Virginia Housing Assistance Eligibility Calculator
Check Your Eligibility
Find out if you qualify for Virginia housing assistance based on your income and household size.
If you’re struggling to pay rent in Virginia, you’re not alone. Thousands of families, seniors, and individuals rely on housing assistance programs to keep a roof over their heads. But getting help isn’t as simple as filling out a form. There are strict rules, long waiting lists, and paperwork that can trip you up if you’re not prepared.
Who qualifies for housing assistance in Virginia?
To qualify for most housing assistance programs in Virginia, your income must be below a certain limit. These limits are set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and vary by county and household size. For example, in Fairfax County in 2025, a family of four can earn no more than $72,500 per year to qualify for the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program. That’s about 50% of the area’s median income.
Most programs prioritize households earning 30% or less of the area median income. That means a single person making under $21,000 a year, or a family of three making under $30,000, has the best chance of getting help quickly.
But income isn’t the only factor. You must also be a U.S. citizen or have eligible immigration status. Non-citizens with qualified status-like refugees, asylees, or holders of certain visas-can still apply. Undocumented individuals are not eligible.
Background checks are part of the process too. If you have a criminal record, especially for drug-related offenses or violent crimes, you may be denied. But it’s not automatic. Some housing authorities give second chances, especially if the offense was years ago and you’ve stayed clean since.
What programs are available in Virginia?
Virginia doesn’t run one big housing program. Instead, it’s made up of dozens of local public housing agencies (PHAs) that manage federal funds. The two main types of help are:
- Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers - This lets you rent a home anywhere in the state as long as the landlord accepts vouchers. The government pays most of the rent directly to the landlord, and you pay the rest-usually 30% of your monthly income.
- Public Housing - These are apartments or townhomes owned and managed by local housing authorities. Units are usually in specific developments, and rent is also based on your income.
Some areas also offer special programs for seniors, people with disabilities, or veterans. For example, the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development runs the Virginia Housing Development Authority (VHDA), which offers rental assistance and down payment help for first-time homebuyers with low incomes.
In cities like Richmond, Norfolk, and Alexandria, there are also emergency rental assistance programs funded by state and federal grants. These help people who are behind on rent and at risk of eviction. But these programs often run out of money fast and have strict deadlines.
How do you apply?
You apply through your local public housing agency. There’s no single statewide application. That means if you live in Roanoke, you apply to the Roanoke Housing Authority. If you’re in Chesapeake, you apply to the Chesapeake Housing Authority.
Here’s how to find yours:
- Go to the HUD website and search for “Virginia public housing agencies.”
- Call your local agency. Many have phone lines open for questions.
- Visit their office in person. Some still require paper applications.
Once you find your agency, you’ll need to provide:
- Proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, unemployment letters)
- Identification for everyone in the household (driver’s license, birth certificate, passport)
- Social Security numbers for all members
- Proof of citizenship or immigration status
- References (sometimes landlords or employers)
Some agencies let you apply online. Others still require you to show up in person. Don’t assume you can apply over the phone-many won’t take applications that way.
How long is the waiting list?
Here’s the hard truth: most waiting lists are years long. In some counties, like Arlington or Alexandria, the wait for a Section 8 voucher can be 5 to 7 years. In rural areas, it might be shorter-sometimes 1 to 2 years.
Agencies often close their waiting lists when they get too many applicants. That means even if you qualify, you might not be able to apply right now. Check your local agency’s website every few months. Some open their lists only once a year.
There’s no way to jump the line unless you’re homeless, fleeing domestic violence, or have a disability that makes housing inaccessible. Those groups get priority under federal law.
What if you’re denied?
If you’re turned down, the agency must give you a written reason. Common reasons include:
- Income too high
- Missing documents
- Criminal background
- Previous eviction for drug activity
- Providing false information
If you think the decision is wrong, you can appeal. Most agencies have a formal appeals process. You’ll get a hearing date. Bring any documents that support your case-pay stubs, letters from counselors, proof of rehabilitation.
Some people get denied because they didn’t understand the rules. For example, if you’re self-employed and didn’t file taxes last year, you might be turned down. But if you can show bank statements and profit/loss records, you might still qualify.
What happens after you get approved?
Getting approved doesn’t mean you get a free apartment. You still need to find a place to live.
With a Section 8 voucher, you can rent any unit that meets HUD’s housing quality standards. The landlord must agree to accept vouchers. Not all landlords do. Some don’t want the paperwork. Others worry about inspections.
Here’s how to make it easier:
- Start looking early-don’t wait until you get the voucher.
- Ask your housing authority for a list of participating landlords.
- Be ready to show your voucher when you tour apartments.
- Make sure the rent is within the program’s payment limit for your area.
Once you find a place, the housing authority will inspect it. If it fails-like if the stove doesn’t work or there’s mold-you can’t move in until it’s fixed.
After you move in, you pay your share of the rent each month. The agency pays the rest. If your income goes up, your rent might go up too. If you lose your job, you report it, and your rent goes down.
What if you need help right now?
If you’re about to be evicted or don’t have a place to sleep tonight, don’t wait for a voucher. There are emergency options:
- Virginia Department of Social Services - Offers short-term rental assistance for people in crisis.
- United Way 211 - Call 2-1-1 or visit 211virginia.org. They connect people with food, shelter, and emergency rent help.
- Local shelters and churches - Many offer temporary housing and case management.
- Virginia Housing - Has emergency grants for families facing eviction.
These won’t solve your long-term housing needs, but they can buy you time to get on a waiting list or find stable housing.
Common mistakes people make
Many people apply and then give up. Others make small errors that cost them months-or years.
- Not updating your contact info - If you move or change your phone number and don’t tell the housing authority, they can’t reach you when your name comes up.
- Not checking your application status - Some agencies let you check your place on the list online. Don’t assume you’re still on it.
- Applying to only one agency - If you live near a county line, apply to both. Your odds double.
- Waiting until you’re evicted - The longer you wait, the harder it gets. Apply as soon as you know you’re struggling.
- Not keeping copies of everything - Always keep a copy of your application, receipts, and letters. You might need them later.
There’s no magic trick to getting housing assistance. It’s about patience, persistence, and doing the paperwork right. Thousands get approved every year. You can be one of them.
Can I get housing assistance if I’m unemployed?
Yes. If you’re unemployed, you can still qualify for housing assistance in Virginia. Your income will be counted as $0, which puts you at the top of the priority list. You’ll need to prove you’re actively looking for work or are unable to work due to disability, illness, or caregiving responsibilities. Documentation from a doctor, job center, or social services agency can help.
Do I have to be a U.S. citizen to qualify?
No, but you must have eligible immigration status. U.S. citizens, permanent residents, refugees, asylees, and people with certain visas (like T or U visas for crime victims) can apply. Undocumented immigrants are not eligible, but their U.S.-citizen children may be. The housing authority will ask for documentation for everyone in your household.
Can I use a housing voucher anywhere in Virginia?
Yes, but only if the landlord agrees to accept it. Section 8 vouchers are portable, meaning you can use them in any county or city in Virginia-even if you got the voucher in a different one. However, the rent must be within the payment standard set by the housing authority where you live. If you move to a more expensive area, you might have to pay more out of pocket.
How often do they check my income?
Once a year, you’ll have to recertify your income. You’ll need to provide updated pay stubs, tax forms, or unemployment letters. If your income changes significantly during the year-like if you get a raise or lose your job-you must report it within 10 days. Failing to report can result in losing your voucher or having to pay back money.
Can I own a car and still qualify?
Yes. Owning a car doesn’t disqualify you. Housing assistance programs don’t count your vehicle as income or an asset for eligibility. However, if you have multiple luxury vehicles or a large number of high-value assets, some programs may review your overall financial situation. For most low-income housing programs, your car is not a factor.
Next steps if you’re ready to apply
Start today. Write down your household size, your income, and your address. Then find your local housing authority’s website. Download the application or call to ask when the waiting list opens. If it’s closed, ask to be added to their notification list.
Keep your documents organized. Scan or photograph your pay stubs, IDs, and Social Security cards. Save them on your phone and in the cloud. When your name comes up, you’ll need them fast.
Housing assistance won’t solve every problem. But for many in Virginia, it’s the only thing standing between them and homelessness. Don’t wait until you’re out of options. Apply now, even if you’re told the list is full. Someone gets approved every day. It could be you.
