Who can I add to my Section 8 voucher? Good question! If you’re thinking about adding someone to your voucher, you’ll need to follow some strict rules.
Every housing authority has its own policies, so it’s important to check with them first. Here’s what you need to know.
Who Can I Add To My Section 8 Voucher in 2025?
Most Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) allow you to add immediate family members to your voucher, including:
Spouse or long-term partner: If you get married or have a serious partner, you should be able to add them.
Children: Biological, adopted, or legal dependents (like stepchildren) can usually be added.
Newborns: If you have a baby while on Section 8, you must report the birth and update your household information.
Depending on the rules of your local housing authority, you might be able to add:
Parents: The parents of the head of household, or the parent of the head of household’s spouse / registered domestic partner.
Grandparents: The grandparents of the head of household, or the grandparent of the head of household’s spouse / registered domestic partner.
Other relatives: Siblings, cousins, or extended family members may be allowed, but this will depend on the housing authorities’ rules. Often, PHAs only allow children, parents, grandparents, and partners.
Live-in aides: If someone in your household has a disability and needs assistance, you may be able to add a live-in aide. The aide’s income won’t be counted toward your household income, and they will not be added to your lease as a tenant.
Related Topic: Section 8 Vs Affordable Housing.
What Does Adding Someone To Your Housing Voucher Mean?
Adding someone to your housing voucher means officially including them as a member of your household.
This process involves notifying your housing authority, submitting necessary paperwork, and getting approval before they can legally live with you.
It ensures that your rent calculation remains accurate and that you comply with program rules. If someone moves in without being officially added, you could lose your voucher and be evicted.
What Are the Rules For Adding Someone To My Housing Voucher?
Before adding anyone to your voucher, you’ll need to:
Get approval from the housing authority: Every new household member must be officially added.
Pass a background check: The housing authority will check the new household member for criminal records (if an adult).
Stay under income limits: If adding someone pushes your household income too high, you might lose your voucher.
Follow occupancy rules: A unit’s size limits the number of people who can live there. Adding a household member could force you to move to a unit with an extra bedroom. Your voucher amount may not increase in line with the higher rent.
How to Add Someone to Your Section 8 Voucher
Talk to your housing authority: Ask them about the process and get their specific requirements. Remember, each housing authority sets its own rules. Don’t follow general advice online—follow the exact steps your housing authority requires. Your housing authority will have official documentation with clear instructions for you to follow. Don’t be afraid to ask for it.
Submit paperwork: You will usually need to provide documents like birth certificates or marriage licenses.
Wait for approval: It can take some time, but don’t let the person move in until you get the official go-ahead. Exceptions may be made for children but you must still inform the housing authority if they move in before you receive approval.
What Happens If I Add Someone To My Household Without Approval?
Trying to sneak someone into your household without permission can get you in serious trouble. Here’s what could happen:
You could lose your Section 8 Voucher: If the housing authority finds out, they might take away your benefits. When you receive a housing voucher, you agree to follow the rules. Housing authorities take rule violations very seriously.
You might owe money: If your household income increased because you let someone move in, the amount of your voucher entitlement would change. The housing authority will calculate how much you should have received and ask you to repay the rest.
You could face eviction: If your landlord finds out about an unauthorized resident, they might evict you for violating your lease.
Can My Boyfriend Live with Me If I Have Section 8?
The answer depends on the housing authority, but generally, a long-term partner can’t move in without official approval.
If you want your boyfriend to live with you, you’ll need to add him to your voucher and make sure he meets the program’s requirements.
How Can I Add My Boyfriend to My Section 8 Voucher?
Adding your boyfriend to your Section 8 voucher follows the same process as adding anyone else. Here’s what you’ll need to do:
- Check your housing authority’s rules about who can be added to your voucher
- Submit your application
- Provide the required documents
Your boyfriend will need to:
- Pass a background check
- Have no criminal convictions that would disqualify him
- Keep your household income within the program’s limits
- Get approval from the housing authority before moving in
If he moves in without going through this process, you could lose your voucher. Always get permission first!
How Your Boyfriend’s Income Could Affect Your Section 8 Voucher Benefits
If your boyfriend moves in and is added to your voucher, his income (if any) will be included in your household’s total income. That could mean:
Higher rent: If his income increases your total household income, your portion of the rent could go up.
Loss of benefits: If your combined income exceeds the Section 8 eligibility limit, you could lose your voucher altogether.
Can My Boyfriend Stay Overnight Without Breaking the Rules?
Occasional overnight stays are usually fine, but if your boyfriend is staying too often, you’re breaking Section 8 rules. Most housing authorities have rules about guests, such as:
- Guests can’t stay more than 14 consecutive nights or a certain number of days per year.
- Guests must have a separate primary residence and not use your address for official documents.
If the housing authority suspects your boyfriend is living with you, it will investigate and ask for proof that he has an address elsewhere.
If he frequently stays overnight and your relationship is going to be long-term, apply to add him to your voucher to avoid potential issues.
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Charles Greg is the Co-Founder, Author, & Head Developer behind RentingtoFelons.org
With a lifelong passion for humanity.