Housing Assistance Programs in California: Section 8, LIHEAP, and More

Housing costs in California are among the highest in the nation, making it difficult for many low-income individuals and families to afford safe, stable housing. Fortunately, several programs provide assistance with rent, utilities, and other housing-related expenses. This guide explains the major housing assistance programs available to California residents, eligibility requirements, and how to apply.

Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program

The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program is the federal government's major program for assisting very low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities to afford decent, safe housing in the private market.

How Section 8 Works

Eligible households receive vouchers that subsidize a portion of their rent
Participants pay approximately 30% of their adjusted monthly income toward rent
The voucher pays the remainder directly to the landlord
Participants can choose any housing that meets program requirements
The program is administered locally by Public Housing Authorities (PHAs)

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for Section 8 in California, you must:

Meet income limits: Generally, your income must not exceed 50% of the median income for your county or metropolitan area
Be a U.S. citizen or eligible immigrant: At least one household member must have eligible immigration status
Pass background checks: PHAs screen family behavior and suitability for tenancy
Be in good standing: No history of fraud with federal housing programs or drug-related criminal activity

Income limits vary by location and family size. For example, in Los Angeles County in 2024, the very low-income (50% AMI) limits are:

Family Size	Annual Income Limit
1 Person	$45,050
2 People	$51,450
3 People	$57,900
4 People	$64,300
5 People	$69,450
6 People	$74,600
7 People	$79,750
8 People	$84,900

Note: Income limits are updated annually and vary by location. Check with your local PHA for current limits.

How to Apply for Section 8

Find your local PHA: Use the HUD PHA locator to find contact information for your local agency
Check waiting list status: Many PHAs have waiting lists that open only periodically
Submit an application: When the waiting list is open, submit a complete application with all required documentation
Wait for eligibility determination: The PHA will verify your information and determine eligibility
Receive a voucher: If approved and your name reaches the top of the waiting list, you'll receive a voucher
Find eligible housing: Search for housing that accepts Section 8 vouchers and meets program requirements
PHA inspection: The PHA must inspect and approve the unit before assistance begins
Sign lease and housing contract: Both you and the landlord will sign agreements with the PHA

Section 8 Waiting Lists

Most Section 8 programs in California have long waiting lists. Important information about waiting lists:

Waiting times can range from 2-10+ years depending on location
Many waiting lists open only occasionally, sometimes for just a few days
Some PHAs use preferences (for homeless, elderly, disabled, etc.) to prioritize applicants
You must keep your contact information updated with the PHA while on the waiting list
Subscribe to your local PHA's notifications to learn when waiting lists open

Project-Based Section 8

In addition to Housing Choice Vouchers (tenant-based), Section 8 also includes project-based assistance:

Subsidy is attached to specific housing units/buildings
Tenants who move lose the subsidy (unlike vouchers, which move with the tenant)
Applications are made directly to the property management
Many project-based properties have their own waiting lists

Public Housing

Public Housing provides affordable rental homes for eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. These units are owned and managed by local Public Housing Authorities.

Eligibility for Public Housing

To qualify for public housing in California, you must:

Meet income limits: Typically, your income must be below 80% of the median income for your area
Be a U.S. citizen or eligible immigrant: At least one household member must have eligible immigration status
Pass screening criteria: PHAs check rental history, criminal background, and credit
Meet PHA requirements: Some PHAs have additional eligibility requirements

How to Apply for Public Housing

Contact your local PHA to request an application
Complete the application with all required documentation
Submit the application to the PHA
Attend an interview with PHA staff
Wait for eligibility determination and placement on the waiting list
Accept an available unit when your name reaches the top of the list

Like Section 8, most public housing programs have waiting lists. Some PHAs may give preference to applicants who are homeless, living in substandard housing, or paying more than 50% of their income for rent.

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

LIHEAP helps low-income households pay for home energy costs, including utility bills, energy crises, weatherization, and energy-related minor home repairs.

LIHEAP Services

In California, LIHEAP offers several types of assistance:

Utility Bill Payment Assistance: One-time financial assistance to help pay electric or gas bills
Emergency Energy Crisis Intervention: Help if you've received a 24-48 hour shut-off notice or have already had utilities disconnected
Weatherization Services: Home improvements that reduce energy costs (insulation, weather-stripping, minor home repairs, etc.)
Energy Budget Counseling: Education on how to reduce energy costs

LIHEAP Eligibility

To qualify for LIHEAP in California, you must:

Have household income at or below 60% of the state median income
Be responsible for paying home energy costs (directly or included in rent)
Be a resident of California
Provide required documentation

Priority is given to households with elderly members (60+), disabled members, children under 5, and those with the highest energy costs relative to income.

Income Guidelines for LIHEAP (2024)

Household Size	Monthly Income Limit	Annual Income Limit
1	$2,655.84	$31,870
2	$3,472.50	$41,670
3	$4,289.17	$51,470
4	$5,105.84	$61,270
5	$5,922.50	$71,070
6	$6,739.17	$80,870

Note: Income limits are updated annually. Check with your local LIHEAP provider for current limits.

How to Apply for LIHEAP

Find your local LIHEAP provider through the California Department of Community Services and Development
Contact the provider to request an application
Complete the application and gather required documentation:
- Proof of income for all household members
- Recent utility bills
- Proof of residence
- Identification for all household members
- Social Security numbers for all household members
Submit your application to the local LIHEAP provider
Wait for eligibility determination (typically 6-8 weeks)
If approved, payment is typically made directly to your utility company

LIHEAP is not an entitlement program - funding is limited and distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Apply early in the program year (which typically starts in June) for the best chance of receiving assistance.

California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) & Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA)

In addition to LIHEAP, California offers utility discount programs through energy providers:

CARE Program

Provides a 30-35% discount on electric bills and 20% on natural gas bills
Available to households with income at or below 200% of Federal Poverty Guidelines
Apply directly through your utility company
Must recertify eligibility every two years (four years if on fixed income)
Automatic qualification if enrolled in public assistance programs like CalFresh, Medi-Cal, or CalWORKs

FERA Program

Provides an 18% discount on electric bills for households of 3 or more people
Available to households with income between 200% and 250% of Federal Poverty Guidelines
Apply directly through your utility company
Must recertify eligibility every two years

To apply for CARE or FERA, visit your utility company's website or call their customer service number. Most major California utilities including PG&E, Southern California Edison, San Diego Gas & Electric, and SoCalGas offer these programs.

Other Housing Assistance Programs

Emergency Housing Assistance

For individuals and families facing homelessness or housing crises:

Emergency Shelter: Temporary shelter for those experiencing homelessness
Rapid Re-Housing: Short-term rental assistance and services to quickly rehouse people
Homelessness Prevention: Financial assistance and services to prevent homelessness
Transitional Housing: Temporary housing with supportive services

To access emergency housing assistance:

Call 211 for referrals to local resources
Contact your county human services department
Reach out to local homeless service providers
Visit your local Housing Resource Center or Coordinated Entry System access point

Veterans Housing Assistance

Special programs assist veterans experiencing homelessness or housing instability:

HUD-VASH: Combines HUD housing vouchers with VA supportive services
Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF): Provides case management and temporary financial assistance
VA Home Loans: Helps veterans purchase homes with favorable terms

Veterans should contact their local VA Medical Center or call the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 1-877-4AID-VET (1-877-424-3838).

Affordable Housing Developments

California has numerous affordable housing developments that offer below-market rents:

Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) Properties: Privately owned apartments with income restrictions
Inclusionary Housing: Affordable units within market-rate developments
Nonprofit Housing: Affordable housing operated by nonprofit organizations
Senior Housing: Age-restricted affordable housing for seniors

To find affordable housing developments:

Search the Affordable Housing Online database
Check with your city or county housing department
Contact local nonprofit housing developers
Visit California Department of Housing and Community Development

Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS (HOPWA)

HOPWA provides housing assistance and supportive services for low-income persons living with HIV/AIDS and their families:

Rental assistance
Short-term rent, mortgage, and utility assistance
Housing information services
Supportive services
Facility-based housing

Contact your local HIV/AIDS service organization or county health department for information on HOPWA resources in your area.

Mortgage Assistance Programs

For homeowners facing financial difficulties:

Keep Your Home California: Assistance for homeowners facing hardship
Housing Is Key: COVID-19 related mortgage relief
HUD-approved housing counseling: Free advice on avoiding foreclosure

For mortgage assistance information, visit HUD's Avoiding Foreclosure page or call 888-995-HOPE (4673).

Local Housing Assistance Programs

Many California cities and counties offer their own housing assistance programs:

Examples of Local Programs

First-Time Homebuyer Assistance: Down payment and closing cost assistance
Rental Assistance Programs: Local rent subsidy programs
Home Repair Programs: Grants or low-interest loans for repairs
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Programs: Assistance building affordable units on existing properties
Tenant Protection Programs: Rent control, just cause eviction protections, tenant legal services

Contact your city or county housing department to learn about local programs.

Major City Housing Resources

How to Find and Apply for Housing Assistance

Step 1: Determine What Programs You Might Qualify For

Review income limits for various programs
Consider your specific situation (family size, age, disability status, etc.)
Identify immediate needs versus long-term housing solutions

Step 2: Locate Local Resources

Call 211 for referrals to housing assistance programs
Contact your local Public Housing Authority
Visit your county social services or human services department
Research community-based organizations that provide housing services
Check affordable housing search websites

Step 3: Prepare Documentation

Most housing programs require similar documentation:

Identification for all household members (photo ID, birth certificates)
Proof of income (pay stubs, benefit award letters, tax returns)
Bank statements
Rental history
Social Security numbers or proof of eligible immigration status
Current utility bills (for utility assistance)
Eviction notice or other proof of housing crisis (for emergency assistance)

Step 4: Submit Applications

Apply to multiple programs to increase your chances
Complete applications thoroughly and accurately
Submit all required documentation
Keep copies of everything you submit
Note application deadlines and follow up if necessary

Step 5: Follow Up and Stay Informed

Check application status regularly
Keep your contact information updated with all agencies
Respond promptly to any requests for additional information
Continue to search for housing while on waiting lists
Stay informed about waiting list openings for other programs

Tips for Success

Managing Long Waiting Lists

Apply to multiple housing programs to increase your chances
Consider areas with shorter waiting lists (often in suburban or rural areas)
Check if you qualify for any preferences that might move you up the list
Keep your contact information updated with all waiting lists
Respond immediately to any communication from housing agencies

Immediate Housing Needs

If you need housing assistance immediately:

Call 211 for emergency shelter and services
Contact your county human services department about emergency assistance
Ask about homelessness prevention funds if you're at risk of eviction
Inquire about rapid re-housing programs if you're currently homeless
Check if local organizations offer rental deposit assistance

Maintaining Housing Assistance

Once you receive housing assistance:

Report changes in income or household composition promptly
Complete all required recertifications on time
Comply with all program rules and lease requirements
Attend any required meetings or workshops
Maintain good communication with your case manager

Transitioning to Self-Sufficiency

Many housing programs offer resources to help increase self-sufficiency:

Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) programs
Employment and training resources
Financial literacy and credit building programs
First-time homebuyer education
Individual Development Accounts (matched savings)

Ask your housing provider about these opportunities.

Additional Resources

Housing Rights and Legal Assistance

HUD Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity - For discrimination complaints
California Department of Fair Employment and Housing - State fair housing enforcement
LawHelpCA - Free legal information and referrals
Tenants Together - California's statewide organization for renters' rights

Housing Search Websites

Government Housing Agencies

Housing Counseling

HUD-approved housing counseling agencies provide free or low-cost advice on:

Renting
Buying a home
Default and foreclosure prevention
Credit issues
Reverse mortgages

Find a HUD-approved housing counselor at HUD's counselor database or call 800-569-4287.

Housing assistance programs can provide crucial support during difficult times. While many programs have long waiting lists, don't be discouraged from applying. Taking the first step today can lead to housing stability in the future. If your housing situation is urgent, be sure to mention this when seeking assistance, as emergency resources may be available.