What are Section 8 applicants?

Section 8 applicants are generally classified as very low-income families, the disabled and the elderly in the United States who qualify for the program. The Section 8 program helps qualified applicants afford rent in the private market without compromising on the safety and sanitation of their place of residence.

Section 8 applicants receive a housing voucher that can be used with any type of housing, provided that they pass the program's requirements. This allows applicants the freedom to choose their own place of residence and is not limited to subsidized housing projects. For the housing voucher to be used, the property owner must also agree to rent it out under the Section 8 program.