If you are struggling to afford rent in Utah, the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program could help. This federally funded program assists low-income families, seniors, and people with disabilities by covering a portion of their monthly rent. Instead of living in a government-owned building, you choose your own rental home in the private market, and the program pays the difference between what you can afford and the actual rent. In this guide, we walk you through everything you need to know about applying for Section 8 in Utah, including eligibility requirements, income limits, the application process, and what to expect after you apply.
Not sure if you qualify? Use our free benefits screener to check your eligibility for Section 8 and other assistance programs in minutes.
What Is Section 8 and How Does It Work in Utah?
Section 8, officially called the Housing Choice Voucher program, is administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). In Utah, the program is managed at the local level by Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) spread across the state. Each PHA serves a specific geographic area and maintains its own waiting list, application process, and funding allocation.
Here is how the program works once you are approved:
- You receive a housing voucher from your local PHA.
- You find a rental unit in the private market that meets HUD quality standards.
- You pay roughly 30% of your adjusted monthly income toward rent.
- The PHA pays the remaining portion of the rent directly to the landlord.
For example, if your household's adjusted monthly income is $1,500, your share of rent would be approximately $450 per month. The housing authority covers the rest, up to the Fair Market Rent limit for your area.
Who Is Eligible for Section 8 in Utah?
To qualify for a Housing Choice Voucher in Utah, you must meet several requirements set by HUD and your local housing authority.
Income Requirements
Your household income must fall at or below 50% of the Area Median Income (AMI) for the county where you are applying. HUD requires that at least 75% of new vouchers go to families earning 30% of AMI or less (extremely low income), so priority is typically given to the lowest-income applicants.
Other Eligibility Factors
- Citizenship: You must be a U.S. citizen or have eligible immigration status.
- Background check: Most PHAs conduct criminal background screenings. Certain serious offenses (such as drug manufacturing or sex offenses requiring lifetime registration) may disqualify applicants.
- Rental history: A history of evictions or unpaid rent may affect your eligibility.
- Family composition: Single individuals, families with children, elderly persons, and people with disabilities are all eligible.
Utah Section 8 Income Limits
Income limits vary by area because they are based on the Area Median Income for each county or metro region. Below are the FY2025 HUD income limits for the Salt Lake City metro area (Salt Lake and Tooele counties) as a reference. Your local housing authority can provide the specific limits for your area.
Salt Lake City Metro Area: Very Low Income (50% AMI)
| Household Size | Annual Income Limit |
|---|---|
| 1 Person | $42,950 |
| 2 Persons | $49,100 |
| 3 Persons | $55,250 |
| 4 Persons | $61,350 |
| 5 Persons | $66,300 |
| 6 Persons | $71,200 |
| 7 Persons | $76,100 |
| 8 Persons | $81,000 |
Source: HUD FY2025 Income Limits, Salt Lake City Metro Area
Salt Lake City Metro Area: Extremely Low Income (30% AMI)
| Household Size | Annual Income Limit |
|---|---|
| 1 Person | $25,800 |
| 2 Persons | $29,450 |
| 3 Persons | $33,150 |
| 4 Persons | $36,800 |
| 5 Persons | $39,750 |
| 6 Persons | $43,150 |
| 7 Persons | $48,650 |
| 8 Persons | $54,150 |
Source: HUD FY2025 Income Limits, Salt Lake City Metro Area
Keep in mind that income limits are different in rural areas and other metro regions of Utah. For example, Provo, Ogden, and St. George each have their own AMI calculations. Always check with your local PHA for the most current figures, or use the HUD Income Limits tool to look up your specific county.
Step-by-Step: How to Apply for Section 8 in Utah
Step 1: Find Your Local Housing Authority
Section 8 applications are handled at the local level in Utah. You must apply through the PHA that serves your area. Here are some of the major housing authorities in the state:
- Housing Connect (Salt Lake County): housingconnect.org
- Housing Authority of Utah County (Provo area): housinguc.org
- Ogden Housing Authority: ogdenhousing.org
- Housing Authority of Southeastern Utah (Price area): hasuhomes.org
- Bear River Association of Governments (Logan/Cache County area): brag.utah.gov
- West Valley City Housing Authority
- Housing Authority of Carbon and Emery County
You can also search for your local PHA on the HUD website or call HUD's Utah field office for guidance.
Step 2: Check if the Waiting List Is Open
Because demand for Section 8 vouchers far exceeds the available supply, most housing authorities maintain waiting lists. These lists open and close periodically based on funding and voucher availability. Before you invest time in an application, confirm that your local PHA's waiting list is currently accepting new applicants.
You can check waiting list status by:
- Visiting your PHA's website
- Calling their office directly
- Checking tracking sites like affordablehousingonline.com
When a waiting list opens, it may only stay open for a few days or weeks. Act quickly when you hear about an opening.
Step 3: Complete the Application
Once you confirm the waiting list is open, submit your application. Depending on the housing authority, you may be able to apply:
- Online through the PHA's website or a portal like waitlistcheck.com
- In person at the PHA office
- By mail or fax (some smaller or rural PHAs still accept paper applications)
The application will ask for basic information about your household, including names, dates of birth, Social Security numbers, income sources, and current housing situation.
Step 4: Gather Required Documents
While specific requirements vary by housing authority, you should be prepared to provide:
- Government-issued photo ID for all adult household members
- Social Security cards for all household members
- Birth certificates (especially for children)
- Proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, benefit award letters)
- Bank statements (typically the most recent two to three months)
- Proof of current address (lease, utility bill, or mail)
- Documentation of any disability (if applicable)
- Immigration documents (if not a U.S. citizen)
Submit complete and accurate paperwork. Missing or incorrect documents are one of the most common reasons applications get delayed.
Step 5: Wait for Your Name to Be Called
After submitting your application, you will be placed on the waiting list. The wait time varies significantly depending on your location and the demand in your area. In high-demand areas like Salt Lake County, waiting periods can range from several months to several years. Some smaller or rural PHAs may have shorter wait times.
During this time:
- Keep your contact information up to date with the PHA
- Respond promptly to any correspondence or requests for information
- Notify the PHA if your household size, income, or address changes
Failing to respond to a PHA contact attempt can result in your removal from the waiting list.
Step 6: Attend Your Eligibility Interview
When your name reaches the top of the list, the PHA will contact you for an eligibility interview. During this meeting, the housing authority will verify your income, household composition, and other eligibility factors. You will need to bring updated versions of all your documentation.
Step 7: Receive Your Voucher and Find Housing
If you are approved, you will receive a Housing Choice Voucher. You then have a set period (typically 60 to 120 days, depending on the PHA) to find a rental unit that:
- Meets HUD Housing Quality Standards
- Has a landlord willing to participate in the program
- Falls within the Fair Market Rent limits for your area
Once you find a suitable unit, the PHA inspects it, approves the lease, and begins making payments to your landlord.
Tips for a Successful Section 8 Application in Utah
- Apply to multiple housing authorities. You are not limited to one PHA. If nearby housing authorities have open waiting lists, submit applications to each one.
- Keep copies of everything. Save copies of your application and all documents you submit.
- Be honest and thorough. Providing false information on your application is grounds for permanent disqualification.
- Stay in contact. Check in with the PHA periodically and respond immediately to any mail or calls from them.
- Consider portability. If you receive a voucher in one area, you may be able to use it in a different city or even a different state through the HCV portability feature.
Other Housing and Benefits Programs in Utah
While you wait for Section 8, other programs may help with your housing and basic needs:
- Public Housing: Some Utah PHAs also manage public housing units with below-market rents.
- LIHEAP (HEAT Program): Helps with heating and utility costs for households at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Level. Apply through the Utah Department of Workforce Services.
- Emergency Solutions Grant: Provides short-term rental assistance and homelessness prevention services.
- Utah Housing Corporation: Offers down payment assistance and affordable mortgage programs for homebuyers. Visit utahhousingcorp.org.
Check out our Utah Benefits Overview page for a complete look at assistance programs available in the state. You can also use our free benefits screener to find out which programs you may qualify for based on your income, household size, and location.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Section 8 waiting list in Utah?
Wait times vary widely by location and demand. In Salt Lake County, waits of one to several years are common. Smaller or rural housing authorities may have shorter wait times, sometimes just a few months. Check directly with your local PHA for current estimates.
Can I apply for Section 8 in Utah if I live in another state?
Yes. You can apply to any housing authority in the country, regardless of where you currently live. If you are approved and receive a voucher, you can also use the portability feature to transfer your voucher between housing authorities.
What happens if I am denied?
If your application is denied, the PHA must provide you with a written explanation and inform you of your right to an informal hearing. You can appeal the decision and present additional evidence or documentation supporting your case.
Do I need to be on public assistance to qualify?
No. Section 8 eligibility is based primarily on your household income relative to the Area Median Income, not on whether you receive other forms of public assistance. Working families, seniors on fixed incomes, and people with disabilities all qualify as long as they meet the income requirements.
Can I choose any apartment with a Section 8 voucher?
You can choose any rental unit that meets HUD Housing Quality Standards and falls within the Fair Market Rent guidelines for your area. The landlord must also agree to participate in the program. You are not limited to specific buildings or complexes.
How much rent will I pay with a Section 8 voucher?
Generally, you will pay approximately 30% of your adjusted monthly income toward rent. The housing authority covers the remaining cost up to the payment standard for your area. If you choose a unit with rent above the payment standard, you may be responsible for the difference, but your total housing cost cannot exceed 40% of your adjusted income at the time you sign the lease.
What if my income changes while I am on the program?
You must report all income changes to your housing authority within 10 business days. Your rent portion will be recalculated based on the new income. If your income increases significantly and exceeds program limits, you may eventually lose your voucher, though there is typically a grace period.
Take the Next Step
Applying for Section 8 in Utah takes patience and preparation, but the financial relief it provides can be life-changing. Start by identifying your local housing authority, checking whether their waiting list is open, and gathering your documents so you are ready to apply the moment an opportunity opens.
If you are unsure whether Section 8 is the right program for you, or if you want to explore all the benefits you might qualify for, try our free eligibility screener. It takes just a few minutes and covers over 11 federal and state programs, including housing assistance, food benefits, healthcare, and more.
For more information on Utah-specific assistance programs, visit our Utah Benefits Overview page.
