Finding affordable housing in Montana can be a real challenge, especially as rental costs continue to rise across the state. The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program helps low-income families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities afford safe, decent housing in the private rental market. If you are struggling to keep up with rent, this program could cover a significant portion of your monthly housing costs.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know about how to apply for Section 8 in Montana, including who qualifies, what income limits apply, and exactly how the application process works.
Not sure which benefits you qualify for? Use our free eligibility screener to check your eligibility for Section 8 and dozens of other programs in minutes.
How Section 8 Works in Montana
Unlike many states where local public housing authorities (PHAs) run the Section 8 program, Montana's Housing Choice Voucher Program is administered at the state level by the Montana Department of Commerce. The Department of Commerce partners with nonprofit field agencies throughout the state to handle day-to-day program operations in different regions.
Here is how the program works once you are approved:
- You receive a voucher that covers a portion of your rent
- You find a rental unit in the private market that meets HUD quality standards
- You pay roughly 30% of your adjusted gross monthly income toward rent and utilities
- The voucher covers the remaining portion, paid directly to your landlord
- Your income and family composition are reviewed every year to ensure continued eligibility
Because the voucher is tied to you (not the property), you can use it at any eligible rental in Montana, including single-family homes, apartments, and townhouses.
Who Is Eligible for Section 8 in Montana?
To qualify for a Housing Choice Voucher in Montana, you must meet income requirements set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Generally, your household income must fall below 50% of the area median income (AMI) for your county. HUD also reserves 75% of new vouchers for families at or below 30% of AMI (the "extremely low income" threshold).
Beyond income, you must also:
- Be a U.S. citizen or have eligible immigration status
- Pass a background screening
- Provide Social Security numbers for all household members
- Not owe money to a previous housing authority for fraud or unpaid rent
Montana Section 8 Income Limits (FY 2025)
HUD updates income limits every year, and they vary by county. Below are the Very Low Income (50% AMI) limits for two of Montana's largest metro areas, which represent the maximum income to qualify for Section 8. Your specific county limits may differ.
Billings, MT Area (Yellowstone and Carbon Counties)
| Household Size | Very Low Income (50% AMI) | Extremely Low Income (30% AMI) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $34,000 | $20,450 |
| 2 Persons | $38,850 | $23,350 |
| 3 Persons | $43,700 | $26,650 |
| 4 Persons | $48,550 | $32,150 |
| 5 Persons | $52,450 | $37,650 |
| 6 Persons | $56,350 | $43,150 |
| 7 Persons | $60,250 | $48,650 |
| 8 Persons | $64,100 | $54,150 |
Missoula, MT Area
| Household Size | Very Low Income (50% AMI) | Extremely Low Income (30% AMI) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $34,500 | $20,700 |
| 2 Persons | $39,400 | $23,650 |
| 3 Persons | $44,300 | $26,650 |
| 4 Persons | $49,250 | $32,150 |
| 5 Persons | $53,200 | $37,650 |
| 6 Persons | $57,150 | $43,150 |
| 7 Persons | $61,100 | $48,650 |
| 8 Persons | $65,000 | $54,150 |
Source: HUD FY 2025 Income Limits. Limits vary by county. Look up your specific area at huduser.gov.
Income limits for rural Montana counties may be lower than the figures shown above. Always check the HUD income limits for your specific county before applying.
How to Apply for Section 8 in Montana: Step by Step
Step 1: Check If the Waiting List Is Open
Montana's Section 8 waiting list is not always accepting new applications. As of early 2026, the HCV and Moderate Rehabilitation waiting lists are open. However, this can change at any time. Check the Montana Department of Commerce Housing Choice Voucher page for the most current status.
Step 2: Gather Your Documents
Before you start your application, collect these documents for every member of your household:
- Government-issued photo ID (for adults)
- Social Security cards for all household members
- Birth certificates for all household members
- Proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, Social Security award letters, or other benefit statements)
- Proof of citizenship or eligible immigration status
- Bank statements (checking and savings)
- Current lease or rental agreement (if applicable)
- Documentation of any disabilities (if requesting a preference)
Step 3: Submit Your Application
Applications for Montana's Housing Choice Voucher Program are handled through the Montana Department of Commerce. You can apply by:
- Online: Visit the Montana Department of Commerce website for the current application link
- By mail: Request a paper application from the Department of Commerce or your regional field agency
- Through a field agency: Contact the nonprofit field agency serving your county for help completing the application
When you apply, you will select a regional waiting list. Montana divides the state into regions, and your position on the waiting list depends on the region you choose.
Step 4: Wait for Your Position on the List
After your application is accepted, you will be placed on a waiting list. Your position is determined by:
- Any applicable preferences (such as homelessness, veteran status, or disability)
- The date and time of your application
- The region you selected
There is no guaranteed timeline. Wait times can range from several months to several years depending on funding, turnover in the program, and the number of applicants in your region.
Check your waiting list position anytime at waitlistcheck.com.
Step 5: Respond Promptly When Contacted
When your name comes up on the waiting list, the Department of Commerce or your field agency will contact you. You will need to:
- Attend a briefing session about the program rules
- Provide updated documentation of your income and household composition
- Complete a full eligibility determination
If you do not respond within the required timeframe, you may lose your place on the list.
Step 6: Search for Housing
Once you receive your voucher, you typically have 60 to 120 days to find an eligible rental unit. The unit must:
- Meet HUD Housing Quality Standards (HQS)
- Have a rent within the local payment standard
- Be approved through a housing inspection
You can search for available rentals at MTHousingSearch.com, a free resource for finding rental units across Montana.
Step 7: Sign Your Lease and Move In
After your chosen unit passes inspection and the landlord agrees to participate in the program, you sign your lease. The Department of Commerce begins making subsidy payments directly to your landlord, and you pay your share (approximately 30% of your adjusted income).
Keeping Your Voucher Active
Once you are in the program, there are important rules to follow:
- Report income changes promptly to your field agency
- Allow annual inspections of your unit
- Complete annual recertification of your income and family composition
- Follow your lease terms and do not engage in criminal activity
- Notify your field agency before moving to a new unit
Failure to follow program rules can result in termination of your voucher.
Montana's Moderate Rehabilitation Program
In addition to the standard Housing Choice Voucher, Montana also offers the Moderate Rehabilitation (Mod Rehab) Program. This is a project-based program, meaning the assistance is tied to a specific building rather than moving with you.
Key differences from the standard voucher:
- Assistance stays with the property, not the tenant
- Available only at specific properties in certain Montana cities
- May have shorter wait times than the standard HCV program
- You apply through the same waiting list
If Mod Rehab housing is available in your area, it may be a faster path to receiving rental assistance.
What to Do While You Wait
The Section 8 waiting list in Montana can be long. While you wait, consider exploring other assistance programs:
- LIHEAP: Montana's Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program helps pay heating bills. Applications are accepted October through April. Learn more at dphhs.mt.gov.
- SNAP: The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program can help cover food costs. Apply at apply.mt.gov.
- Medicaid: Montana Medicaid provides free or low-cost health coverage. Apply at apply.mt.gov.
- TANF: Temporary Assistance for Needy Families provides cash assistance. Apply at apply.mt.gov.
Check out our Montana Benefits Overview for a complete list of programs available in the state, or use our free screener to see everything you might qualify for.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Section 8 waiting list in Montana?
Wait times vary significantly by region and can range from several months to multiple years. Factors include available funding, the number of vouchers in your region, and how many people are ahead of you. You can check your position at waitlistcheck.com.
Can I transfer my Section 8 voucher to or from another state?
Yes. The Housing Choice Voucher Program includes "portability," which allows you to transfer your voucher to another jurisdiction. If you have a voucher from another state and want to move to Montana (or vice versa), contact your current housing authority to start the portability process.
Is the Montana Section 8 waiting list currently open?
As of early 2026, Montana's HCV and Moderate Rehabilitation waiting lists are open. This status can change, so always check the Montana Department of Commerce website for the latest information.
What happens if my income changes while I am on Section 8?
Your rent share is recalculated based on your new income. If your income increases, you will pay a larger share of your rent. If your income goes up enough to exceed program limits, you may be phased out over time. Report all income changes to your field agency promptly.
Can I choose any apartment or house with a Section 8 voucher?
You can choose any rental unit that meets HUD Housing Quality Standards and has a willing landlord. The rent must also fall within the local payment standard for your area. Not all landlords accept vouchers, so you may need to search for participating properties.
What are field agencies in Montana?
Because Montana is geographically large, the Department of Commerce contracts with local nonprofit organizations (field agencies) to administer the program in different regions. Your field agency handles your application, inspections, and annual recertification. Contact the Department of Commerce to find the field agency serving your county.
Do I need to be a Montana resident to apply?
You do not need to be a current Montana resident to apply, but you must plan to live in Montana when you receive your voucher. You can apply from another state if you intend to relocate.
Next Steps
Applying for Section 8 in Montana takes some preparation, but the process is straightforward once you know what to expect. Start by checking whether the waiting list is open, gather your documents, and submit your application as soon as possible.
If you want to see all the benefits programs you might qualify for, including housing assistance, food programs, healthcare, and more, try our free benefits screener. It takes just a few minutes and could connect you with thousands of dollars in annual assistance.
For more Montana-specific program information, visit our Montana Benefits Overview.
