Finding affordable housing in Minnesota can feel overwhelming, especially when rent continues to rise across the Twin Cities metro area and beyond. The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program is one of the most important federal rental assistance programs available to low-income families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities in the state. This guide walks you through everything you need to know about how to apply for Section 8 in Minnesota, from checking your eligibility to navigating waiting lists and securing a voucher.
Not sure which benefits programs you qualify for? Use our free eligibility screener to check your options in minutes.
What Is Section 8 in Minnesota?
Section 8, officially known as the Housing Choice Voucher program, is a federal rental assistance program funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The program helps eligible low-income households afford safe, decent housing in the private rental market.
With a Section 8 voucher, you choose your own rental unit (as long as it meets program standards), and the housing authority pays a portion of your rent directly to the landlord. You pay the difference, which is generally set at about 30% of your adjusted monthly income.
In Minnesota, 143 public housing agencies (PHAs) administer the Section 8 program across the state. The largest include:
- Minneapolis Public Housing Authority (MPHA) serving Minneapolis
- Saint Paul Public Housing Agency serving Saint Paul
- Housing and Redevelopment Authority of Duluth serving the Duluth area
- Metro HRA serving suburban Hennepin County
- Dakota County CDA serving Dakota County
Each housing authority manages its own waiting list and application process independently.
Section 8 Eligibility Requirements in Minnesota
To qualify for Section 8 in Minnesota, you must meet several criteria set by HUD and your local housing authority.
Income Limits
Section 8 eligibility is primarily based on your household income relative to the Area Median Income (AMI) for your county or metro area. HUD sets income limits each year in the following categories:
- Extremely Low Income: 30% of AMI or below
- Very Low Income: 50% of AMI or below
- Low Income: 80% of AMI or below
By federal law, housing authorities must provide at least 75% of new vouchers to households earning at or below 30% of AMI. This means the program heavily prioritizes the lowest-income applicants.
Because income limits vary significantly by location in Minnesota, the dollar amounts differ depending on where you live. Below are approximate income limits for selected Minnesota areas. These figures are updated annually by HUD, so always confirm current amounts with your local housing authority.
Approximate Section 8 Income Limits by Household Size (Selected Areas)
| Household Size | Minneapolis-St. Paul Metro (50% AMI) | Duluth Area (50% AMI) | Greater Minnesota Rural (50% AMI) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | Approximately $38,000 to $42,000 | Approximately $28,000 to $32,000 | Approximately $24,000 to $30,000 |
| 2 Persons | Approximately $43,000 to $48,000 | Approximately $32,000 to $36,000 | Approximately $27,000 to $34,000 |
| 3 Persons | Approximately $49,000 to $54,000 | Approximately $36,000 to $41,000 | Approximately $31,000 to $38,000 |
| 4 Persons | Approximately $54,000 to $60,000 | Approximately $40,000 to $45,000 | Approximately $34,000 to $42,000 |
| 5 Persons | Approximately $58,000 to $65,000 | Approximately $43,000 to $49,000 | Approximately $37,000 to $46,000 |
Note: These ranges are estimates based on recent HUD data. Exact limits change yearly. Visit HUD's Income Limits page or contact your local PHA for the most current figures.
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 convictions (such as methamphetamine production or lifetime sex offender registration) may disqualify applicants. Other criminal history is evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
- Rental history: A history of evictions or owing money to a previous housing authority may affect your eligibility.
- Family composition: You must provide information about everyone who will live in the unit, including relationships and ages.
How to Apply for Section 8 in Minnesota: Step by Step
Step 1: Find Your Local Housing Authority
Section 8 applications are handled by your local public housing agency, not by a single statewide office. Start by identifying the PHA that serves your city or county.
You can find your local housing authority through:
- HUD's PHA Contact Directory
- AffordableHousingOnline.com for a searchable list of all 143 Minnesota PHAs
Step 2: Check If the Waiting List Is Open
This is the most critical step. Most Minnesota housing authorities have closed waiting lists due to extremely high demand. Waiting lists may only open for brief windows, sometimes just a few days or even a single week.
For example, the Minneapolis Public Housing Authority last opened its Section 8 waiting list for just one week in June 2019. When it did, 2,000 applicants were selected by random lottery.
Tips for monitoring waiting list openings:
- Check your local PHA website regularly (weekly or even daily)
- Sign up for email or text notifications if your PHA offers them
- Visit AffordableHousingOnline.com which tracks waiting list status for all Minnesota housing authorities
- Call your housing authority directly to ask about upcoming openings
- Consider applying at multiple housing authorities across the state, as you are allowed to apply to more than one
Step 3: Submit Your Application
When a waiting list opens, you will typically need to submit an application either online or in person, depending on the housing authority. Many Minnesota PHAs now use online application portals.
Information you will generally need to provide:
- Full legal names of all household members
- Dates of birth and Social Security numbers
- Current address and contact information
- Income information (wages, benefits, child support, etc.)
- Information about current housing situation
- Any disability status (which may qualify you for a preference)
Step 4: Receive Your Waiting List Position
After applying, you will receive a confirmation with your waiting list position. In many Minnesota housing authorities, positions are assigned by lottery rather than first-come, first-served.
Your position may also be influenced by local preferences, which can move you higher on the list. Common preferences in Minnesota include:
- Residency preference: Living, working, or attending school in the PHA's jurisdiction (many Minnesota PHAs award this to 90% or more of slots)
- Homeless or displaced: Currently experiencing homelessness or involuntary displacement
- Veterans: Honorably discharged military veterans
- Elderly or disabled: Applicants aged 62 and older or those with qualifying disabilities
- Paying over 50% of income for rent: Demonstrating severe rent burden
- Victims of domestic violence: Protected under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA)
Step 5: Wait for Your Turn
Wait times in Minnesota vary dramatically. In the Twin Cities metro area, waits of 2 to 5 years or longer are common. Some rural housing authorities may have shorter wait times, sometimes under a year.
During the waiting period:
- Keep your contact information updated with the housing authority. If they cannot reach you, you may lose your place on the list.
- Respond to all correspondence promptly. Most PHAs require periodic check-ins to confirm you are still interested.
- Report any changes in income, household size, or address.
Step 6: Attend Your Eligibility Interview
When your name comes up, the housing authority will contact you for an eligibility determination. You will need to provide documentation including:
- Government-issued photo ID for all adult household members
- Birth certificates for all household members
- Social Security cards for all household members
- Proof of income (pay stubs, benefit award letters, tax returns)
- Bank statements (typically the most recent 3 months)
- Proof of current address (lease, utility bill)
- Verification of any disability status
- Criminal background consent forms
Step 7: Receive Your Voucher and Find Housing
Once approved, you will receive a Housing Choice Voucher with a specific bedroom size based on your household composition. You will then have a set period (usually 60 to 120 days, with possible extensions) to find a qualifying rental unit.
Tips for finding a landlord who accepts Section 8 in Minnesota:
- Minnesota state law does not currently require landlords to accept Section 8 vouchers, but some cities (including Minneapolis and Saint Paul) have local ordinances that prohibit discrimination based on source of income, including vouchers
- Ask your housing authority for a list of participating landlords
- Search listings on sites like GoSection8.com and AffordableHousingOnline.com
- Contact property management companies directly
How Much Does Section 8 Pay in Minnesota?
The amount of rental assistance depends on several factors:
- Payment Standard: Each PHA sets a payment standard based on HUD's Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the area. This represents the maximum the PHA will subsidize.
- Your contribution: You pay approximately 30% of your adjusted monthly income toward rent.
- The PHA pays the difference between your contribution and the payment standard (or the actual rent, whichever is lower).
For example, if the payment standard for a 2-bedroom unit in your area is $1,400 per month and your adjusted monthly income is $1,500, you would pay about $450 (30% of $1,500) and the PHA would pay the remaining $950.
Other Housing Assistance Programs in Minnesota
If you cannot get a Section 8 voucher due to closed waiting lists, Minnesota offers several other housing assistance programs worth exploring:
- Minnesota Housing Finance Agency (MHFA): Offers rental assistance programs including the Housing Trust Fund and Bridges rental assistance for people with serious mental illness
- Family Homeless Prevention and Assistance Program (FHPAP): Provides short-term rental assistance to prevent homelessness
- Public Housing: Apartments owned and managed directly by local housing authorities, with separate waiting lists from Section 8
- Project-Based Section 8: Subsidized units at specific apartment complexes where the voucher is attached to the unit rather than the tenant
- Group Residential Housing (GRH): For adults with disabilities or seniors who need supportive housing
- HUD-VASH: Vouchers specifically for homeless veterans, administered in partnership with the VA
Check out more programs you may be eligible for on our Minnesota Benefits Overview page, or use our free screener to see all the benefits you might qualify for based on your specific situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Section 8 waiting list in Minnesota?
Wait times vary significantly by location. In the Minneapolis and Saint Paul metro area, waits of 2 to 5 years are common, and some lists have been closed for years. Smaller cities and rural areas may have shorter waits, potentially under a year. Check with your specific housing authority for current estimates.
Can I apply for Section 8 in more than one Minnesota county?
Yes. You are allowed to apply to multiple housing authorities simultaneously. This is a recommended strategy, especially since waiting lists open infrequently. Consider applying in both urban and rural areas to increase your chances.
What happens if I miss the waiting list opening?
Unfortunately, if you miss the application window, you must wait until the list opens again. Some waiting lists in Minnesota have not opened for several years. Monitor multiple PHAs and sign up for notifications to avoid missing future openings.
Can I transfer my Section 8 voucher to Minnesota from another state?
Yes. The Section 8 program includes "portability," which allows you to transfer your voucher between housing authorities, including across state lines. Contact both your current and receiving PHA to coordinate the transfer process.
Does Minnesota require landlords to accept Section 8?
Minnesota does not have a statewide law requiring landlords to accept Housing Choice Vouchers. However, Minneapolis and Saint Paul have local ordinances that prohibit landlords from refusing tenants solely based on their use of a housing voucher or other lawful source of income.
What if my income changes while I am on the waiting list?
You should report any changes in income to the housing authority. If your income increases above the eligibility limit, you may be removed from the waiting list. If your income decreases, it will not negatively affect your position.
Is there an age requirement for Section 8?
There is no minimum age to be part of a Section 8 household. However, the head of household or co-head must generally be at least 18 years old. Elderly applicants (62 and older) may receive preference on some waiting lists.
Take the Next Step
Applying for Section 8 in Minnesota requires patience, preparation, and persistence. Start by identifying your local housing authority, monitoring waiting list openings, and gathering your documents so you are ready to apply the moment a list opens.
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.
For a full overview of available programs in your state, visit our Minnesota Benefits Overview page.
