Washington Section 8 Housing
/Washington continues to face a significant affordable housing crisis, with low-income families and individuals struggling to secure stable, affordable homes. The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program, administered by local housing authorities and overseen by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), provides vital rental assistance to help low-income households access safe and decent housing.
With only 29 affordable rental homes available for every 100 extremely low-income renters statewide, the demand for Section 8 housing in Washington is higher than ever. This guide covers everything you need to know about Section 8 housing in Washington in 2025, including eligibility requirements, income limits, application processes, and alternative affordable housing options.
Who Qualifies for Section 8 Housing in Washington?
To be eligible for the Section 8 housing program in Washington, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements. These requirements include:
Income Limits: Households must earn at or below 50% of the Area Median Income (AMI) for their region. For example, in 2025, the income limit for a family of four is $85,000 in King County but $63,500 in Spokane County.
Household Size: Income limits are adjusted based on the number of people in the household.
Citizenship or Residency: Applicants must be U.S. citizens or eligible legal residents.
Additionally, certain factors may disqualify an applicant from participating in the program, such as a history of drug-related criminal activity or failure to meet obligations under a previous rental agreement.
What is the Maximum Amount of Rent That Section 8 Will Pay in Washington?
The amount of rent that Section 8 will pay in Washington is determined by payment standards set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Payment standards are based on the fair market rents (FMRs) for the area in which the housing unit is located. The FMRs are calculated annually by HUD and reflect the average rent for a particular region.
The maximum amount of rent that Section 8 will pay varies by region within Washington. Housing authorities are responsible for setting payment standards for their service areas, which may differ from the FMRs established by HUD. As a result, payment standards for Section 8 housing can vary from one housing authority to another.
Income Limits for Section 8 Housing in Washington
Income limits are an important factor in determining eligibility for the Section 8 housing program in Washington. The income limits for Section 8 are based on the area median income (AMI) for the region where an applicant is applying.
In Washington, the income limits for Section 8 housing vary by region and family size. For example, in King County, which includes Seattle, the income limit for a family of four is $81,300, while in Spokane County, the same family's income limit is $62,300.
The following chart shows income limits across Washington for 2024.
Income for Section 8 eligibility purposes includes all sources of income, including wages, social security benefits, and any other forms of income. Housing authorities will calculate an applicant's annual income and compare it to the income limits for their region to determine eligibility for the program.
Fair Market Rents for Section 8 Housing in Washington
Fair market rents (FMRs) are another important factor in the Section 8 housing program in Washington. FMRs are determined by HUD and reflect the average rent for a particular region.
Housing authorities use FMRs to determine the maximum rent that Section 8 will pay for a particular region. The FMRs vary by region and unit size, with higher FMRs for larger units.
The following table shows the current Fair Market Rents in Washington.
Understanding FMRs is crucial when looking for Section 8 housing in Washington. Tenants should look for units with rents that fall within the FMR for their region in order to maximize the financial assistance provided by the program. Additionally, FMRs may be used as a benchmark for determining rent for other affordable housing programs in Washington.
How Do I Apply for Section 8 Housing in Washington?
The application process for Section 8 housing in Washington varies by housing authority, but generally involves the following steps:
Contact Local Housing Authorities: Applicants must apply through the housing authority serving the area where they want to live. Find a complete list of Washington housing authorities on the HUD website.
Submit an Application: Applications may be available online or in-person. Applicants must provide documentation of income, household size, and legal residency.
Attend an Interview: After submitting an application, some housing authorities require interviews to verify eligibility.
Wait for Approval: Due to high demand, most housing authorities maintain waiting lists.
In Washington, some housing authorities offer online application options in addition to in-person applications. Online applications may be more convenient for some applicants and can be accessed through the housing authority's website.
Be sure to have all necessary documents and information ready before starting the application process to ensure a smooth application process. Applicants should also be aware of any application deadlines and requirements set by their local housing authority.
Washington Housing Authorities
Washington has several housing authorities that administer the Section 8 housing program in different regions of the state. Here are some of the major housing authorities in Washington:
| Housing Authority | Contact Information | Visit Website |
|---|---|---|
| Seattle Housing Authority | 190 Queen Anne Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109 206-615-3300 |
Visit Website |
| Tacoma Housing Authority | 902 S L St, Tacoma, WA 98405 253-207-4400 |
Visit Website |
| Spokane Housing Authority | 55 W Mission Ave #100, Spokane, WA 99201 509-328-2953 |
Visit Website |
| Vancouver Housing Authority | 2500 Main St, Vancouver, WA 98660 360-694-2501 |
Visit Website |
There are currently 35 housing authorities in Washington state. For a complete list please use your Housing Authority Search Tool.
Contacting local housing authorities is an important step for those seeking Section 8 housing in Washington. Housing authorities can provide assistance and information about eligibility requirements, the application process, and other resources for low-income individuals and families.
In addition to administering the Section 8 housing program, housing authorities may also offer other resources and services for low-income individuals and families. These resources may include job training, education programs, and financial counseling. Tenants should contact their local housing authority to learn more about the resources available in their area.
Section 8 Housing Waiting List in Washington
Due to the high demand for affordable housing in Washington, many housing authorities maintain waiting lists for the Section 8 housing program. Waiting lists can vary in length and availability of vouchers, and the waiting period can range broadly.
The following table shows the current waiting list status in Washington.
| Housing Authority | Waiting List Status |
|---|---|
| Bellingham Housing Authority | Open |
| Everett Housing Authority | Closed |
| King County Housing Authority | Open |
| Kitsap County Consolidated Housing Authority | Open |
| Pierce County Housing Authority | Closed |
| Seattle Housing Authority | Closed |
| Snohomish County Housing Authority | Open |
| Spokane Housing Authority | Open |
| Tacoma Housing Authority | Closed |
| Vancouver Housing Authority | Open |
As vouchers become available, they are offered to applicants on the waiting list in order of their application date and time. Housing authorities will typically notify applicants when their name reaches the top of the waiting list.
Applicants should also become aware of any changes in the waiting list status or availability of vouchers, as these can impact their eligibility and chances of receiving assistance. Housing authorities will typically provide updates on waiting list status through their website or other communication channels.
How Long Does it Take to Get Approved for Section 8 in Washington?
The time it takes to get approved for Section 8 in Washington can vary depending on a number of factors. Some of these factors include:
Volume of applications: Housing authorities may receive a high volume of applications, which can impact processing times.
Completeness of application: Incomplete applications or missing documentation can delay the application process.
Availability of vouchers: Availability of vouchers is limited, so even eligible applicants may face a waiting period before receiving assistance.
Generally, the estimated timeline for approval for Section 8 in Washington is between two to four weeks after submitting a complete application. However, this timeline can vary depending on the factors mentioned above.
It is important for applicants to stay in contact with the housing authority during the application process to receive updates and information about their application status. Applicants should also respond promptly to any requests for additional information or documentation to avoid delays in the approval process.
Other Low Income Housing Options in Washington
In addition to the Section 8 housing program, there are other affordable housing options available in Washington for low-income individuals and families. These options include:
Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) properties: LIHTC properties are privately-owned affordable housing units that receive tax credits for providing affordable rent to low-income tenants. These properties may have income restrictions and waiting lists.
Public housing: Public housing is a federally-funded program that provides affordable housing to low-income families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities. These units are owned and operated by housing authorities and may have waiting lists.
Affordable housing with no waiting lists: In some areas of Washington, there may be affordable housing options available with no waiting lists. These units may be privately-owned or operated by non-profit organizations and may have income restrictions.
Applying to multiple programs and keeping their application information up to date can increase their chances of finding affordable housing in a timely manner.
Section 8 Housing: Addressing a Critical Need
Affordable housing remains a critical need in Washington, and the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program is a vital tool for addressing this crisis. By understanding the program's eligibility requirements, income limits, and application process, low-income families and individuals can take steps toward securing safe and affordable housing. For more resources, contact your local housing authority or visit the Washington State Housing Authority Directory.
