Texas Section 8 2026: TDHCA vs Your Local Housing Agency
Section 8 in Texas has two doors that most guides miss: local public housing agencies, and the state agency TDHCA, which runs its own Housing Choice Voucher program for many rural counties — so you may need one list or both. Section 8 rules and exact figures are set by the official agencies below, so always confirm there before you apply.
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Quick answer
To apply for Section 8 in Texas: In Texas, apply through your local PHA or the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) Housing Choice Voucher program. Use HUD’s PHA directory to find the agency for your area and check its waiting-list status. Applying is free through the official agency.
How Section 8 works in Texas
Texas is unusual. Most Housing Choice Vouchers are run by local public housing agencies, but the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) also runs its own voucher program as a housing agency in its own right, mainly for rural counties without a local agency. A Texas household may therefore need a local agency’s list, TDHCA’s list, or both. TDHCA’s program page is the Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) program.
Income limits are set locally, not nationally. There is no single national dollar cutoff for a Housing Choice Voucher. HUD sets the income limits as a share of each area’s median income, so the limit that applies to you depends on the county or metro area where you apply — check the limit for your specific area rather than a nationwide figure.
To find the agency that serves you, use HUD’s official public housing agency contact directory and apply while that agency’s waiting list is open. Only the agency itself can confirm whether its list is open today — waiting-list status changes often and should never be taken from a cached or third-party page.
What this program helps with
The Housing Choice Voucher program (Section 8) helps very low-income families, seniors, and people with disabilities afford safe housing in the private rental market. You find your own home and the voucher pays part of the rent directly to the landlord; you generally pay about 30% of your income toward rent and utilities.
Who may qualify
Eligibility is based mainly on income and household size. HUD generally sets the limit at or below 50% of the area median income (AMI) for your county, and most vouchers go to households at or below 30% of AMI. U.S. citizens and many eligible immigrants can qualify. Your local public housing agency (PHA) makes the final decision, and income limits vary by area – confirm the exact figures with your PHA or on HUD.gov. We do not list dollar figures here because the official limits are set by HUD and your local PHA – always confirm the current numbers on the official site below.
How to apply in Texas
In Texas, apply through your local PHA or the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) Housing Choice Voucher program. Use HUD’s PHA directory to find the agency for your area and check its waiting-list status. You can usually start online, by phone, or in person, and a local office finalizes your application.
Documents you may need
Have ready: photo ID and Social Security numbers for each household member, proof of all household income, proof of assets, and birth certificates. Your PHA gives you the exact list. Bring copies and keep your originals.
What to expect after you apply
Most PHAs place applicants on a waiting list, which can be long, and some lists open only for limited periods. Keep your contact information current so you do not miss a notice, and respond to every request by the deadline. When your name comes up, the PHA verifies your income and household before issuing a voucher.
Official website / application link
TDHCA Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8), HUD PHA directory. Applying is free through the official agency – never pay a third party.
Related guides on GlobalBenefits.org
Frequently asked questions
Is there a fee to apply for Section 8?
No. Applying for a Housing Choice Voucher through your PHA is free – never pay anyone who promises to move you up a waiting list.
How long is the wait?
It varies widely by area; some waiting lists are years long and open only at set times. Check your PHA status and apply to more than one PHA if you can.
Last reviewed July 23, 2026 by the GlobalBenefits editorial team. GlobalBenefits is not a government agency; income limits, amounts, dates, and phone numbers are set by the official agencies above and can change – always confirm there before applying. See our corrections policy.
Section 8 in other priority states: California · Florida · New York · Pennsylvania.