How does Section 8 housing work in Indianapolis?

The Housing Choice Vouchers Program, also known as Section 8, was created to help low-income families, elderly persons, veterans and disabled individuals afford housing in the private market.

The program is funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

There are around 2,000 local Public Housing Agencies (PHAs) across the country that administer the HCV program with funding from HUD. The Indianapolis Housing Agency is the local PHA that runs the program for Marion County. 

According to IHA's website, as long as a program participant's housing choice meets reasonable rent requirements determined by IHA, they pay no more than 30% of their monthly adjusted income toward rent and utilities.
 

Who is eligible?

In Indianapolis Section 8 participants must fall into the "Very Low Income" or "Low Income" category as defined by the Department of Housing and Urban Development, according to the IHA.

HUD's 2025 Income Limits Documentation System lists the media family income at $110,700. For a family of 4 to be considered "Low Income" they must make 80% of median family income, or $88,550 and must make 50%, or $55,350, to be considered "Very Low Income." Amounts for other family sizes can be found here. 

IHA lists the "Very Low Income" requirement as earning at or below 30% of the Area Median Income (AMI), and the "Low Income" requirement as at or below 50% of the AMI.  Preference is often given to families at the "Very Low Income" level. 

Other eligibility requirements:

• Be a family as defined in IHA's Admissions and Continued Occupancy Policy

• Meet HUD requirements on citizenship or immigration status

• Meet the applicant selection criteria and complete a full application

• Meet student status criteria

• Meet the screening requirements related to criminal activity and have acceptable prior rental history

• Not have any family members engaged in any criminal activity that threatens the life, health, safety or night to peaceful enjoyment of the premises by other residents, and not have any family members engaged in any drug-related criminal activity

• Satisfy all outstanding debts owed to IHA

• Have an annual gross income that does not exceed income limits established by HUD
   

Applying for an HCV

IHA announces openings through media outlets and on Indyhousing.org. According to IHA, when the list opens a new applicant must provide, at minimum, the following information:

• Names and birthdates of all household members
• Social Security numbers
• Total household income

IHA uses a lottery system with a local preference for Marion County residents. The number of families selected depends on program availability at the time.

According to HUD, documentation needed to apply typically includes:

• Income paperwork (pay stubs) and bank information.
• If applicable, other forms of public assistance paperwork (SSI, SNAP, etc)
• Proof of citizenship and Social Security Cards.
   

More resources
 

• HUD Housing Choice Voucher Applicant and Tenant Resources
• Indiana Housing Agency FAQ
• HUD FY 2025 Income Limits Documentation System

Contact WFYI Digital Producer and Reporter Zach Bundy at zbundy@wfyi.org