Finding affordable housing in Indiana can be a real challenge, especially when rent keeps climbing. The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program helps low-income families, elderly individuals, and people with disabilities afford safe, decent housing in the private market. If you live in Indiana and need rental assistance, this guide walks you through every step of the application process, what income limits apply, and how to navigate the waiting list system.
Not sure if you qualify for Section 8 or other assistance programs? Check your eligibility with our free screener to see all the benefits you may be entitled to. You can also visit our Indiana Benefits Overview for a full list of programs available in the state.
What Is the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program?
The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program is a federal rental assistance program funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). It allows eligible participants to choose their own housing in the private rental market, including apartments, townhouses, and single-family homes. The program pays a portion of the rent directly to the landlord, and the tenant pays the difference.
In Indiana, the program is administered by two types of agencies:
- Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority (IHCDA): Manages HCV for most of rural Indiana and any area that does not have a local city-based housing authority. IHCDA works with local community action agencies that provide case management.
- Local Public Housing Authorities (PHAs): Cities like Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, South Bend, Evansville, Gary, and others have their own housing authorities that run Section 8 independently.
There are approximately 79 public housing agencies across Indiana managing over 240 affordable housing waiting lists.
Indiana Section 8 Income Limits
To qualify for Section 8 in Indiana, your household income must fall below specific thresholds set by HUD each year. These limits are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for your county or metropolitan area and vary by location and household size.
HUD sets two main categories for Section 8 eligibility:
- Very Low Income (50% AMI): The standard eligibility cutoff for most Section 8 applicants
- Extremely Low Income (30% AMI): PHAs must provide at least 75% of new vouchers to households at this level
Because income limits differ by county, you will need to look up the specific limits for your area. Below is an example using approximate statewide figures to give you a general idea. Always confirm current limits with your local PHA or IHCDA.
| Household Size | Extremely Low Income (approx. 30% AMI) | Very Low Income (approx. 50% AMI) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | Approximately $14,000 - $17,000 | Approximately $23,000 - $29,000 |
| 2 Person | Approximately $16,500 - $20,000 | Approximately $26,500 - $33,000 |
| 3 Person | Approximately $20,000 - $24,500 | Approximately $29,500 - $37,000 |
| 4 Person | Approximately $24,000 - $29,500 | Approximately $33,000 - $41,000 |
| 5 Person | Approximately $27,500 - $33,500 | Approximately $35,500 - $44,500 |
Important: These are approximate ranges that vary by county. Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, and other metro areas may have different (often higher) limits than rural counties. To find exact limits for your area, visit the HUD Income Limits Documentation System and select Indiana and your county.
Step-by-Step: How to Apply for Section 8 in Indiana
Step 1: Determine Which Agency Serves Your Area
The first thing you need to do is find out which housing authority or agency administers Section 8 where you want to live.
- If you live in Indianapolis or Marion County, contact the Indianapolis Housing Agency at 1919 North Meridian Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202.
- For Fort Wayne, contact the Fort Wayne Housing Authority at 7315 South Hanna Street, Fort Wayne, IN 46816.
- For other cities with their own PHAs (South Bend, Evansville, Gary, Hammond, Kokomo, Muncie, and others), contact that city's housing authority directly.
- For rural areas and counties without a local PHA, contact IHCDA. Use their service provider map to find the community action agency that handles your area.
Step 2: Check if the Waiting List Is Open
Section 8 waiting lists in Indiana open and close periodically. Many PHAs have long waiting lists that can be closed for months or even years at a time. When a waiting list opens, it may only stay open for a limited window.
To check IHCDA waiting list status, visit IHCDA's waiting list page.
For local PHAs, check their individual websites or call them directly. You can also monitor AffordableHousingOnline.com for updates on which Indiana waiting lists are currently open.
Tip: Apply to multiple waiting lists in different areas to increase your chances of getting a voucher sooner.
Step 3: Gather Required Documents
Before you apply, collect the following documents for every member of your household:
- Proof of identity: Government-issued photo ID (driver's license, state ID, or passport)
- Social Security cards for all household members
- Birth certificates for all household members
- Proof of income: Recent pay stubs, tax returns, Social Security award letters, pension statements, or other income documentation
- Proof of assets: Bank statements, investment account statements
- Proof of current address: Lease agreement, utility bill, or recent mail
- Citizenship or immigration status documentation for all household members
- Disability verification (if applicable): Doctor's letter or Social Security disability documentation
Step 4: Submit Your Application
The application process varies depending on the agency:
- IHCDA: When the waiting list is open for your area, applications are typically submitted online or through the local community action agency that serves your county.
- Local PHAs: Most accept applications online, by mail, or in person at their offices. Some may require you to apply during specific open enrollment periods.
Fill out the application completely and accurately. Incomplete applications can be denied or delayed.
Step 5: Wait for Your Name to Be Called
After submitting your application, you will be placed on the waiting list. Wait times in Indiana can range from several months to several years depending on:
- Your location (urban areas typically have longer waits)
- Your household's priority status
- How many vouchers are available
Some applicants receive preference points that move them higher on the list. Common preferences in Indiana include:
- Families experiencing homelessness
- Veterans
- People with disabilities
- Elderly individuals (62 and older)
- Families living in substandard housing
- Households paying more than 50% of income toward rent
Step 6: Attend the Eligibility Interview
When your name comes up on the waiting list, the PHA or IHCDA will contact you to schedule an eligibility interview. During this interview, you will need to:
- Provide all required documentation
- Verify your household composition and income
- Answer questions about your housing history
- Sign consent forms for background and credit checks
The agency will verify your information, including income, criminal history, and previous rental history.
Step 7: Receive Your Voucher and Find Housing
If approved, you will receive a Housing Choice Voucher. You then have a set time period (typically 60 to 120 days, depending on the agency) to find a rental unit that:
- Meets HUD's Housing Quality Standards (HQS)
- Has a landlord willing to participate in the program
- Falls within the payment standard for your area
Once you find a suitable unit, the PHA will inspect it. After it passes inspection and the landlord signs a Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) contract, you can move in.
How Much Does Section 8 Pay in Indiana?
The amount of rent Section 8 covers depends on several factors:
- Your income: Generally, you pay approximately 30% of your adjusted gross income toward rent
- Payment standard: The maximum rent the PHA will subsidize, based on HUD's Fair Market Rent (FMR) for your area
- Utility allowance: An amount deducted for tenant-paid utilities
For example, if your household's adjusted monthly income is $1,500, your expected rent contribution would be approximately $450 per month. The voucher would cover the difference between your contribution and the actual rent (up to the payment standard).
Tips for a Successful Section 8 Application in Indiana
- Apply early and to multiple locations. Do not wait for just one waiting list to open. Apply to every PHA and IHCDA waiting list you are eligible for.
- Keep your contact information updated. If you move or change phone numbers, notify every agency where you have an active application immediately. Agencies that cannot reach you will remove you from the list.
- Respond to all correspondence promptly. Missing a deadline or failing to respond to a letter can result in losing your spot.
- Be honest on your application. Providing false information is grounds for denial and can result in a ban from the program.
- Keep copies of everything. Save copies of your application, all documents submitted, and any correspondence.
- Check for other assistance while you wait. Programs like LIHEAP (energy assistance), SNAP (food assistance), and Medicaid can help while you are on the waiting list. Use our free screener to find out what you qualify for.
Special Voucher Programs in Indiana
Beyond the standard Housing Choice Voucher, Indiana offers several specialized programs:
- VASH Vouchers (Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing): Available by referral only for veterans experiencing homelessness. Veterans are referred by the Department of Veterans Affairs and receive case management alongside housing assistance.
- Mainstream and NED Vouchers (Non-Elderly Disabled): Available by referral only for people ages 18 to 61 living with a disability. Referrals come from Centers for Independent Living, Area Agencies on Aging, Community Mental Health Centers, and other disability service providers.
- Project-Based Vouchers (PBV): Attached to specific housing units rather than being portable. Some PHAs in Indiana, including Indianapolis and Fort Wayne, offer project-based vouchers.
Major Indiana Housing Authorities Contact List
| Housing Authority | City | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Indianapolis Housing Agency | Indianapolis | (317) 261-7200 |
| Fort Wayne Housing Authority | Fort Wayne | (260) 267-9300 |
| Housing Authority of South Bend | South Bend | (574) 235-9346 |
| Housing Authority of Evansville | Evansville | (812) 428-8500 |
| Gary Housing Authority | Gary | (219) 885-0221 |
| Hammond Housing Authority | Hammond | (219) 989-3255 |
| Kokomo Housing Authority | Kokomo | (765) 456-2951 |
| IHCDA (statewide/rural areas) | Indianapolis | (317) 232-7777 |
For a complete list of all 79 housing authorities in Indiana, visit AffordableHousingOnline.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Section 8 waiting list in Indiana?
Wait times vary widely. In larger cities like Indianapolis and Fort Wayne, waiting lists can stretch from two to five years or longer. Smaller cities and rural areas served by IHCDA may have shorter wait times, sometimes under a year. Applying to multiple agencies is the best strategy.
Can I transfer my Section 8 voucher to Indiana from another state?
Yes. The Housing Choice Voucher program includes "portability," which allows you to transfer your voucher from one jurisdiction to another. Contact your current PHA to initiate the portability process, and then reach out to the receiving PHA in Indiana to coordinate.
What happens if I am denied Section 8?
If your application is denied, the housing authority must provide you with a written notice explaining the reason. You have the right to request an informal hearing to appeal the decision. Common reasons for denial include income over the limit, criminal history, or previous eviction from federally assisted housing.
Can I choose any apartment with a Section 8 voucher?
You can choose any rental unit that meets HUD's Housing Quality Standards, falls within the payment standard, and has a landlord willing to accept Section 8. The unit must also be within the PHA's jurisdiction (unless you are porting your voucher).
Do I need to be a U.S. citizen to apply?
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 do I file a complaint about the Section 8 program in Indiana?
Start by communicating with your case manager in writing. If the issue is not resolved, contact IHCDA at Section8@ihcda.in.gov to file an appeal. You can also reach HUD's Indiana Field Office at (317) 226-6303 or contact the Indiana Civil Rights Commission, Indiana Legal Services, or the Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana.
Next Steps
Applying for Section 8 in Indiana takes patience, but the financial relief it provides can be life-changing. Start by finding your local housing authority, checking waiting list availability, and gathering your documents.
While you wait, make sure you are not missing out on other benefits you may qualify for. Try our free benefits screener to check your eligibility for programs like SNAP, Medicaid, LIHEAP, and more in just a few minutes.
