Section 811 vs. Section 8: Which Program Fits Your Situation

The core difference: who the program serves and what it pays for

Section 8 is a rental voucher program run by your local housing authority. It helps low-income households of any kind pay rent by giving you a voucher worth a set amount each month. You find an apartment that accepts Section 8, and the program pays your landlord a portion of the rent; you pay the rest from your own income.

Section 811 is a supportive housing program specifically for people with disabilities who live alone or with only other disabled people. It combines a rental subsidy with on-site support services — case management, help with daily living tasks, connections to medical care. The goal is to help disabled people live independently rather than in institutions or group homes.

The practical difference: Section 8 is about affordability. Section 811 is about affordability plus the support structure that makes independent living possible for someone with a significant disability.

Key Takeaways

• Section 8 serves any low-income household; Section 811 serves only people with disabilities living independently, and waiting lists for Section 811 are often years long.
• Section 8 gives you a voucher to find your own apartment; Section 811 typically places you in a specific property where support services are already set up.
• Section 8 requires you to pay a portion of rent from your own income; Section 811 may cover most or all of rent depending on your income and the program's structure.
• You can hold both Section 8 and Section 811 at the same time in some cases, though this is uncommon and depends on your local program rules.
• Your disability type, income level, and whether you need on-site support services determine which program makes sense for your situation.

Who can get Section 8

Section 8 is open to households with income below 50% of the area median income in your county. You do not have to be disabled, elderly, or in any particular life situation — the program serves families with children, single adults, seniors, and people with disabilities. The only requirement is that your income falls within the limit and you are a U.S. citizen or may have access to immigrant.

Waiting lists for Section 8 vary widely. Some housing authorities have lists that are years long and closed to new names. Others have shorter waits or open their lists periodically. You find out by contacting your local housing authority directly — there is no national wait time because each city and county runs its own program.

Who can get Section 811

Section 811 is for people with disabilities — physical, mental, or developmental — who want to live on their own or with other disabled people. You must have a disability documented by a medical professional or a state disability information (like SSI or SSDI approval). You must also have income below the federal poverty line or close to it, depending on your state.

The waiting list for Section 811 is typically much longer than Section 8. Many states have lists with hundreds or thousands of people waiting, and some have stopped accepting new names. Because the program is smaller and more specialized, availability depends heavily on your state and local area. You find out by contacting your state housing finance agency or a disability services organization in your area.

How rent and costs work under each program

Under Section 8, you typically pay 30% of your gross monthly income toward rent, and the voucher covers the rest up to a set maximum (called the payment standard). If you earn $1,200 a month, you pay $360; if the voucher is worth $900, the program pays $540 and you find an apartment within that total. If you find a cheaper apartment, you pay less. If you find one that costs more, you pay the difference out of pocket.

Under Section 811, the rent structure depends on the specific program and your state. Some programs charge you 30% of income like Section 8. Others charge a flat fee or no rent at all if your income is very low. The program also pays for the support services — case management, help with budgeting or medication management, transportation to appointments — which Section 8 does not cover. You do not pay separately for these services; they are part of the program.

The support services difference

Section 8 is purely a rental subsidy. It does not provide case management, counseling, job training, or any services beyond the voucher itself. If you need support, you have to find it through other programs — Medicaid, your state's vocational rehabilitation agency, community mental health centers, or disability services organizations.

Section 811 includes on-site or nearby support services as part of the program. A case manager checks in regularly, helps you manage your benefits, connects you to medical appointments, and assists with budgeting or household management. The exact services vary by program, but the idea is that housing and support work together. This is why Section 811 is called "supportive housing" — the support is built in.

For someone with a serious mental illness, cognitive disability, or physical disability that affects daily functioning, this difference is significant. Section 8 alone may not be enough; you would need to piece together support from other sources. Section 811 is designed so you do not have to.

How to find out what is available in your area

For Section 8, contact your local public housing authority. You can find it by searching "[your city or county] housing authority" or by calling 211 (a free referral line). Ask whether their waiting list is open, how long the wait typically is, and what documents you need to bring when you apply.

For Section 811, start with your state housing finance agency or your state's disability services department. You can also contact a disability advocacy organization in your state — they often know which Section 811 programs are taking new names and which have closed lists. Because Section 811 is smaller and less well-known, this step takes more legwork, but it is worth it if you need the support services component.

If you are on SSI or SSDI, your benefits counselor or work incentives planning and assistance (WIPA) project can also point you toward Section 811 programs in your area. These are free services specifically for people receiving disability benefits.

Can you have both Section 8 and Section 811 at the same time?

In most cases, no. The programs are designed as alternatives, not complements. If you are in Section 811 housing, you cannot also hold a Section 8 voucher for a different apartment. However, rules vary by state and by individual program, so it is worth asking your local housing authority and Section 811 program directly.

There are rare situations where someone might transition from one program to the other — for example, if you were in Section 811 and your circumstances changed so that you no longer needed the on-site support services, you might move to Section 8. But holding both simultaneously is not how either program is structured.

Frequently Asked Questions

If I have a disability but my income is too high for Section 811, can I use Section 8 instead?

Yes. Section 8 does not have a disability requirement, so if your income is below 50% of area median income, you can pursue Section 8 even if you do not meet Section 811's income limits. You would not get the on-site support services, but you would get the rental subsidy. You would need to find support through other programs like Medicaid or community mental health services.

How long does it usually take to get into Section 811?

This varies dramatically by state and program. Some states have waiting lists of three to five years or longer. Others have closed lists entirely. A few have shorter waits. Your state disability services office or a local disability organization can tell you the realistic timeline for your area. Getting on the list early matters because position is usually based on when you applied.

What if I am on the Section 8 waiting list and it is very long?

Ask your housing authority whether they have a preference category that might move you up — some programs prioritize people experiencing homelessness, people fleeing domestic violence, or people with disabilities. Also ask whether they open their list periodically; many do. In the meantime, explore other rental assistance programs in your area, including emergency rental funds, nonprofit housing programs, or state-specific initiatives. 211 can point you toward these.

Does Section 811 help me find a job or get job training?

Section 811 focuses on housing and daily living support, not employment. However, if you are receiving SSI or SSDI, you can access work incentives and job training through separate programs like Ticket to Work or your state's vocational rehabilitation agency. These work alongside Section 811 but are not part of it.

Can I apply for both Section 8 and Section 811 at the same time?

Yes, you can be on both waiting lists. Since Section 811 lists are often very long, applying for Section 8 while you wait for Section 811 makes sense. If Section 8 comes through first, you have housing. If Section 811 becomes available later and you prefer the support services, you can transition then.