Section 8 is the U.S. housing program created in 1974 that provides rental assistance through tenant-based vouchers.
The program originated in Section 8 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974. It helps eligible low-income households rent privately owned housing by having a public housing agency pay part of the rent directly to the landlord. The tenant generally pays a portion of income toward rent, subject to program rules and local payment standards.
The Housing Choice Voucher Program is the best-known modern form of Section 8 assistance. Unlike traditional public housing, vouchers are portable in many circumstances and allow participating households to choose among qualifying private-market homes. Availability is limited, and many housing authorities maintain waiting lists because demand exceeds funding.
Section 202 is a separate program associated with supportive housing for older adults, while HOPE VI concerned the redevelopment of distressed public-housing developments. The name “Section 8” refers to the statutory origin of the assistance, not to a particular type of building or a zoning category.