How to Apply for Section 8 in San Antonio

Access to safe, affordable housing is a fundamental need for thousands of families across San Antonio. For low-income residents, the Housing Choice Voucher Program—commonly known as Section 8—is one of the most vital tools available to bridge the gap between income and rent. Administered locally by the San Antonio Housing Authority (SAHA), Section 8 provides rental assistance that allows eligible households to pay a portion of their income toward rent while the program covers the remainder directly to landlords. With housing costs in San Antonio rising faster than wages, understanding how to apply for Section 8 is not just helpful—it’s essential for financial stability and long-term security.

Despite its importance, the application process can seem overwhelming. Long waiting lists, complex documentation requirements, and frequent changes in eligibility criteria often deter applicants. This guide breaks down every step of applying for Section 8 in San Antonio with clarity, precision, and real-world context. Whether you’re a first-time applicant, a single parent, a senior citizen, or someone transitioning out of homelessness, this tutorial equips you with the knowledge to navigate the system effectively and increase your chances of approval.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility

Before beginning the application, you must determine whether you meet the basic income and household criteria set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and enforced by SAHA. Eligibility is primarily based on gross annual household income, family size, and citizenship status.

Your household’s income must be at or below 50% of the Area Median Income (AMI) for San Antonio. For 2024, these limits are as follows:

• 1-person household: $35,650
• 2-person household: $40,750
• 3-person household: $45,850
• 4-person household: $50,950
• 5-person household: $55,000
• 6-person household: $59,050
• 7-person household: $63,100
• 8-person household: $67,150

These figures are adjusted annually and may vary slightly depending on updates from HUD. You can verify current limits on the SAHA website or through HUD’s income limit tool. In addition to income, you must be a U.S. citizen or have eligible immigration status. All adult members of the household (18+) must pass a background check, which includes criminal history and previous rental behavior. Felony convictions related to drug manufacturing or sex offenses may disqualify applicants.

Step 2: Monitor the Waiting List Status

One of the most critical facts to understand is that the Section 8 waiting list in San Antonio is frequently closed due to high demand. When open, it fills within hours or days. SAHA does not maintain a permanent open application portal. Instead, they announce openings through official channels: their website, local news outlets, and community partner organizations.

To stay informed, you must actively monitor SAHA’s website at www.saha.org. Bookmark the page and check it weekly. Sign up for email alerts if available. Follow SAHA’s official social media accounts on Facebook and Twitter for real-time updates. Local libraries, community centers, and nonprofit housing agencies often receive advance notice of openings and may share them with clients.

Do not rely on third-party websites or paid services claiming to get you on the list faster. These are scams. The only legitimate way to apply is through SAHA during an open enrollment period.

Step 3: Prepare Required Documentation

When the waiting list opens, you must submit your application with complete and accurate documentation. Incomplete applications are automatically disqualified. Gather the following items in advance:

• Proof of identity for all household members (valid government-issued photo ID, birth certificate, or passport)
• Proof of Social Security numbers for all household members (SSN cards or SSA letters)
• Proof of income for the past 12 months (pay stubs, tax returns, award letters from Social Security, unemployment, or disability)
• Proof of assets (bank statements, investment accounts, vehicle titles)
• Proof of residency (utility bills, lease agreements, or mail with your current address)
• Documentation of family composition (birth certificates, custody agreements, marriage certificates)
• Proof of immigration status (if applicable)—Green Card, I-94, or other DHS documentation

Keep digital and physical copies of all documents. SAHA may request additional verification after submission. If you are self-employed, prepare profit-and-loss statements, business licenses, and IRS Form 1040 Schedule C. If you receive cash income, document it with signed affidavits from employers or clients.

Step 4: Submit Your Application During the Open Period

When SAHA announces the waiting list is open, you must apply online through their official portal. Paper applications are rarely accepted and only in exceptional circumstances (e.g., disability without internet access). The online portal is accessible via the SAHA website during the enrollment window.

Before applying, ensure your device has a stable internet connection, a working email address, and a PDF reader. You will need to create an account using your email and a secure password. The application will ask for:

• Full legal names, dates of birth, and relationships of all household members
• Current address and contact information
• Employment details for all working adults
• Income sources and amounts
• Previous housing history (including evictions or terminations from housing programs)
• Disability status and special needs (if applicable)

Answer every question truthfully and completely. Inconsistencies or omissions may lead to disqualification or delays. After submission, you will receive a confirmation number and email. Save this information. It is your only proof that your application was received.

Step 5: Await Notification and Participate in the Selection Process

Once the waiting list closes, SAHA processes applications in the order they were received. Due to high volume, this can take months or even years. You will be notified by mail or email when your name reaches the top of the list. Do not ignore any correspondence from SAHA—even if it appears to be a generic notice. Missing a notification can result in removal from the list.

When selected, you will be invited to attend a mandatory eligibility interview. Bring all original documents you submitted during application. SAHA staff will verify your information, conduct a background check, and determine your final eligibility. You may be asked to explain discrepancies or provide additional documentation at this stage.

If approved, you will receive a voucher and be assigned a Housing Specialist. This specialist will guide you through the next steps, including finding an approved rental unit and completing the required inspections.

Step 6: Find an Approved Rental Unit

Once you have your voucher, you have 60 to 120 days (depending on SAHA policy at the time) to find a suitable rental unit. The unit must meet HUD’s Housing Quality Standards (HQS), which include safety, structural integrity, sanitation, and adequate space for the number of occupants.

Landlords must agree to participate in the Section 8 program. You can search for participating landlords through SAHA’s online directory, local real estate listings, or community bulletin boards. Many property management companies in San Antonio actively accept Section 8 vouchers. Look for listings that state “Section 8 welcome” or “vouchers accepted.”

When you find a unit, the landlord must complete a Request for Tenancy Approval (RTA) form. SAHA will inspect the property for HQS compliance. If the rent is deemed reasonable compared to similar units in the area, the lease and subsidy agreement will be approved.

Step 7: Sign the Lease and Begin Assistance

After the inspection is passed and the landlord signs the Housing Assistance Payments (HAP) contract, you can sign your lease and move in. SAHA will begin paying the landlord directly each month. Your portion of the rent—typically 30% of your adjusted monthly income—is paid directly to the landlord. You are responsible for utilities unless otherwise specified in the lease.

Keep all payment receipts and communication with your landlord documented. SAHA may conduct annual recertifications to verify your income and household composition. Failure to report changes can result in loss of benefits or legal penalties.

Best Practices

Apply Early and Stay Consistent

Waiting lists are not first-come, first-served in the traditional sense—they are processed by date and time of submission. However, the longer you wait to apply, the less likely you are to be selected. If the list is closed, don’t give up. Re-check SAHA’s website weekly. Set calendar reminders for the first day of each month. Many openings occur in January or July, but they can happen at any time.

Update Your Information Regularly

If you are on the waiting list, notify SAHA immediately of any changes: address, phone number, household size, income, or employment status. Outdated information can delay your application or cause you to be removed from the list. Even if you move, update your contact details—even if you’re temporarily staying with family.

Be Honest and Transparent

Intentional misrepresentation of income, household members, or criminal history is fraud and can lead to permanent disqualification, fines, or criminal charges. SAHA cross-references data with federal databases, including Social Security, IRS, and law enforcement records. Honesty is not just ethical—it’s the only way to ensure long-term success.

Engage with Community Resources

Many nonprofit organizations in San Antonio offer free assistance with Section 8 applications. Groups like the San Antonio Food Bank, Catholic Charities, and the Center for Health Care Services provide workshops, document preparation help, and one-on-one counseling. Attend these sessions. They are designed to help applicants like you succeed.

Understand Your Rights and Responsibilities

As a Section 8 participant, you have the right to live in a safe, clean home and to be treated with dignity. You also have responsibilities: pay your portion of rent on time, maintain the property, report changes, and comply with lease terms. Violating your lease can result in termination of your voucher, even if you’ve been approved for years.

Plan for the Long Term

Section 8 is not a temporary fix—it’s a long-term housing solution. Use this time to build financial stability. Consider enrolling in financial literacy programs offered by SAHA or local nonprofits. Save money, improve credit, and explore pathways to homeownership. Many voucher holders eventually transition out of the program because they’ve improved their economic situation.

Tools and Resources

San Antonio Housing Authority (SAHA) Website

www.saha.org is your primary resource. Here you’ll find:

• Current waiting list status
• Income limit charts
• Application forms and instructions
• Landlord participation guidelines
• FAQs and policy documents

The site is updated regularly and is the only official source for accurate information.

HUD’s Income and Property Search Tools

Visit www.hud.gov and use the following tools:

• Income Limits Calculator: Enter your location and family size to get exact AMI thresholds.
• Public Housing Agency Directory: Confirms SAHA’s status as the correct administering agency for San Antonio.
• Housing Choice Voucher Program Guide: Explains federal rules governing the program.

Local Community Organizations

These San Antonio-based organizations provide free support:

• Catholic Charities of San Antonio – Offers housing counseling and emergency rental assistance referrals.
• San Antonio Food Bank – Housing Navigation Program – Helps families apply for housing programs and connect with landlords.
• Center for Health Care Services – Provides support for individuals with mental health or substance use challenges seeking stable housing.
• San Antonio Public Library – Community Resource Centers – Free internet access, computer stations, and staff assistance with online applications.

Document Management Tools

Organizing your paperwork is critical. Use free digital tools to keep everything in order:

• Google Drive – Create folders for “Identification,” “Income,” “Residency,” etc. Upload scanned copies of all documents.
• Microsoft OneNote – Track application dates, follow-up reminders, and contact information for SAHA staff.
• Adobe Scan – Use your smartphone to scan receipts, letters, and forms directly into PDF format.

Mobile Apps for Renters

Several apps help you find Section 8-friendly rentals:

• Zillow – Filter listings by “Section 8 accepted.”
• Apartment.com – Use the “Section 8” filter under amenities.
• HotPads – Allows you to message landlords directly and ask about voucher acceptance.

Always verify with SAHA whether a landlord is approved before signing a lease.

Real Examples

Example 1: Maria, Single Mother of Two

Maria works as a home health aide earning $2,800 per month. She has two children under 10 and lives in a 2-bedroom apartment paying $1,100 rent—more than 40% of her income. She applied for Section 8 when SAHA opened the list in March 2023. She had prepared all documents in advance: pay stubs, birth certificates, and her Social Security card. Her application was submitted within the first hour of the portal opening. After 14 months on the waiting list, she received a call for an interview. Her income was verified, and she was approved. Within six weeks, she found a 3-bedroom unit in the North Side that passed inspection. Her rent is now $1,250; she pays $375 (30% of her income), and SAHA pays the remaining $875. Maria says, “I used to choose between groceries and rent. Now I can save for my kids’ school supplies.”

Example 2: James, Veteran with Disability

James is a 62-year-old veteran who receives $1,400 monthly from VA disability benefits. He lives alone and needed accessible housing. He applied for Section 8 during the 2022 opening and was placed on the list. Because he has a documented disability, he received priority under SAHA’s preferences policy. He was selected in 10 months. His Housing Specialist helped him find a ground-floor apartment with grab bars and wide doorways. The unit passed inspection with minor repairs required, which the landlord completed. James now pays $420 per month and has access to community transportation services. “I didn’t think I’d ever live somewhere this safe,” he says.

Example 3: The Rodriguez Family, Immigrant Household

The Rodriguez family—parents and three children—arrived in San Antonio in 2021 with temporary protected status. Both parents work in construction. They applied for Section 8 in 2023 but were initially denied because they didn’t submit their I-94 forms. They contacted Catholic Charities, who helped them obtain the correct documents. They reapplied and were accepted. Their voucher allowed them to move from a crowded rental to a 4-bedroom home in the East Side. “We were scared,” says Mrs. Rodriguez. “But the staff didn’t make us feel like outsiders. They helped us understand everything.”

Example 4: Rejection and Reapplication

Carlos applied in 2022 and was denied because he listed his sister as a household member, but she didn’t live with him full-time. SAHA cross-checked utility bills and found she was listed at another address. Carlos was removed from the list. He waited six months, gathered proof of his actual household (his two children and his girlfriend), and reapplied when the list reopened. He was accepted on his second attempt. “I learned the hard way,” he says. “Always tell the truth—even if it’s messy.”

FAQs

How long is the Section 8 waiting list in San Antonio?

The waiting list can range from 1 to 5 years depending on funding, household size, and preferences. SAHA prioritizes veterans, the elderly, disabled individuals, and families experiencing homelessness. General applicants may wait longer.

Can I apply for Section 8 if I have bad credit?

Yes. Section 8 does not use credit scores to determine eligibility. However, landlords may run credit checks and can deny your application based on their own criteria. SAHA only requires that you are not currently evicted for drug-related or violent criminal activity.

What if I’m homeless? Can I still apply?

Yes. If you are homeless or at risk of homelessness, you may qualify for priority status. Contact SAHA or local shelters—they can help you complete the application and advocate for expedited processing.

Can I use my voucher anywhere in San Antonio?

Yes. Your voucher is portable within the SAHA jurisdiction, which covers the entire city and surrounding areas. You can move to any unit that meets HQS and accepts vouchers.

What happens if my income increases?

If your income rises above the income limit, you may still remain in the program for a grace period. SAHA will adjust your rent portion upward, but you won’t be immediately removed. If your income exceeds 80% of AMI for two consecutive years, you may be phased out of the program.

Can I transfer my voucher to another city?

Yes. Section 8 vouchers are portable. If you move to another city, you can request a transfer through SAHA. The new housing authority must agree to accept your voucher. This process can take 30–90 days.

Do I need to reapply every year?

No. Once approved, you remain on the program as long as you meet eligibility requirements. SAHA conducts annual recertifications to update your income and household information. You do not need to reapply unless your voucher is terminated.

Can I own a car and still qualify?

Yes. Vehicle ownership does not disqualify you. However, if you own multiple vehicles or high-value assets, SAHA may include them in your asset calculation. Most personal vehicles are exempt.

What if I get a job while on the waiting list?

Report the change immediately. Your income may change your priority level or eligibility. If your income rises above the limit, you may be removed from the list. However, if you’re close to the limit, you may still qualify.

Is there a limit to how long I can stay on Section 8?

No. As long as you remain income-eligible and comply with program rules, you can receive assistance indefinitely. Many families remain in the program for decades.

Conclusion

Applying for Section 8 in San Antonio is not a simple form-filling exercise—it’s a strategic, patient, and deeply personal journey toward housing stability. The process demands preparation, persistence, and honesty. With rising rents and stagnant wages, the need for affordable housing has never been greater. The Section 8 program is not a handout; it’s a lifeline that enables working families, seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities to live with dignity.

By following the steps outlined in this guide—monitoring the waiting list, gathering accurate documentation, engaging with community resources, and understanding your rights—you position yourself not just to apply, but to succeed. Many applicants fail not because they are ineligible, but because they lack information or give up too soon. You now have the knowledge to avoid those pitfalls.

Remember: You are not alone. Thousands of San Antonians have walked this path before you. With the right tools, the right mindset, and the right support, you can secure safe, stable housing for yourself and your family. Start today. Check SAHA’s website. Prepare your documents. Stay alert. Your next chapter begins with one step—and that step is yours to take.