section 8 allows participants to select privately-owned housing that suits their needs and preferences, creating a path toward greater housing stability. It is important to understand the application process and eligibility requirements for Section 8 housing in Georgia to ensure that you have the best chance of obtaining this type of affordable housing assistance. In this article, we will provide an overview of Section 8 housing in Georgia, including eligibility requirements, income limits, fair market rents, and how to apply. We will also discuss other low-income housing options and resources available in Georgia.

Who Qualifies for Section 8 in Georgia?

Eligibility for Section 8 in Georgia involves several considerations:

Income Guidelines: Income is a primary factor in determining eligibility. For instance, in 2025, a family of four in Fulton County earning $47,000 annually or less may qualify. Households earning below 30% of the Area Median Income (AMI) are often prioritized.
Residency and Citizenship: Applicants must provide proof of U.S. citizenship, legal residency, or eligible immigration status.
Rental History and Background Checks: A solid rental history and compliance with lease agreements are required. Housing authorities also review criminal records, which may affect eligibility.

Overall, to qualify for Section 8 housing in Georgia, applicants must meet the income and household size requirements, as well as any additional eligibility criteria. It is important to review the specific requirements for your county and to contact your local housing authority with any questions.

What is the Most Section 8 Will Pay in Georgia?

The amount of rental assistance provided through the Section 8 housing program in Georgia is determined by several factors, including the family's income and the fair market rent for the area.

Rental Subsidies: The rental subsidy is the portion of the rent that is paid by the Section 8 program on behalf of the tenant. In Georgia, the rental subsidy is generally calculated as the difference between 30% of the household's adjusted gross income and the applicable payment standard. The payment standard is the maximum amount of rental assistance that the program will provide for a particular unit size in a given area.
Maximum Rental Assistance: The maximum rental assistance available through the Section 8 program in Georgia varies by county and is based on the fair market rent for the area. The fair market rent is determined annually by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and is based on the average rent for a unit of a given size in the local market. In some cases, the maximum rental assistance may be higher than the payment standard, but the tenant is responsible for paying the difference.
Calculating Your Rental Subsidy: To calculate your estimated rental subsidy amount for Section 8 housing in Georgia, you can use the DCA's online rental assistance estimator. This tool takes into account your household size, income, and other factors to estimate the amount of rental assistance you may be eligible for through the Section 8 program.

Overall, the amount of rental assistance provided through Section 8 in Georgia is based on several factors, including the family's income and the fair market rent for the area. It is important to understand how rental subsidies are determined and to calculate your estimated rental subsidy amount to determine if Section 8 housing is a viable option for you.

Income Limits for Section 8 Housing in Georgia

To be eligible for Section 8 housing in Georgia, applicants must meet certain income limits. The income limits are determined by the DCA and are based on the county and the number of people in the household.

The DCA calculates the income limits for Section 8 housing in Georgia using the area median income (AMI) for the county. The AMI is the midpoint of the income distribution in a given area, and it is based on the number of people in the household. The income limits are calculated as a percentage of the AMI, with lower percentages applying to households with lower incomes.

The income limits for Section 8 housing in Georgia are updated annually to reflect changes in the AMI. It is important to review the current income limits for your county to determine if you meet the eligibility requirements.

To determine if your household meets the income requirements for Section 8 housing in Georgia, you will need to calculate your household income. This includes all sources of income for all members of the household, including wages, tips, social security benefits, child support, and other sources. The DCA provides guidance on how to calculate your household income for Section 8 eligibility on their website.

The following table shows current income limits in Georgia based on household size.

Fair Market Rents for Section 8 Housing in Georgia

Fair market rents (FMRs) are the maximum rental rates that the Section 8 housing program will pay for a particular unit size in a given area. FMRs are determined annually by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and are based on the average rent for a unit of a given size in the local market.

Determining Fair Market Rents in Georgia: In Georgia, fair market rents are determined by HUD based on data collected from local housing surveys. The FMRs are calculated at the county level for different unit sizes, and they vary based on the housing market in each county.

Effect of Fair Market Rents on Section 8 Assistance: Fair market rents play an important role in determining the amount of rental assistance that a Section 8 participant can receive. If the rent for a particular unit exceeds the FMR for that area, the tenant may be required to pay the difference between the rent and the FMR out of their own pocket.

Overall, understanding fair market rents is an important part of the Section 8 housing program in Georgia. By knowing how FMRs are determined and how they affect rental assistance, you can make informed decisions about the housing options available to you.

The following table shows current Fair Marketing Rents in Georgia.

How to Apply for Section 8 Housing in Georgia

To apply for Section 8 housing in Georgia, you must submit an application to your local housing authority. Here's an overview of the application process and what you need to know:

Application Methods: You can apply for Section 8 housing in Georgia online or in person at your local housing authority. To apply online, you will need to visit the DCA's website and follow the instructions for submitting an application. If you prefer to apply in person, you can contact your local housing authority to schedule an appointment.
Required Documentation: When you apply for Section 8 housing in Georgia, you will need to provide documentation to support your application. This may include proof of income, identification, and other relevant documents. The specific requirements may vary by housing authority, so be sure to check with your local office to determine what documentation is required.
Application Deadlines: There is no deadline to apply for Section 8 housing in Georgia, but the waiting list for rental assistance is often long. You should apply as soon as possible to increase your chances of receiving assistance.
Waiting List Process: Once you submit your application, you will be placed on a waiting list for rental assistance. The waiting list can take several months or even years to move, depending on the demand for rental assistance in your area. When your name comes up on the waiting list, you will be contacted by your local housing authority to begin the process of finding a rental unit and receiving rental assistance.

The availability of Section 8 vouchers varies widely across Georgia. Urban centers like Atlanta and Savannah often experience long wait times, which may exceed three years. In smaller cities, the process may be quicker, with waiting periods ranging from several months to a year. Applicants who are elderly, disabled, or homeless may receive priority consideration.

The following table shows Housing Authorities in Georgia and their current waiting list status.

  
        Housing Authority
        Waiting List Status
      
        Atlanta Housing Authority
        Open
      
        Housing Authority of Savannah
        Closed
      
        Housing Authority of Columbus
        Open
      
        Housing Authority of DeKalb County
        Closed
      
        Augusta Housing Authority
        Open
      
        Albany Housing Authority
        Open
      
        Athens Housing Authority
        Closed
      
        Brunswick Housing Authority
        Open
      
        Douglasville Housing Authority
        Open
      
        Gainesville Housing Authority
        Closed
      
        Macon Housing Authority
        Open
      
        Rome Housing Authority
        Closed
      
        Valdosta Housing Authority
        Open
      
        Warner Robins Housing Authority
        Closed

Housing Authorities in Georgia

Housing authorities play a key role in administering the Section 8 housing program in Georgia. Here's an overview of their role and how to find your local housing authority:

Housing authorities in Georgia are responsible for administering the Section 8 housing program at the local level. This includes accepting and processing applications, verifying eligibility, and managing the waiting list for rental assistance. Housing authorities also work with landlords to ensure that rental units meet Section 8 housing quality standards.

There are multiple housing authorities in Georgia that administer the Section 8 housing program. The largest of these is the Atlanta Housing Authority, which serves the Atlanta metropolitan area. Other housing authorities in Georgia include the Housing Authority of Savannah, the Housing Authority of Columbus, and the Housing Authority of DeKalb County, among others. Each housing authority serves a specific geographic area, so it's important to contact your local housing authority to determine which one serves your area.

To contact your local housing authority in Georgia, you can use the DCA's housing authority search tool. This tool allows you to search for housing authorities by county or city and provides contact information for each housing authority.

The following table shows the most prominent Housing Authorities in Georgia along with their contact information.

Housing Authority	Contact Information	Website
Atlanta Housing Authority	230 John Wesley Dobbs Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30303 404-892-4700 Email	Visit Website
Housing Authority of Savannah	200 E. Bryan St., Savannah, GA 31401 912-235-5844 Email	Visit Website
Housing Authority of Columbus	201 7th St, Columbus, GA 31901 706-571-2800 Email	Visit Website
Housing Authority of DeKalb County	750 Commerce Dr, Decatur, GA 30030 404-270-2500 Email	Visit Website
Augusta Housing Authority	1435 Walton Way, Augusta, GA 30901 706-724-5466 Email	Visit Website

Other Low Income Housing Options in Georgia

While Section 8 housing in Georgia often has a long waiting list, there are other low-income housing options available that do not have a waiting list. Here's an overview of some of these options and how to apply:

Public Housing: Affordable rental units managed by local housing authorities.
Tax Credit Housing: Private apartments offering lower rents to income-eligible tenants.
Emergency Rental Assistance: The Georgia Department of Community Affairs provides financial aid for rent and utilities. Visit Georgia DCA for more information.
Nonprofit Programs: Organizations such as Habitat for Humanity and the Salvation Army offer additional support for housing needs.

By researching public housing and LIHTC properties in your area and understanding the application process, you may be able to secure affordable housing without a long wait.

Paving the Way to Housing Stability in Georgia

Navigating the housing market can be challenging, but the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program and other resources offer a path to stability and security. By understanding your options and taking advantage of available programs, you can find affordable and suitable housing for your family.

To get started, contact your local housing authority or explore HUD’s Housing Choice Voucher page. With persistence and the right tools, you can secure the housing support you need.