How Section 8 Voucher Amounts Work for Different Family Sizes
What Your Voucher Amount Depends On
Your Section 8 voucher amount is set by your local public housing authority based on your family size and the fair market rent in your area — not based on your income. A family of two gets a smaller voucher than a family of five, and a voucher that works in rural Kansas will be smaller than one in San Francisco. The housing authority publishes these amounts every year, and they shift when rents in your area shift.
The voucher covers the difference between what you pay (30 percent of your adjusted income) and what the landlord charges, up to the maximum amount your authority set for your family size. If you find an apartment that costs less than your voucher amount, you pay 30 percent of your income and the voucher covers the rest. If the apartment costs more, you either pay the difference out of pocket or keep looking.
Key Takeaways
- Your voucher amount is determined by family size and local fair market rent, not by how much money you make.
- The housing authority publishes voucher amounts for each family size every year, and these amounts change when rents in your area change.
- You pay 30 percent of your adjusted income toward rent; the voucher pays the rest up to your maximum amount.
- Your family size for voucher purposes includes you, your spouse, children under 18, and any dependents claimed on your taxes.
- If you add a family member, you may be able to request a larger voucher, but the process and timing depend on your local authority.
How Family Size Is Counted
Your family size for Section 8 includes you, your spouse or domestic partner (if you have one), all children under 18 living with you, and any dependents you claim on your federal tax return. Adult children, live-in partners without a legal relationship, and other relatives do not count toward family size unless you claim them as dependents.
When you first receive your voucher, the housing authority sets your family size based on the household composition you report on your application. That size stays the same unless you report a change — a new birth, adoption, or a dependent moving in — and request an increase. Some authorities process these requests quickly; others have waiting lists for larger vouchers.
Typical Voucher Amounts by Family Size
Voucher amounts vary significantly by location. A one-bedroom voucher in a rural area might be $800 per month, while the same bedroom size in an urban area could be $1,500 or more. The table below shows how amounts typically scale within a single area, though your actual numbers will depend on where you live.
| Family Size | Typical Bedroom Count | Example Range (varies by location) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | Studio or 1 bedroom | $700–$1,400 |
| 2 people | 1 bedroom | $800–$1,600 |
| 3 people | 2 bedrooms | $1,000–$1,900 |
| 4 people | 2 bedrooms | $1,200–$2,200 |
| 5 people | 3 bedrooms | $1,400–$2,600 |
| 6 people | 3 bedrooms | $1,600–$2,900 |
| 8 people | 4 bedrooms | $2,000–$3,500 |
These are examples only. Your actual voucher amount comes from your local housing authority's current payment standard, which you can request by phone or in person. The authority updates these standards annually, usually in the spring or fall.
What Happens When Your Family Grows
If you have a new child or take in a dependent while you hold a voucher, you can request a larger voucher to match your new family size. The process varies by housing authority. Some process requests within a few weeks; others place you on a waiting list if the larger voucher size is in high demand.
During the waiting period, you keep your current voucher and continue paying 30 percent of your income. Once you receive the larger voucher, you can move to a bigger apartment or renegotiate with your current landlord if the rent is below your new maximum. You do not have to move immediately — the larger voucher is yours to use when you find a suitable place.
If your family shrinks — an adult child moves out, a dependent is no longer claimed — your housing authority may reduce your voucher size at your next lease renewal. This does not happen automatically; the authority will notify you and explain the change.
Finding Your Local Voucher Amounts
Your local public housing authority publishes its payment standards (the voucher amounts for each family size) on its website or will mail them to you by request. You can find your housing authority's contact information through HUD's website or by calling 211 and asking for your local authority's phone number.
When you call, ask for the current payment standard or voucher amount schedule. Have your family size ready, and ask whether the amounts changed in the past year. Some authorities also publish the amounts in their annual plan, which is public record and available online.
How Rent Increases Affect Your Voucher
Your voucher amount does not automatically increase when rents in your area go up. The housing authority updates payment standards once a year, usually based on data from the previous year. If rents spike between updates, your voucher amount stays the same until the next annual adjustment.
This means that if you are paying the maximum amount your voucher covers and rents rise, your landlord may ask for more money than your voucher will pay. You would then have to pay the difference out of pocket, move to a cheaper apartment, or negotiate with your landlord. Planning for this possibility — keeping some cushion in your budget — helps protect you if rents climb faster than voucher amounts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a bigger voucher if I'm pregnant?
You can request a larger voucher once the child is born and added to your household, not before. Some housing authorities will process the request quickly if you provide a birth certificate; others have waiting lists. Contact your authority as soon as the child arrives to start the process.
What if I need more bedrooms than my family size allows?
Voucher bedroom sizes are set by family size, and most authorities do not make exceptions. If you have a medical reason for needing an extra bedroom — for example, a live-in aide — you can request a reasonable accommodation in writing. The authority must consider it, though approval is not may provide.
Do I lose my voucher if my family size changes?
No. If your family shrinks, your voucher stays active but may be reduced at your next lease renewal. If your family grows, you keep your current voucher while requesting a larger one. You do not lose housing because of a change in family composition.
How often do voucher amounts change?
Most housing authorities update payment standards once per year, usually in spring or fall. The new amounts are based on fair market rent data from the previous year. Some areas see increases; others see decreases or no change, depending on local rent trends.
If I move to a different city, does my voucher amount change?
Yes. When you move to a new housing authority's area, your voucher is recalculated based on that area's payment standards and fair market rent. You may receive more or less than you did in your previous location, depending on local rents.