If you are experiencing homelessness or housing instability, one of the first questions you will face when applying for assistance is: “Do I qualify based on my income?”
The answer depends on which program you are applying to and where you live. Income limits for housing assistance are not national — they are set locally based on each area’s median income. This guide from House for Homeless explains how income limits work, what they mean for you, and — critically — what happens if you have zero income.
Homeless with no income? You still qualify for most housing assistance programs. Zero income is not a barrier. Call 211 right now for emergency referrals in your area. Veterans call 877-424-3838. See our types of housing assistance programs to understand which programs are fastest.
The Most Important Thing to Know First
If you are currently homeless, you almost certainly qualify for housing assistance — regardless of income.
Here is why: most programs that serve people experiencing homelessness either have no income requirement or prioritize households at the lowest income levels. Zero income actually qualifies you for the maximum benefit amount in most programs.
Do not let income limits stop you from applying. The worst that can happen is a denial — and even then, you can appeal or try a different program.
How Income Limits Work
Housing assistance income limits — officially called HUD income limits — are based on the Area Median Income (AMI), the midpoint income for a given geographic area, updated annually by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Programs set eligibility thresholds as a percentage of AMI.
HUD defines four income categories:
| Category | Threshold | Most Common Programs |
|---|---|---|
| Extremely Low Income | At or below 30% of AMI | HUD-VASH, priority Section 8, most PSH |
| Very Low Income | At or below 50% of AMI | Section 8 / HCV, Section 811 |
| Low Income | At or below 80% of AMI | ERA, public housing, many state programs |
| Moderate Income | 80–120% of AMI | Some state homeownership programs |
AMI varies dramatically by location. The 50% AMI threshold for a single person is approximately $25,000/year in rural Mississippi but over $60,000/year in San Francisco. This is why income limits must be checked locally — national figures are approximations only.
Income Limits by Program
Section 8 / Housing Choice Voucher
Income limit: At or below 50% of AMI Priority: 75% of new vouchers must go to households at or below 30% of AMI
Section 8 is the most income-restricted major program. However, people experiencing homelessness are often at 0–30% of AMI, which puts them in the highest priority tier.
If you have no income: You qualify for the maximum voucher benefit. Your rent contribution would be $0 (30% of $0). This is one of the most advantageous situations for Section 8 recipients.
Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA)
Income limit: At or below 80% of AMI Priority: Households at or below 50% of AMI, or unemployed for 90+ days
ERA has the most generous income threshold of the major programs. Many working households qualify for ERA alongside people experiencing homelessness.
If you have no income: You qualify automatically under most ERA programs. Zero income combined with an inability to pay rent is the clearest possible demonstration of need.
Public Housing
Income limit: At or below 80% of AMI (most PHAs prioritize those below 50%)
Public housing uses the same 80% AMI threshold as ERA but in practice prioritizes extremely and very low-income households.
Rapid Rehousing
Income limit: Varies by program — most target households at or below 30–50% of AMI who are currently homeless
Rapid rehousing specifically serves people experiencing homelessness. Current homelessness is typically more important than income for eligibility.
Permanent Supportive Housing
Income limit: Most PSH serves households at or below 30% of AMI with chronic homelessness and a disability
PSH prioritizes the lowest income, longest-term homeless individuals. Having no income is common among PSH residents and is not a barrier.
Emergency Shelters
Income limit: None. Emergency shelters are free and open to anyone experiencing homelessness regardless of income.
Income Limits by Household Size — National Approximations
These are approximate national figures for 2026. Actual limits vary significantly by county — always check with the specific program or your local PHA.
50% of AMI (Section 8 eligibility threshold)
| Household Size | Approximate Annual Limit |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $28,000–$45,000 |
| 2 people | $32,000–$51,000 |
| 3 people | $36,000–$58,000 |
| 4 people | $40,000–$64,000 |
| 5 people | $43,000–$69,000 |
| 6 people | $46,000–$74,000 |
80% of AMI (ERA / public housing threshold)
| Household Size | Approximate Annual Limit |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $44,000–$72,000 |
| 2 people | $51,000–$82,000 |
| 3 people | $57,000–$93,000 |
| 4 people | $63,000–$103,000 |
| 5 people | $68,000–$111,000 |
| 6 people | $73,000–$119,000 |
Ranges reflect variation between low-cost rural areas (lower end) and high-cost metro areas (upper end).
HUD Income Limits by State 2026 — Reference Table
The table below shows approximate statewide HUD income limits for a 1-person and 4-person household at the two most common eligibility thresholds. These are statewide averages — limits in high-cost metro areas within a state will be higher, and rural areas may be lower.
50% of AMI = threshold for Section 8 / Housing Choice Voucher eligibility 80% of AMI = threshold for Emergency Rental Assistance and public housing
These figures are approximate and based on 2026 HUD data. Income limits are updated annually. Always verify your specific county limit at HUD’s official income limits tool before applying.
| State | 1-Person (50% AMI) | 4-Person (50% AMI) | 1-Person (80% AMI) | 4-Person (80% AMI) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $27,100/yr | $38,700/yr | $43,350/yr | $61,900/yr |
| Alaska | $37,150/yr | $53,050/yr | $59,400/yr | $84,900/yr |
| Arizona | $31,200/yr | $44,550/yr | $49,950/yr | $71,300/yr |
| Arkansas | $25,750/yr | $36,800/yr | $41,200/yr | $58,850/yr |
| California | $44,650/yr | $63,800/yr | $71,450/yr | $102,050/yr |
| Colorado | $40,300/yr | $57,550/yr | $64,500/yr | $92,100/yr |
| Connecticut | $40,600/yr | $58,000/yr | $64,950/yr | $92,800/yr |
| Delaware | $35,200/yr | $50,300/yr | $56,350/yr | $80,500/yr |
| District of Columbia | $52,700/yr | $75,300/yr | $84,350/yr | $120,500/yr |
| Florida | $31,950/yr | $45,650/yr | $51,100/yr | $73,000/yr |
| Georgia | $30,950/yr | $44,200/yr | $49,500/yr | $70,700/yr |
| Hawaii | $50,950/yr | $72,800/yr | $81,550/yr | $116,500/yr |
| Idaho | $28,450/yr | $40,650/yr | $45,550/yr | $65,000/yr |
| Illinois | $34,550/yr | $49,350/yr | $55,300/yr | $78,950/yr |
| Indiana | $28,600/yr | $40,850/yr | $45,750/yr | $65,350/yr |
| Iowa | $28,550/yr | $40,800/yr | $45,700/yr | $65,250/yr |
| Kansas | $28,100/yr | $40,150/yr | $44,950/yr | $64,200/yr |
| Kentucky | $26,650/yr | $38,100/yr | $42,650/yr | $60,900/yr |
| Louisiana | $27,200/yr | $38,850/yr | $43,500/yr | $62,150/yr |
| Maine | $30,650/yr | $43,800/yr | $49,050/yr | $70,050/yr |
| Maryland | $46,250/yr | $66,050/yr | $74,000/yr | $105,700/yr |
| Massachusetts | $47,850/yr | $68,350/yr | $76,600/yr | $109,350/yr |
| Michigan | $29,550/yr | $42,200/yr | $47,300/yr | $67,550/yr |
| Minnesota | $36,500/yr | $52,150/yr | $58,400/yr | $83,450/yr |
| Mississippi | $24,400/yr | $34,850/yr | $39,050/yr | $55,750/yr |
| Missouri | $28,350/yr | $40,500/yr | $45,350/yr | $64,800/yr |
| Montana | $27,800/yr | $39,700/yr | $44,500/yr | $63,550/yr |
| Nebraska | $29,100/yr | $41,600/yr | $46,600/yr | $66,550/yr |
| Nevada | $33,000/yr | $47,150/yr | $52,850/yr | $75,450/yr |
| New Hampshire | $40,100/yr | $57,300/yr | $64,200/yr | $91,650/yr |
| New Jersey | $45,750/yr | $65,350/yr | $73,200/yr | $104,550/yr |
| New Mexico | $26,700/yr | $38,150/yr | $42,750/yr | $61,050/yr |
| New York | $40,550/yr | $57,950/yr | $64,900/yr | $92,700/yr |
| North Carolina | $29,700/yr | $42,400/yr | $47,500/yr | $67,850/yr |
| North Dakota | $30,700/yr | $43,850/yr | $49,100/yr | $70,150/yr |
| Ohio | $28,150/yr | $40,200/yr | $45,050/yr | $64,350/yr |
| Oklahoma | $26,950/yr | $38,500/yr | $43,100/yr | $61,600/yr |
| Oregon | $36,200/yr | $51,700/yr | $57,950/yr | $82,750/yr |
| Pennsylvania | $31,950/yr | $45,650/yr | $51,150/yr | $73,050/yr |
| Rhode Island | $38,150/yr | $54,500/yr | $61,050/yr | $87,200/yr |
| South Carolina | $27,700/yr | $39,600/yr | $44,350/yr | $63,300/yr |
| South Dakota | $27,500/yr | $39,300/yr | $44,050/yr | $62,900/yr |
| Tennessee | $27,950/yr | $39,950/yr | $44,750/yr | $63,900/yr |
| Texas | $30,150/yr | $43,050/yr | $48,250/yr | $68,900/yr |
| Utah | $33,250/yr | $47,500/yr | $53,200/yr | $76,000/yr |
| Vermont | $33,700/yr | $48,150/yr | $53,950/yr | $77,050/yr |
| Virginia | $38,750/yr | $55,350/yr | $62,000/yr | $88,550/yr |
| Washington | $40,600/yr | $58,000/yr | $64,950/yr | $92,800/yr |
| West Virginia | $24,350/yr | $34,800/yr | $38,950/yr | $55,650/yr |
| Wisconsin | $30,400/yr | $43,450/yr | $48,650/yr | $69,500/yr |
| Wyoming | $30,500/yr | $43,600/yr | $48,800/yr | $69,700/yr |
Source: HUD FY2026 Income Limits. Figures represent statewide medians — actual limits vary by county.
How to Find Your Exact County HUD Income Limit
Because income limits vary by county within each state, there is no single statewide figure. Here is how to find the exact limits for where you live:
The table above gives you a quick statewide reference. For the exact limit in your specific county or metro area:
Step 1: Go to HUD’s Income Limits page
Step 2: Select the current year and your state
Step 3: Find your county or metro area
Step 4: Look up the limit for your household size at the relevant percentage (30%, 50%, or 80% of AMI)
Alternatively, call 211 and ask the operator — they can tell you the income limits for programs in your specific area without you having to look anything up yourself.
What Counts as Income?
Most housing programs count the following as income:
- Wages and salaries from employment
- Self-employment income (net of business expenses)
- Social Security benefits (SSI, SSDI, retirement)
- Unemployment compensation
- TANF and other cash assistance
- Child support and alimony received
- Pension and retirement income
- Regular contributions from people outside the household
What Is NOT Counted as Income
Many housing programs exclude the following from income calculations:
- SNAP (food stamp) benefits
- Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) payments
- Child tax credits
- Foster care payments
- Lump-sum inheritances or insurance settlements (in most programs)
- Income of live-in care attendants
- Medical expenses reimbursements
Important for homeless applicants: ERA payments made on your behalf to a landlord are not counted as your income. They do not affect your SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, or SSDI eligibility.
If You Have No Income
Having no income is not a disqualifying factor for most housing assistance programs. Here is what to know:
For Section 8: Your rent contribution would be $0 per month. You qualify for the maximum payment standard. Zero income puts you in the highest priority tier (below 30% of AMI).
For ERA: You qualify automatically. Most programs accept a zero-income self-declaration form — you sign a statement confirming you have no income. No other documentation is needed.
For emergency shelters: No income requirement. Shelters are free.
For rapid rehousing: Current homelessness matters more than income. Zero income is common and not a barrier.
For SNAP food benefits: A single person with zero income qualifies for the maximum SNAP benefit (approximately $292/month in 2026).
What to bring when you have no income: Most programs will ask you to complete a zero-income declaration — a simple form or signed statement saying you have no income from any source. Ask for this form at the program office or when you apply online.
If Your Income Is Slightly Above the Limit
If you are just over the income limit for a program, here are your options:
1. Apply anyway — income limits have some flexibility in some programs, and income from some sources may be deducted or excluded.
2. Check deductions — most programs allow deductions for childcare costs, medical expenses (for elderly/disabled households), and other allowable expenses that reduce your counted income.
3. Look for higher-threshold programs — ERA has an 80% AMI limit while Section 8 uses 50%. You may qualify for one even if you don’t qualify for the other.
4. Check state programs — some state-funded programs have different or higher income limits than federal programs.
5. Contact a housing counselor — HUD-approved housing counselors can review your income situation and identify programs you may qualify for. Find one free at hud.gov.
Income Limits and Homelessness: Special Rules
People experiencing homelessness often have irregular, seasonal, or cash income that is difficult to document. Most programs have accommodations for this:
- Self-certification — many programs allow you to self-certify your income with a signed statement rather than requiring pay stubs or tax returns
- Irregular income — programs typically average irregular income over the past 12 months rather than using a single month’s snapshot
- Cash income — if you earn cash through informal work, you may self-certify the amount — you are not required to have formal documentation
- Recent job loss — if you recently lost income, most programs use your current situation rather than your previous income
What to Do Next
If you are currently homeless: Call 211 right now. You can also browse our emergency shelter guides to find a shelter in your city tonight. You almost certainly qualify for emergency shelter and rapid rehousing regardless of income. Do not wait to calculate income limits — just call.
If you are at risk of eviction: Apply for Emergency Rental Assistance. The 80% AMI limit is generous — most households qualify. See our guide on applying for ERA.
If you want long-term rental assistance: Apply to your local PHA for Section 8 and public housing. Use HUD’s income limits tool — the official source for HUD income limits by county — to confirm you are within the 50% AMI threshold for your area. See our full guide on how to apply for housing assistance and our housing assistance document checklist.
If you are unsure whether you qualify: Call 211 or contact a free HUD-approved housing counselor. They can screen you for eligibility across multiple programs in a single conversation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the income limit for housing assistance?
It depends on the program and your location. Emergency shelters have no income limit. Emergency Rental Assistance is generally available to households at or below 80% of the Area Median Income. Section 8 requires income at or below 50% of AMI. Rapid rehousing and permanent supportive housing prioritize households at or below 30% of AMI. Call 211 to find out which housing assistance programs you qualify for in your specific area.
Can I get housing assistance if I have no income at all?
Yes. Zero income qualifies you for the maximum benefit level in most programs. Emergency shelters are free with no income requirement. For Section 8, a zero-income household pays $0 in rent and receives the full payment standard. For ERA, you simply sign a zero-income declaration. Having no income is not a barrier — it is often a priority factor.
Does income from Social Security count toward housing assistance limits?
Yes. Social Security income — including SSI and SSDI — is counted toward income for housing assistance eligibility. However, SSI amounts are very low (maximum $943/month for an individual in 2026), which typically places recipients in the extremely low income category (below 30% of AMI) and qualifies them for the highest priority tier of most programs.
Are there income limits for emergency shelters?
No. Emergency shelters serve anyone experiencing homelessness regardless of income. They are free and do not verify income as part of the intake process.
What if my income recently dropped because I lost my job?
Most housing programs use your current income situation rather than your historical income. If you recently lost a job or had your income reduced, your current low or zero income is what matters for eligibility — not what you earned previously. Provide documentation of your job loss (layoff notice, termination letter) when you apply.
Do SNAP benefits count as income for housing assistance?
No. SNAP (food stamp) benefits are not counted as income for housing assistance eligibility purposes. You do not need to report your SNAP benefits on housing assistance applications, and receiving SNAP will not reduce your eligibility or benefit amounts for housing programs.
How often are income limits updated?
HUD updates Area Median Income figures and HUD income limits annually, typically in the spring. The limits in this guide reflect 2026 figures. Always verify current limits directly with your local PHA or program administrator before applying, as figures change each year.
Is income the only factor for housing assistance eligibility?
No. Income is the primary factor, but programs also consider household size, citizenship or immigration status, rental history, criminal background, current housing situation, and in some cases, disability or veteran status. People experiencing homelessness may receive priority regardless of where they fall on the income scale.