Section 8 Eligibility Virginia: Who Qualifies and What Blocks Approval

When you're looking for affordable housing in Virginia, Section 8, a federal housing assistance program that helps low-income families pay rent. Also known as the Housing Choice Voucher Program, it lets you choose where you live as long as the landlord accepts vouchers. But getting approved isn’t just about income—it’s about what’s in your background, your household, and your paperwork. Many people assume if they’re low-income, they automatically qualify. That’s not true. Virginia’s housing authorities have strict rules, and even small mistakes can delay or kill your application.

One of the biggest blockers is a criminal record, any felony or certain misdemeanor convictions tied to drugs, violence, or fraud. Some offenses trigger automatic bans, especially if they happened within the last five years. Even if you’ve served your time, the housing authority can still deny you based on their own safety policies. Another hidden issue? past evictions, even if they were for non-payment or lease violations. Many applicants don’t realize landlords report evictions to statewide databases, and housing agencies check them. Immigration status also matters—you must be a U.S. citizen or have eligible immigration status. And if you’re applying with family members, everyone over 18 gets screened. One person’s bad record can sink the whole application.

Income limits vary by county and family size. In Richmond, a single person can’t earn more than about $38,000 a year. In Fairfax, it’s closer to $50,000. But even if you’re under the limit, if you have assets like a car worth over $10,000 or savings above $5,000, that can trigger a review. It’s not just what you make—it’s what you own, what you’ve done, and who lives with you. The Virginia Housing Development Authority doesn’t make these rules up—they follow federal guidelines, but each local office applies them differently. That’s why two people with the same income can have totally different outcomes.

You can fix some issues. If you’ve got a criminal record, get a letter from a counselor or employer showing rehabilitation. If you owe back rent, pay it off and get proof. If you’re missing documents, call your local housing authority—they’ll tell you exactly what’s needed. Don’t wait until you’re denied to ask questions. Most rejections happen because people assume they know the rules, not because they’re ineligible.

Below, you’ll find real cases and clear breakdowns of what actually gets people approved—or denied—in Virginia. No guesswork. No fluff. Just what works, what doesn’t, and how to avoid the traps most applicants never see coming.