Finding affordable housing in Maryland can be a serious challenge, particularly in high-cost areas like the Baltimore metro region, Montgomery County, and Prince George's County. The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program is one of the most important federal programs available to help low-income Maryland families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities pay for safe, quality housing in the private rental market. If you qualify, the program can cover a significant portion of your monthly rent, often paying 60% to 70% or more of the total cost.
This guide walks you through exactly how to apply for Section 8 in Maryland, including who is eligible, what income limits apply, which housing authorities to contact, and what to expect from the waiting list process.
Not sure if you qualify for Section 8 or other assistance programs? Use our free benefits screener to check your eligibility in minutes. You can also explore the Maryland Benefits Overview for a full list of programs available in your state.
What Is the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program?
Section 8 is a federal rental assistance program funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Rather than placing families in government-owned housing projects, the program provides vouchers that allow recipients to rent from private landlords on the open market.
Here is how the program works:
- You apply through your local public housing authority (PHA)
- If approved and selected from the waiting list, you receive a housing voucher
- You find a rental unit that meets HUD housing quality standards
- The housing authority pays a portion of rent directly to your landlord
- You pay the remaining portion, typically around 30% of your adjusted gross income
The voucher stays with you, not the property. This means you can move to a different rental unit and keep your assistance, as long as the new home passes inspection and the landlord accepts vouchers.
Who Is Eligible for Section 8 in Maryland?
Eligibility for the Housing Choice Voucher program depends on several factors including income, household size, citizenship status, and background.
Income Requirements
HUD sets income limits each year based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for each region. To qualify for Section 8, your household income generally must fall at or below 50% of the AMI for your area (classified as "very low income"). However, by federal law, housing authorities must provide at least 75% of new vouchers to families earning at or below 30% of AMI (classified as "extremely low income").
Income limits vary significantly by location and household size. Maryland is home to some of the highest median incomes in the country, which means the income limits for Section 8 eligibility may be higher than in other states.
Approximate Section 8 Income Limits: Baltimore-Columbia-Towson Metro Area
The following figures are approximate and based on recent HUD guidelines. Income limits are updated annually, so always confirm current amounts with your local housing authority.
| Household Size | Extremely Low Income (30% AMI) | Very Low Income (50% AMI) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | Approximately $22,000 | Approximately $36,600 |
| 2 Persons | Approximately $25,100 | Approximately $41,800 |
| 3 Persons | Approximately $28,250 | Approximately $47,050 |
| 4 Persons | Approximately $31,350 | Approximately $52,250 |
| 5 Persons | Approximately $33,900 | Approximately $56,450 |
| 6 Persons | Approximately $36,400 | Approximately $60,650 |
| 7 Persons | Approximately $38,900 | Approximately $64,800 |
| 8 Persons | Approximately $41,400 | Approximately $69,000 |
Important: Income limits in the Washington, D.C. suburbs (Montgomery County, Prince George's County) are generally higher due to the higher area median income. Check with your specific housing authority for the limits that apply to your area.
Other Eligibility Requirements
Beyond income, you must also meet these criteria:
- Citizenship or immigration status: You must be a U.S. citizen or have eligible immigration status. Mixed-status families may receive prorated assistance.
- Background check: Housing authorities conduct criminal background screenings. Certain drug-related or violent criminal convictions may disqualify applicants, though policies vary by PHA.
- Rental history: A history of evictions or owing money to a previous housing authority can affect eligibility.
- Family composition: Individuals, families with children, elderly persons, and persons with disabilities can all apply. There is no requirement to have children.
Major Housing Authorities in Maryland
Maryland has numerous local housing authorities that administer the Section 8 program. Each operates independently with its own waiting list, application process, and timeline. Here are some of the largest:
Housing Authority of Baltimore City (HABC)
- Service area: Baltimore City
- Website: habc.org
- Phone: (410) 396-3232
- Notes: One of the largest housing authorities in the state. The waiting list opens periodically and may be closed for extended periods due to high demand.
Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD)
- Service area: Statewide (primarily rural areas and smaller jurisdictions)
- Website: dhcd.maryland.gov
- Phone: (410) 514-7438
- Notes: Administers vouchers for areas not covered by a local PHA.
Housing Opportunities Commission of Montgomery County (HOC)
- Service area: Montgomery County
- Website: hocmc.org
- Phone: (240) 627-9400
- Notes: Serves one of the most expensive housing markets in Maryland. Waiting lists can be very long.
Prince George's County Department of Housing and Community Development
- Service area: Prince George's County
- Website: princegeorgescountymd.gov
- Phone: (301) 883-5531
- Notes: Proximity to Washington, D.C. creates high demand for vouchers in this area.
Housing Authority of the City of Annapolis (HACA)
- Service area: Annapolis and Anne Arundel County
- Phone: (410) 267-8000
Other Local PHAs
Additional housing authorities operate in Frederick County, Harford County, Howard County, Wicomico County (Salisbury area), and other jurisdictions. You can search for your local PHA on the HUD website at hud.gov.
How to Apply for Section 8 in Maryland: Step by Step
Step 1: Determine Your Local Housing Authority
Section 8 applications are handled at the local level. Start by identifying which PHA serves your area. If you live in Baltimore City, you apply through HABC. If you live in Montgomery County, you apply through HOC. If you are in a rural area, the Maryland DHCD may be your point of contact.
You can find your local housing authority by:
- Visiting hud.gov and using the PHA search tool
- Calling HUD at 1-800-955-2232
- Using our free benefits screener which can point you to local resources
Step 2: Check if the Waiting List Is Open
This is a critical step. Most Maryland housing authorities do not accept applications year-round. Waiting lists open for limited periods, sometimes just a few days or weeks, and may not reopen for months or even years.
To stay informed:
- Check your local PHA's website regularly
- Call the PHA to ask about the current status of the waiting list
- Sign up for email or text alerts if the PHA offers notifications
- Check websites like affordablehousingonline.com for waiting list updates
Step 3: Complete and Submit Your Application
When the waiting list opens, you will need to submit an application. Most Maryland housing authorities now accept applications online, though some still offer paper applications. The application typically asks for:
- Full legal names and dates of birth for all household members
- Social Security numbers for all household members
- Current income information (pay stubs, tax returns, benefit letters)
- Current address and rental history
- Contact information
Some PHAs use a pre-application (a shorter form to get on the waiting list) and then request full documentation later when your name comes up.
Step 4: Wait for Your Name to Be Called
After applying, you will be placed on the waiting list. Wait times in Maryland can range from several months to several years depending on the PHA and demand in your area. Some key facts about waiting lists:
- Priority categories: Many PHAs give preference to certain groups such as veterans, the elderly, persons with disabilities, families experiencing homelessness, or households currently living in substandard conditions.
- Lottery systems: Some PHAs use a random lottery rather than first-come, first-served to select applicants from the pool.
- Keep your information current: If your address, phone number, income, or household size changes, notify the PHA immediately. Failure to respond to PHA correspondence can result in removal from the waiting list.
Step 5: Attend Your Eligibility Interview
When your name reaches the top of the list, the PHA will contact you to schedule an eligibility interview. You will need to provide documentation including:
- Photo identification for all adult household members
- Birth certificates for all household members
- Social Security cards
- Proof of income (pay stubs, SSI/SSDI letters, pension statements, child support documentation)
- Bank statements
- Proof of current residency
- Any relevant medical documentation (if claiming a disability preference)
Step 6: Receive Your Voucher and Find Housing
If approved, you will receive a Housing Choice Voucher specifying the bedroom size you qualify for and the payment standard for your area. You will then have a set period (typically 60 to 120 days, with possible extensions) to find a suitable rental unit.
Tips for your housing search:
- Start looking immediately after receiving your voucher
- Let landlords know upfront that you have a voucher
- Look for listings that specifically accept Section 8
- The unit must pass a Housing Quality Standards (HQS) inspection by the PHA
- Maryland law prohibits landlords from discriminating against voucher holders in some jurisdictions (check your local rules)
Step 7: Lease Signing and Move-In
Once you find a unit and it passes inspection, the PHA, landlord, and tenant sign a Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) contract and lease. The PHA begins paying its portion of rent directly to the landlord, and you pay your share (generally about 30% of your adjusted income).
Tips for a Successful Section 8 Application in Maryland
- Apply to multiple housing authorities. You can be on more than one waiting list at a time. Apply to every PHA in your area and even neighboring jurisdictions.
- Respond promptly to all correspondence. Missing a deadline or failing to respond to a letter from the PHA can get you removed from the waiting list.
- Keep copies of everything. Make copies of all documents you submit and all correspondence you receive.
- Be honest on your application. Providing false information is grounds for denial and can result in a ban from the program.
- Use portability. If you receive a voucher from one PHA, you may be able to "port" it to use in another jurisdiction, including across state lines.
Other Housing Assistance Programs in Maryland
If Section 8 waiting lists are closed or the wait is too long, Maryland offers several other programs that may help:
- Public Housing: Government-owned rental units with income-based rent. Apply through your local PHA.
- Maryland Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program: Helps homeowners facing foreclosure.
- Rental Allowance Program (RAP): A state-funded rental assistance program for extremely low-income Marylanders.
- Homeless Services: Emergency shelters and transitional housing are available through local Continuums of Care.
- SNAP, Medicaid, and other benefits: Even if you do not qualify for housing assistance, you may be eligible for food assistance, health coverage, or utility help. Check all your benefits at once with our free screener.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Section 8 waiting list in Maryland?
Wait times vary widely by location. In high-demand areas like Baltimore City, Montgomery County, and Prince George's County, waits of two to five years or more are common. Smaller or rural PHAs may have shorter waiting lists. Some housing authorities are not currently accepting new applications due to list length.
Can I apply for Section 8 in Maryland if I live in another state?
Yes. You can apply to any housing authority in the country regardless of where you currently live. If selected, you would need to relocate to that PHA's service area (or use portability after an initial period, depending on local rules).
Does Maryland have source-of-income protection for Section 8 voucher holders?
Several Maryland jurisdictions, including Montgomery County and Howard County, have enacted source-of-income discrimination laws that prohibit landlords from refusing to rent to someone simply because they use a housing voucher. However, this protection is not statewide. Check with your local jurisdiction to understand your rights.
What happens if I am denied?
If your application is denied, the PHA must provide you with written notice explaining the reason and your right to an informal hearing. Common reasons for denial include exceeding income limits, criminal history, or failure to provide required documentation.
Can I choose any apartment with a Section 8 voucher?
You can rent any unit that meets HUD Housing Quality Standards and falls within the PHA's payment standard for your voucher size. The landlord must 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 pays the difference between your share and the total rent, up to the local payment standard. If you choose a unit with rent above the payment standard, you may pay more out of pocket.
Take the Next Step
Applying for Section 8 in Maryland takes patience, organization, and persistence. The demand for vouchers is high, and waiting lists can be long, but the financial relief that comes with a housing voucher can be life-changing.
Start by identifying your local housing authority, checking whether the waiting list is open, and gathering your documents so you are ready to apply as soon as an opportunity arises.
Want to see what other benefits you might qualify for while you wait? Use our free benefits screener to check your eligibility for SNAP, Medicaid, utility assistance, and more in just a few minutes.
