Oklahoma's Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program is essential in addressing housing affordability, particularly in a state where over 15% of residents live below the poverty line. This federal program, administered locally, provides rental assistance to low-income families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities, helping them access safe and affordable housing in the private market.

This guide explains the eligibility criteria, application process, wait times, and alternatives for 2025, offering the latest insights for Oklahoma residents.

Who Qualifies for Section 8 Housing in Oklahoma?

To qualify for Section 8 housing in Oklahoma, you must meet certain eligibility criteria. These criteria include:

Income Limits: Your household income must be at or below 50% of the area median income (AMI) for the county where you wish to live. The income limits vary by household size and county, and the Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency (OHFA) publishes the income limits annually.
Citizenship Status: You must be a U.S. citizen or have eligible immigration status to qualify for Section 8 housing in Oklahoma.
Criminal History: You must not have any drug-related or violent criminal convictions or a history of evictions due to drug-related or violent criminal activity.
Other Factors: Other factors that may affect your eligibility for Section 8 housing in Oklahoma include credit history, rental history, and family size.

Meeting these eligibility criteria does not guarantee that you will receive a Section 8 voucher. If the demand for vouchers exceeds the supply, you may be placed on a waiting list.

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

The maximum amount of rent that Section 8 will pay in Oklahoma is determined by the Fair Market Rent (FMR) rates for the area where you wish to live. The FMR rates are published annually by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and are based on the rental rates of recently leased units in the area.

The maximum amount of rent that Section 8 will pay is typically 30% of the household's adjusted income, but it may be higher or lower depending on the FMR rates for the area. If the rent of a unit is higher than the FMR for the area, the tenant may be required to pay the difference out of their own pocket.

It's important to note that the FMR rates are subject to change each year, so it's a good idea to check the latest rates when searching for Section 8 housing in Oklahoma.

Income Limits for Section 8 Housing in Oklahoma

To be eligible for Section 8 housing in Oklahoma, your household income must be at or below 50% of the area median income (AMI) for the county where you wish to live. The income limits vary by household size and county, and the Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency (OHFA) publishes the income limits annually.

The following table contains the current income limits for Oklahoma.

The income limits are calculated based on the AMI for the area and the number of people in your household. The AMI is the midpoint of all incomes in the area and is determined by HUD. The income limits are set at a percentage of the AMI to ensure that Section 8 housing is affordable to low-income households.

Fair Market Rents for Section 8 Housing in Oklahoma

The Fair Market Rent (FMR) is the rent, including utilities, that a landlord can expect to receive for a rental unit in a particular area. FMRs are established by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and are used to determine the maximum amount of rent that Section 8 will pay in a particular area.

FMRs are determined by HUD through a process that involves collecting data on rental rates for recently leased units in the area. HUD then calculates the 40th percentile rent for each unit size category (e.g., studio, one-bedroom, two-bedroom, etc.) in the area. The FMR is set at 90% of the 40th percentile rent.

The following table shows the current Fair Market Rents in Oklahoma.

FMRs are subject to change each year, so it's a good idea to check the latest rates when searching for Section 8 housing in Oklahoma. Additionally, FMRs are only one factor that determines the maximum amount of rent that Section 8 will pay. The tenant's income and the quality of the rental unit are also factors that are taken into consideration.

How Do I Apply for Section 8 Housing in Oklahoma?

Applying for Section 8 in Oklahoma involves several steps:

Locate Your Local Housing Authority: Begin by contacting a housing authority in your area. Major housing authorities include:

Submit an Application: Applications can be completed online, in person, or by mail. Required documents include:

Proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns).
Social Security numbers for all household members.
Rental history and family composition.

Interview and Verification: Applicants may need to attend an interview and provide documentation to verify eligibility.
Waiting List Placement: If vouchers are unavailable, eligible applicants are placed on a waiting list.

Use our full Section 8 Application Guide for tips and resources on completing your application. If you have any questions or concerns about the application process in your specific area, contact your local housing authority for assistance.

Oklahoma Housing Authorities

There are several housing authorities in Oklahoma that administer the Section 8 housing program. These housing authorities are responsible for determining eligibility, issuing Section 8 vouchers, and monitoring compliance with program rules and regulations.

The following is a list of Housing Authorities in Oklahoma along with their contact information.

Housing Authority	Contact Information	Website
Ardmore Housing Authority	2001 Willowood St. Ardmore, OK 73401 Phone: (580) 223-3132 Email	Visit Website
Lawton Housing Authority	609 SW F Ave. Lawton, OK 73501 Phone: (580) 353-7432 Email	Visit Website
Oklahoma City Housing Authority	1700 NE 4th St. Oklahoma City, OK 73117 Phone: (405) 239-7551 Email	Visit Website
Tulsa Housing Authority	415 E. Independence St. Tulsa, OK 74106 Phone: (918) 582-0021 Email	Visit Website
Enid Housing Authority	202 W. Owen K Garriott Rd. Enid, OK 73701 Phone: (580) 234-5273 Email	Visit Website
Muskogee Housing Authority	200 N. 40th St. Muskogee, OK 74401 Phone: (918) 682-1721 Email	Visit Website
Bartlesville Housing Authority	601 SE Frank Phillips Blvd. Bartlesville, OK 74003 Phone: (918) 336-0081 Email	Visit Website
Norman Housing Authority	700 N. Berry Rd. Norman, OK 73069 Phone: (405) 364-3034 Email	Visit Website

In addition to administering the Section 8 housing program, housing authorities in Oklahoma may also provide other services to low-income residents, such as public housing, homeownership assistance, and supportive services for seniors and people with disabilities.

For more information about housing authorities in Oklahoma and the services they provide, visit the OHFA website or contact your local housing authority directly.

Section 8 Housing Oklahoma Waiting List

The waiting list for Section 8 housing in Oklahoma can vary in length depending on the availability of funding and the demand for vouchers. If the demand for vouchers exceeds the supply, you may be placed on a waiting list until a voucher becomes available.

The following is the current status of Section 8 housing waiting lists in Oklahoma.

  
      Housing Authority
      Waiting List Status
    
      Ardmore Housing Authority
      Closed
    
      Lawton Housing Authority
      Open with preference
    
      Oklahoma City Housing Authority
      Closed
    
      Tulsa Housing Authority
      Closed
    
      Enid Housing Authority
      Closed
    
      Muskogee Housing Authority
      Open
    
      Bartlesville Housing Authority
      Closed
    
      Norman Housing Authority
      Closed

To check your status on the waiting list, contact your local housing authority. They can provide you with information on where you stand on the waiting list and an estimated timeline for when you might receive a voucher.

Keep your contact information up to date with your local housing authority, as they will contact you when a voucher becomes available. If your contact information changes, make sure to notify your housing authority immediately so they can update your file.

If you want to update your application or make changes to your household size or income, contact your local housing authority to find out how to make these changes. You may be required to provide documentation to support any changes you make to your application.

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

The processing time for Section 8 housing applications in Oklahoma can vary depending on a variety of factors. In general, it can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months to get approved for Section 8 housing in Oklahoma.

Some of the factors that can affect the processing time include:

The volume of applications: If there is a high demand for Section 8 housing in your area, the housing authority may receive a large volume of applications, which can increase the processing time.
Completeness of application: If your application is incomplete or missing important information or documentation, it may take longer for the housing authority to process your application.
Verification of information: The housing authority will need to verify your income, citizenship status, and other eligibility criteria before approving your application. This can involve contacting your employer, banks, and other organizations to verify the information you provide.
Waiting list: If the demand for vouchers exceeds the supply, you may be placed on a waiting list until a voucher becomes available. The waiting list can vary in length depending on the availability of funding and the demand for vouchers.

Waiting list lengths vary depending on demand and funding. To check the latest updates, visit the Affordable Housing Hub Waiting List page.

Other Low-Income Housing Options in Oklahoma

In addition to Section 8 housing, there are other low-income housing options available in Oklahoma. These options include:

Public Housing: Public housing is a federally-funded program that provides affordable housing to low-income families, seniors, and people with disabilities. Public housing units are owned and operated by local housing authorities.
Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) Properties: LIHTC properties are privately-owned rental properties that receive tax credits in exchange for renting to low-income tenants. These properties are often managed by property management companies and may have income restrictions.
Subsidized Apartments: Subsidized apartments are privately-owned rental properties that receive subsidies from the government in exchange for renting to low-income tenants. These apartments may have income restrictions and may be managed by property management companies.

Some of these options may have waiting lists, while others may not. LIHTC properties, for example, typically do not have waiting lists, while public housing and subsidized apartments may have waiting lists that can vary in length.

To find out more about these low-income housing options in Oklahoma, contact your local housing authority or visit the OHFA website. They can provide you with information on the availability of these programs in your area and help you determine which option is best for you.

Common Questions About Section 8 in Oklahoma

How Long Does Approval Take?

Approval times vary by housing authority but typically range from several weeks to months. Waiting lists can extend this timeline.

Can Vouchers Be Used Outside of Oklahoma?

Yes, Section 8 vouchers are portable and can be transferred to another state with an open waitlist.

What Happens If My Income Changes?

Report income changes immediately to your housing authority, as they may impact your subsidy amount.

Navigating Housing Challenges in Oklahoma

Affordable housing is critical in Oklahoma, where over 40% of renters spend more than 30% of their income on rent. Programs like Section 8, public housing, and LIHTC properties provide essential support for those in need.

For more information, contact your local housing authority or visit Affordable Housing Hub to explore resources and housing solutions tailored to Oklahoma residents.