Finding affordable and secure housing can be a challenge for many Hoosiers, but Indiana’s Section 8 Housing program is here to help. This federal initiative, also known as the Housing Choice Voucher Program, provides essential rental assistance to low-income families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities.

By partnering with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), local housing authorities help eligible participants bridge the gap between their income and the cost of rent in the private market.

Who Qualifies for Section 8 Housing in Indiana?

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

Citizenship status: Must be a U.S. citizen or an eligible non-citizen.
Income limits: Household income must fall below 50% of the Area Median Income (AMI), with priority given to those earning below 30% of the AMI.
Background checks: Applicants must pass a background check and have no significant criminal history.
Verification of income and assets: Documentation of all household income and assets is required.
Good rental history: A positive rental history is often considered.

Eligibility varies slightly depending on the county, as income limits and housing needs differ by region. Families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities are the primary beneficiaries, although certain full-time students may not qualify unless they meet specific criteria.

What is the Maximum Amount of Rent That Section 8 Will Pay in Indiana?

The maximum amount of rent that Section 8 will cover in Indiana depends on the location of the rental unit, its size, and other factors. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) sets a payment standard for each county, which serves as the maximum allowable rent that Section 8 will subsidize.

How Are Payment Standards Determined?

HUD calculates Fair Market Rents (FMRs) annually for each area, reflecting the typical cost of renting a moderately priced unit, including utilities (except telephone). Payment standards are then set as a percentage of the FMR, typically ranging from 90% to 110% of the FMR, depending on the local housing market.

Examples of 2025 Payment Standards in Indiana

Marion County (Indianapolis area):
- One-bedroom unit: $910
- Two-bedroom unit: $1,150
- Three-bedroom unit: $1,450
Vanderburgh County (Evansville area):
- One-bedroom unit: $780
- Two-bedroom unit: $970
- Three-bedroom unit: $1,200

These payment standards ensure that Section 8 recipients can access housing in a range of neighborhoods while staying within budget limits.

The maximum rent that Section 8 will cover is not always equal to the rent charged by landlords. If a landlord’s rent is below the payment standard, Section 8 will only cover the actual rent amount. Tenants are responsible for paying any portion of the rent that exceeds the payment standard, though this is generally discouraged to avoid financial strain.

For the most current payment standards in your area, contact your local housing authority or visit the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority (IHCDA).

Income Limits for Section 8 Housing in Indiana

To be eligible for Section 8 housing in Indiana, applicants must meet certain income limits set by the program. The income limits are based on the area median income (AMI), which varies by county. Generally, applicants must have a household income that is below 50% of the AMI to qualify for assistance. However, some programs may have higher or lower income limits depending on the location and funding availability.

The income limits for Section 8 housing in Indiana also vary depending on the size of the household. For example, a family of four may have a higher income limit than a single person. Additionally, the income limits may differ depending on the location of the housing unit. For example, the income limits may be higher in more expensive areas, where the cost of living is higher.

Here are some examples of income limits for Section 8 housing in Indiana based on household size:

It's important to note that income limits for Section 8 housing in Indiana can change from year to year and may vary depending on the location and funding availability. Applicants should check the income limits for their county and household size to determine if they are eligible for assistance.

Fair Market Rents for Section 8 Housing in Indiana

Fair Market Rents (FMRs) play a critical role in determining the amount of rental assistance provided by the Section 8 program in Indiana. FMR represents the typical cost of renting a moderately priced unit in a given area, including utilities (excluding telephone). The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) calculates FMRs annually based on the latest available rental data, adjusting them to reflect changes in the local housing market.

FMR Variations Across Indiana

FMRs vary significantly depending on the county and the size of the housing unit. For 2025, examples of FMRs for a one-bedroom unit in Indiana include:

Warren County: $550
Marion County (Indianapolis): $910

In areas with higher living costs, such as metropolitan regions, FMRs are correspondingly higher to account for market conditions. Conversely, in rural areas with lower costs of living, FMRs are typically lower.

How FMRs Impact Section 8 Payments

The FMR for a housing unit directly influences the amount of rent that Section 8 will cover.

If the landlord’s rent is below the FMR, Section 8 will pay up to the actual rent amount, ensuring affordability for the tenant.
If the landlord’s rent exceeds the FMR, tenants may need to pay the difference, but this must not cause the total rent contribution to exceed 40% of the tenant’s income under program guidelines.

These figures are updated annually to reflect market conditions and ensure equitable access to housing assistance.

Find Local FMRs

For the latest FMRs in your area, visit HUD’s Fair Market Rent Documentation System or contact your local housing authority for detailed information.

How Do I Apply for Section 8 Housing in Indiana?

The application process for Section 8 housing in Indiana is fairly straightforward. Applicants can apply online or in-person at their local housing authority or community action agency. Here is a step-by-step guide to the application process:

Check eligibility: Verify that your household meets the program’s income and other requirements.
Find your local housing authority: Locate the housing authority in your area via the HUD website or state resources.
Complete the application: Provide accurate details about your income, household size, and other required information. Applications may be available online or in person.
Submit required documentation: Include proof of income, identification, and other necessary documents.
Attend an interview: Participate in an interview with a housing authority representative to finalize your application.
Join the waiting list: If funding or housing is not immediately available, your application will be placed on a waiting list.

Indiana Housing Authorities

There are several housing authorities in Indiana that administer the Section 8 housing program. These housing authorities are responsible for processing applications, maintaining waiting lists, and providing assistance to eligible applicants. Here are some of the housing authorities in Indiana:

Housing Authority	Contact Information	Website
Anderson Housing Authority	125 E. 12th St. Anderson, IN 46016 (765) 641-2059	Visit Website
Bloomington Housing Authority	1007 N. Summit St. Bloomington, IN 47404 (812) 339-3491	Visit Website
Columbus Housing Authority	799 McClure Rd. Columbus, IN 47201 (812) 372-8426	Visit Website
East Chicago Housing Authority	4925 Larkspur Dr. East Chicago, IN 46312 (219) 397-9974	Visit Website
Elkhart Housing Authority	1396 Benham Ave. Elkhart, IN 46516 (574) 294-7368	Visit Website
Evansville Housing Authority	402 Court St. Evansville, IN 47708 (812) 428-8500	Visit Website
Fort Wayne Housing Authority	7315 Hanna St. Fort Wayne, IN 46816 (260) 267-9300	Visit Website
Gary Housing Authority	578 Broadway Gary, IN 46402 (219) 881-6400	Visit Website
Hammond Housing Authority	1402 173rd St. Hammond, IN 46324 (219) 989-3264	Visit Website
Indianapolis Housing Agency	1935 N. Meridian St. Indianapolis, IN 46202 (317) 261-7200	Visit Website
Jeffersonville Housing Authority	2015 Greentree N. Jeffersonville, IN 47130 (812) 282-7521	Visit Website
Kokomo Housing Authority	111 W. Jefferson St. Kokomo, IN 46901 (765) 457-8231	Visit Website
Lafayette Housing Authority	100 Executive Dr. Lafayette, IN 47905 (765) 771-1300	Visit Website
Merrillville Housing Authority	7205 Taft St. Merrillville, IN 46410 (219) 756-7013	Visit Website
Muncie Housing Authority	409 E. Washington St. Muncie, IN 47305 (765) 288-9242	Visit Website
New Albany Housing Authority	300 Erni Ave. New Albany, IN 47150 (812) 948-2319	Visit Website
Richmond Housing Authority	407 S. 10th St. Richmond, IN 47374 (765) 983-7450	Visit Website
South Bend Housing Authority	501 Alonzo Watson Dr. South Bend, IN 46601 (574) 235-9346	Visit Website
Terre Haute Housing Authority	2001 N. 3rd St. Terre Haute, IN 47804 (812) 232-1381

Overall, these housing authorities play a crucial role in providing affordable housing to low-income families and individuals in Indiana. If you are interested in applying for Section 8 housing in Indiana, contact your local housing authority for more information.

Section 8 Housing Indiana Waiting List

Due to high demand for affordable housing in Indiana, there is often a waiting list for the Section 8 housing program. The waiting list can vary in length depending on the housing authority and the number of applicants. Here are some things to know about the Section 8 housing waiting list in Indiana:

How the waiting list works: Once an applicant submits an application and is determined to be eligible for the Section 8 program, they are placed on a waiting list. The housing authority will notify the applicant when their name reaches the top of the list and funding becomes available.
Length of the waiting list: The length of the waiting list can vary depending on the housing authority and the number of applicants. In some cases, the waiting list can be several years long.
Keeping your information up-to-date: It's important to keep your contact information up-to-date with the housing authority to ensure that you receive any updates or notifications. Failure to respond to a notice or update your information may result in removal from the waiting list.
Tips for navigating the waiting list: Here are some tips for navigating the Section 8 housing waiting list in Indiana:
- Follow up with the housing authority regularly to check on the status of your application and ensure that you are still on the waiting list.
- Be patient, as the waiting list can be lengthy.
- Explore other affordable housing options in the meantime, such as low-income housing programs with no waiting list.

The Section 8 housing waiting list in Indiana can be a lengthy process, but it's important for low-income families and individuals in need of affordable housing to apply and be placed on the list. The following table shows currently open waiting lists in Indiana.

  
        Indian Housing Authorities
        Waiting List Status
      
        Anderson Housing Authority
        Open
      
        Bloomington Housing Authority
        Closed
      
        Columbus Housing Authority
        Open
      
        East Chicago Housing Authority
        Closed
      
        Elkhart Housing Authority
        Open
      
        Evansville Housing Authority
        Open
      
        Fort Wayne Housing Authority
        Open
      
        Gary Housing Authority
        Open
      
        Hammond Housing Authority
        Open
      
        Indianapolis Housing Agency
        Open
      
        Jeffersonville Housing Authority
        Open
      
        Kokomo Housing Authority
        Closed
      
        Lafayette Housing Authority
        Closed
      
        Merrillville Housing Authority
        Closed
      
        Muncie Housing Authority
        Open
      
        New Albany Housing Authority
        Open
      
        Richmond Housing Authority
        Open
      
        South Bend Housing Authority
        Open
      
        Terre Haute Housing Authority
        Closed

Other Low-Income Housing Options in Indiana

In addition to the Section 8 housing program, there are other low-income housing options available in Indiana. These programs may have different eligibility requirements and application processes, but they all aim to provide safe and affordable housing to low-income families and individuals. Here are some examples of other low-income housing options in Indiana:

Public Housing: Public housing is a federal program that provides affordable housing to low-income families and individuals. Public housing units are owned and managed by local housing authorities, and rent is typically based on a percentage of the household's income.
Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC): The Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program provides tax credits to developers who build affordable housing for low-income families and individuals. These developments may have income restrictions and other eligibility requirements.
Rural Development Housing: The Rural Development Housing program provides affordable housing to low-income families and individuals in rural areas. This program is administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and offers several different types of housing assistance.
Habitat for Humanity: Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit organization that builds and renovates homes for low-income families and individuals. Habitat for Humanity homes are sold at cost to the homeowner, and the organization offers affordable mortgage options.

Overall, there are several low-income housing options available in Indiana for families and individuals in need of affordable housing. It's important to research and explore all available options to find the best fit for your needs and circumstances. Contact your local housing authority or community action agency for more information about these programs.

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

The timeline for getting approved for Section 8 housing in Indiana can vary depending on several factors, including the availability of funding and the number of applicants. Here's what you need to know:

Timeline: The timeline for getting approved for Section 8 housing in Indiana can range from several weeks to several months. After an applicant submits their application and attends an interview, the housing authority will need to process the application and verify the information provided. This process can take several weeks to several months.
Factors that affect the approval process: Several factors can affect the approval process for Section 8 housing in Indiana. These factors include:
Availability of funding: The amount of funding available for Section 8 housing in Indiana can fluctuate, which may affect the timeline for getting approved.
Number of applicants: The number of applicants on the waiting list can also affect the timeline for getting approved, as more applicants can result in a longer wait time.
Accuracy of information provided: If the information provided by the applicant is inaccurate or incomplete, it can slow down the approval process.
Tips for expediting the approval process: Here are some tips for expediting the approval process for Section 8 housing in Indiana:
Respond promptly to requests for information or documentation from the housing authority.
Keep your contact information up-to-date with the housing authority to ensure that you receive any updates or notifications.
Follow up with the housing authority regularly to check on the status of your application and ensure that you are still on the waiting list.

Overall, the timeline for getting approved for Section 8 housing in Indiana can vary depending on several factors. By staying informed and proactive, applicants can increase their chances of getting approved in a timely manner.

Making Section 8 Work for You in Indiana

Section 8 Housing in Indiana is a vital program that helps low-income residents access affordable, safe housing. By understanding the eligibility requirements, income limits, and application process, you can navigate the system effectively. For more information, visit the HUD website or contact your local housing authority.