Section 8 Calculator
Calculate Section 8 housing assistance payments, tenant portions, and subsidy amounts based on income and Fair Market Rent.
How it works
Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program calculates assistance based on the 30% income rule. Tenants pay 30% of their adjusted monthly income toward housing costs, and Section 8 covers the difference up to the payment standard.
Example
FMR: $1,200, Income: $2,000, Payment Standard: $1,200. Tenant portion: $600 (30% of $2,000), Section 8 subsidy: $600.
FAQ
How is Section 8 payment calculated?
Section 8 payment is calculated as the payment standard minus 30% of the tenant's adjusted monthly income. The tenant pays 30% of income, and Section 8 covers the difference up to the payment standard.
What is Fair Market Rent (FMR)?
Fair Market Rent is the estimated amount needed to rent a modest rental housing unit of a specific bedroom size in a specific area, as determined annually by HUD.
What is a payment standard?
Payment standard is typically 90-110% of the Fair Market Rent and represents the maximum subsidy amount a housing authority will pay for a unit of a particular size.
What income is used for Section 8 calculations?
Adjusted monthly income is used, which includes wages, benefits, and other income sources, minus certain deductions like medical expenses and childcare costs.
Can rent be higher than the payment standard?
Yes, but the tenant must pay the difference. However, initial moves cannot exceed 40% of adjusted monthly income for total housing costs.