If you are struggling to afford rent in Connecticut, the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program may be able to help. This federally funded program, administered by local public housing authorities (PHAs) across the state, helps eligible low-income families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities pay for safe, decent housing in the private rental market. Connecticut has 50 public housing agencies that collectively serve tens of thousands of households, and understanding how the application process works is the first step toward getting the help you need.
Not sure which programs you qualify for? Check your eligibility for free using our benefits screening tool, or visit our Connecticut Benefits Overview for a full list of assistance programs available in the state.
What Is Section 8 in Connecticut?
Section 8, officially known as the Housing Choice Voucher program, is funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and administered locally by housing authorities throughout Connecticut. The program pays a portion of your monthly rent directly to your landlord, while you pay the remaining amount (typically around 30% of your adjusted monthly income).
In Connecticut, Section 8 vouchers are managed by individual housing authorities rather than a single statewide agency. This means you will apply directly to the housing authority that serves your area. Some of the larger housing authorities in the state include:
- Housing Authority of the City of Hartford (180 John D. Wardlaw Way, Hartford)
- Housing Authority of New Haven (360 Orange Street, New Haven)
- Park City Communities (150 Highland Avenue, Bridgeport)
- Charter Oak Communities (22 Clinton Avenue, Stamford)
- Waterbury Housing Authority (2 Lakewood Road, Waterbury)
- Housing Authority of the City of New Britain (16 Armistice Street, New Britain)
You can apply to more than one housing authority at a time to improve your chances of receiving assistance.
Section 8 Income Limits in Connecticut
To qualify for Section 8 in Connecticut, your household income must fall below certain limits set by HUD each year. These limits are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for your specific region. Section 8 applicants generally must earn no more than 50% of the AMI (referred to as "Very Low Income"), though housing authorities are required to allocate at least 75% of new vouchers to families earning 30% or less of the AMI ("Extremely Low Income").
Because Connecticut has multiple metropolitan areas, income limits vary by county and region. The table below shows approximate income limits for some of the major areas in Connecticut. These figures are based on HUD guidelines and may be updated annually.
Approximate Very Low Income Limits (50% AMI) by Household Size
| Household Size | Hartford Area | New Haven Area | Stamford/Norwalk Area | Waterbury Area |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $38,450 | $40,250 | $52,850 | $36,200 |
| 2 People | $43,950 | $46,000 | $60,400 | $41,400 |
| 3 People | $49,450 | $51,750 | $67,950 | $46,550 |
| 4 People | $54,900 | $57,500 | $75,450 | $51,700 |
| 5 People | $59,300 | $62,100 | $81,500 | $55,850 |
| 6 People | $63,700 | $66,700 | $87,550 | $59,950 |
Note: These are approximate figures based on recent HUD data. Actual limits for your area may differ. Contact your local housing authority or visit HUD's Income Limits page for the most current numbers.
Extremely Low Income Limits (30% AMI)
Families earning at or below 30% of the AMI receive priority for voucher issuance. For a family of four, this typically ranges from about $25,000 to $38,000 depending on the metropolitan area in Connecticut.
How to Apply for Section 8 in Connecticut: Step by Step
Step 1: Find Your Local Housing Authority
Connecticut does not have a single statewide Section 8 application. You must apply through the housing authority that covers your city or town. There are 50 PHAs throughout the state. To find yours:
- Visit HUD's PHA Contact page and search by your city or ZIP code
- Call the Connecticut Department of Housing at (860) 270-8000 for guidance
- Check your town or city government website for local housing authority information
Step 2: Check If the Waiting List Is Open
One of the biggest challenges with Section 8 in Connecticut is that waiting lists are frequently closed due to high demand. Housing authorities only open their waiting lists periodically, and when they do, spots can fill up within days or even hours.
To stay informed about open waiting lists:
- Call your local housing authority regularly to ask about list openings
- Check websites like AffordableHousingOnline.com for waiting list status updates
- Sign up for email alerts from housing authorities that offer them
- Apply to multiple housing authorities at the same time
Step 3: Submit Your Application
When a waiting list opens, you will need to submit an application. Depending on the housing authority, you may be able to apply:
- Online through the housing authority's website
- In person at the housing authority's office
- By mail using a paper application
Your application will typically require:
- Full legal names and dates of birth for all household members
- Social Security numbers for all household members
- Current address and contact information
- Income information (pay stubs, benefit letters, tax returns)
- Employment history
- Information about any current housing assistance
- Documentation of any disabilities (if applicable)
Step 4: Wait for Your Position on the List
After submitting your application, you will be placed on a waiting list. Wait times in Connecticut can range from several months to several years, depending on the housing authority and demand in your area. Larger cities like Hartford, New Haven, and Bridgeport often have the longest wait times.
While you are on the waiting list:
- Keep your contact information up to date with the housing authority
- Respond promptly to any mail or phone calls from the housing authority
- Attend any required appointments or briefings
- Do not assume that silence means you have been removed from the list
Step 5: Complete the Eligibility Interview
When your name reaches the top of the waiting list, the housing authority will contact you for an eligibility interview. During this process, they will:
- Verify your income and household composition
- Conduct a background check
- Review your rental history
- Confirm your citizenship or eligible immigration status
You will need to bring documentation including:
- Government-issued photo ID for all adult household members
- Birth certificates for all household members
- Social Security cards
- Proof of income (last 12 months of pay stubs, tax returns, benefit letters)
- Bank statements
- Landlord references or rental history
Step 6: Receive Your Voucher and Find Housing
Once approved, you will receive a Housing Choice Voucher. You typically have 60 to 120 days (depending on the housing authority) to find a suitable rental unit. The unit must:
- Meet HUD Housing Quality Standards (HQS)
- Have a rent that falls within the housing authority's payment standard
- Be approved through a housing authority inspection
- Have a landlord willing to participate in the program
Step 7: Sign Your Lease and Move In
After the housing authority approves your chosen unit, you will sign a lease with the landlord and a Housing Assistance Payments (HAP) contract will be executed between the landlord and the housing authority. Your portion of the rent will typically be about 30% of your adjusted monthly income.
Preferences and Priority Categories
Many Connecticut housing authorities give preference to certain applicants, which can move you higher on the waiting list. Common preferences include:
- Residency preference: Applicants who live or work in the housing authority's jurisdiction
- Elderly applicants: Age 62 or older
- Persons with disabilities: Physical, mental, or developmental disabilities
- Veterans: Those who served in the U.S. military
- Homeless individuals and families: Those currently without stable housing
- Victims of domestic violence: Those fleeing unsafe situations
- Working families: Households with at least one employed member
Each housing authority sets its own preferences, so check with the specific PHA you are applying to.
Tips for a Successful Section 8 Application in Connecticut
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Apply to multiple housing authorities. You are not limited to one. Applying to several PHAs across Connecticut increases your chances of receiving a voucher.
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Keep meticulous records. Save copies of every document you submit and every piece of correspondence you receive.
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Respond quickly. If a housing authority contacts you, respond within the stated deadline or you may lose your place on the list.
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Be honest on your application. Providing false information is grounds for denial and could result in legal consequences.
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Update your information. If you move, change phone numbers, or experience changes in household size or income, notify the housing authority immediately.
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Explore other housing programs. While waiting for Section 8, look into other options like Connecticut's Rental Assistance Program (RAP), public housing, or the state's Emergency Rental Assistance programs.
Other Housing Resources in Connecticut
While waiting for a Section 8 voucher, consider these additional programs:
- Connecticut Rental Assistance Program (RAP): A state-funded program similar to Section 8, administered through the Connecticut Department of Housing.
- Public Housing: Many of the same housing authorities that manage Section 8 also operate public housing developments with lower rents.
- 211 Connecticut: Dial 2-1-1 for referrals to local housing assistance programs, shelters, and other resources.
- Connecticut Department of Housing: Call (860) 270-8000 or visit portal.ct.gov/DOH for information on state housing programs.
Want to see all the benefits you may qualify for? Use our free screener to check your eligibility for housing assistance, SNAP, Medicaid, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Section 8 waiting list in Connecticut?
Wait times vary significantly by housing authority. Some smaller towns may have wait times of six months to a year, while larger cities like Hartford, New Haven, and Bridgeport can have wait times of two to five years or more. Applying to multiple housing authorities can help reduce your overall wait time.
Can I transfer my Section 8 voucher to Connecticut from another state?
Yes. The Section 8 program includes "portability," which means you can transfer your voucher from one housing authority to another, including across state lines. You will need to coordinate with both the sending and receiving housing authorities to complete the transfer.
What happens if I am denied Section 8?
If your application is denied, the housing authority must provide you with a written explanation and inform you of your right to an informal hearing. Common reasons for denial include income above the limit, a criminal background that disqualifies you, or previous eviction from assisted housing.
Can I choose any apartment with my Section 8 voucher?
You can choose any rental unit that meets HUD Housing Quality Standards and has a rent within the housing authority's payment standard. The landlord must also agree to participate in the program. You are not limited to specific buildings or complexes.
Do I need to be a U.S. citizen to apply for Section 8?
At least one member of your household must be a U.S. citizen or have eligible immigration status. Mixed-status families (where some members are eligible and others are not) may receive prorated assistance.
How much rent will I pay with a Section 8 voucher?
Generally, you will pay about 30% of your adjusted monthly income toward rent. The housing authority covers the difference between your payment and the actual rent, up to the payment standard for your area.
Can I be on multiple Section 8 waiting lists at the same time?
Yes. You can apply to and be on waiting lists for multiple housing authorities simultaneously. This is actually recommended as a strategy to increase your chances of receiving a voucher sooner.
What is the difference between Section 8 and public housing?
Section 8 gives you a voucher to rent from a private landlord in the open market, while public housing places you in a government-owned housing development. Section 8 generally offers more flexibility in choosing where you live.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Eligibility requirements and program details may change. Contact your local housing authority or visit HUD.gov for the most current information. Last updated March 2026.
