Missouri is grappling with a significant shortage of affordable housing, particularly for its most vulnerable residents. The state has a deficit of over 120,000 rental homes that are both affordable and available to extremely low-income households.

This scarcity forces many families to allocate more than half of their income to housing costs, leaving insufficient funds for essentials like food, healthcare, and education. The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program serves as a vital resource in this context, offering rental assistance to low-income individuals and families to help them secure safe and affordable housing.

Who Qualifies for Section 8 Housing in Missouri?

To be eligible for Section 8 housing in Missouri, applicants must meet certain eligibility criteria, which include:

Income Limits: Applicants must earn less than 50% of the Area Median Income (AMI). Priority is often given to households earning below 30% of the AMI.
Citizenship or Immigration Status: At least one household member must be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen.
Background Check: Certain criminal convictions, such as drug-related or violent crimes, may disqualify applicants.
Rental History: A history of timely rent payments and no evictions for cause is required.
Household Composition: Includes families with children, seniors, and individuals with disabilities.

Overall, the eligibility requirements for Section 8 housing in Missouri are designed to help those who are most in need of affordable housing. If you meet these eligibility criteria, you may be eligible to receive rental assistance through the Section 8 program.

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

The maximum amount of rent that Section 8 will pay in Missouri is determined by payment standards that are set by each local housing authority. These payment standards represent the maximum amount of rent that the housing authority will pay on behalf of a Section 8 participant, and they are typically based on the fair market rent for the area in which the rental unit is located.

The payment standards for Section 8 housing in Missouri can vary by location and household size. In general, larger households may be eligible for higher payments than smaller households. Additionally, factors such as the cost of utilities, the condition of the rental unit, and the availability of affordable housing in the area may also affect payment standards.

Section 8 participants are responsible for paying a portion of their rent, based on their income. This portion is typically set at 30% of the household's adjusted income. The housing authority will then pay the remaining portion of the rent, up to the payment standard for the area.

Income Limits for Section 8 Housing in Missouri

The income limits for Section 8 housing in Missouri are based on the area median income (AMI) for the county or metropolitan area in which the applicant lives. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) sets income limits for each area based on data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

To be eligible for Section 8 housing in Missouri, an applicant's household income must be at or below 50% of the AMI for the area. However, some housing authorities may have different income limits or adjust them based on the number of people in the household.

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

Income limits are designed to ensure that Section 8 housing is provided to those who need it the most. By setting income limits based on the AMI, the program can provide assistance to households that are struggling to afford housing in their area. If an applicant's household income exceeds the income limits for their area, they may not be eligible for Section 8 housing.

Fair Market Rents for Section 8 Housing in Missouri

Fair market rents (FMRs) are used to determine the maximum amount of rental assistance that can be provided to a Section 8 participant. FMRs are determined by HUD and are based on the rental rates for privately owned, unsubsidized rental units in the area.

It's important to note that FMRs are not necessarily the same as the payment standards used by local housing authorities. Payment standards are set by the housing authority and may be higher or lower than the FMR for the area. Additionally, FMRs are updated annually by HUD and may change from year to year.

By using FMRs to determine the maximum amount of rental assistance that can be provided, Section 8 helps ensure that participants are able to access safe and decent housing that is comparable to other rental units in the area.

How Do I Apply for Section 8 Housing in Missouri?

The application process for Section 8 housing in Missouri can vary depending on the local housing authority. However, in general, the application process consists of the following steps:

Contact Your Local Housing Authority: Locate the nearest office through the HUD Housing Authority Search Tool.
Complete the Application: Applications can be submitted online or in person and require proof of income, identification, and rental history.
Join the Waiting List: Most areas have waiting lists due to high demand. Applicants are notified when vouchers become available.
Attend an Interview: Confirm application details and eligibility during a housing authority interview.

In Missouri, some housing authorities may offer the option to apply for Section 8 housing online. This can be a convenient option for applicants who prefer to complete the application from home.

To apply for Section 8 housing in Missouri, applicants will need to provide a range of documents and information, including:

Proof of income, such as pay stubs or tax returns
Social Security numbers for all household members
Identification, such as a driver's license or passport
Rental history, including previous addresses and contact information for landlords

By following the application process and providing the required documents and information, applicants can apply for Section 8 housing in Missouri and access rental assistance to help them afford safe and decent housing.

Missouri Housing Authorities

The Section 8 program in Missouri is administered by local housing authorities, which are responsible for overseeing the application and approval process for Section 8 housing in their jurisdiction. Some of the housing authorities in Missouri that administer the Section 8 program include:

Housing Authority	Contact Information	Visit Website
Kansas City, MO Housing Authority	299 Paseo Boulevard, Kansas City, MO 64106 Phone: (816) 221-3484 Email	Visit Website
St. Louis, MO Housing Authority	3520 Page Boulevard, St. Louis, MO 63106 Phone: (314) 286-4300 Email	Visit Website
Columbia, MO Housing Authority	201 Switzler Street, Columbia, MO 65203 Phone: (573) 443-2556 Email	Visit Website
Springfield, MO Housing Authority	2020 West Woodland Street, Springfield, MO 65807 Phone: (417) 866-4326 Email	Visit Website
Joplin, MO Housing Authority	111 East G Street, Joplin, MO 64801 Phone: (417) 624-4668 Email	Visit Website

The role of the housing authorities in the Section 8 application and approval process can vary, but generally includes:

Determining eligibility: Housing authorities are responsible for verifying applicant eligibility for Section 8 housing, including income and other eligibility criteria.
Administering the waiting list: Housing authorities maintain waiting lists for Section 8 housing and are responsible for managing the list and notifying applicants when vouchers become available.
Approving vouchers: Housing authorities are responsible for approving Section 8 vouchers and ensuring that they are used in accordance with program rules and regulations.
Providing support: Housing authorities may offer support and resources to Section 8 participants, such as counseling services and job training programs.

By working with local housing authorities, applicants can access the resources and support they need to successfully apply for and receive Section 8 housing in Missouri.

Section 8 Housing Missouri Waiting List

Due to high demand, many housing authorities maintain waiting lists for Section 8 vouchers. Typical wait times in Missouri range from 6 months to 2 years, depending on the housing authority's capacity and the applicant’s priority level. Urban areas like Kansas City and St. Louis often have longer wait times due to higher demand, while smaller cities like Joplin may process applications more quickly. Below are the 2025 waiting list statuses:

The following list shows the current waiting list status for the associated housing authorities in Missouri.

  
      Housing Authority
      Waiting List Status
    
      Kansas City, MO Housing Authority
      OPEN
    
      St. Louis, MO Housing Authority
      CLOSED
    
      Columbia, MO Housing Authority
      OPEN
    
      Springfield, MO Housing Authority
      CLOSED
    
      Joplin, MO Housing Authority
      OPEN

While the waiting list for Section 8 housing in Missouri can be long and unpredictable, it's important for applicants to remain patient and to keep their contact information up to date with the housing authority. By doing so, applicants can increase their chances of receiving a voucher when one becomes available.

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

The timeline for approval of Section 8 applications in Missouri can vary depending on a variety of factors, such as the size of the waiting list and the availability of funding. In general, it can take several weeks to several months for an application to be approved.

Once an applicant has completed the application process and submitted all required documents, the housing authority will review the application to determine eligibility. If the applicant is found to be eligible, they will be added to the waiting list for Section 8 housing vouchers.

The length of time it takes to receive a voucher from the waiting list can vary widely. In some cases, it may take only a few months to receive a voucher, while in other cases it may take several years. This timeline can depend on a number of factors, including the size of the waiting list, the availability of funding, and the number of vouchers that become available each year.

While the timeline for approval of Section 8 applications in Missouri can be unpredictable, the program provides valuable rental assistance to low-income households in need of affordable housing. By working with their local housing authority and staying patient throughout the process, applicants can access the resources they need to secure safe and decent housing in Missouri.

Other Low Income Housing Options in Missouri

In addition to Section 8 housing, there are other low-income housing options available in Missouri. Some of these options include:

Public Housing: Government-owned units with income-based rent.
Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) Properties: Affordable rentals managed by private developers.
Habitat for Humanity: Offers affordable homeownership opportunities.
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Programs: Supports affordable housing initiatives statewide.

By exploring these other low-income housing options in Missouri, applicants may be able to find additional resources and support to help them secure safe and decent housing. It's important to research the specific eligibility requirements and application processes for each program, as they may vary widely.

Accessing Affordable Housing in Missouri

Affordable housing is a lifeline for many Missourians, providing stability and the opportunity to build a better future. Programs like Section 8 and public housing offer critical support for low-income households. Stay proactive by exploring all available options and working with local housing authorities to secure the assistance you need.