Housing voucher rules, explained before your deadline.
Plain-English guides for Section 8 and city voucher holders. Each guide tells you what to do next and links the official rule behind it.
What’s happening right now?
Latest guides
New and recently reviewed guides for voucher holders.
New guides are on the way.
Browse by topic
Pick the part of the voucher process you’re dealing with.
Voucher extensions
Search time, extensions, and what to do if your voucher expired.
Porting and moving
How to move your voucher to another city or state, and how long it takes.
NYC vouchers
CityFHEPS, FHEPS, HASA, VASH and EHV, explained for New York renters.
Denials and appeals
Informal hearings, fair hearings, and how to write your request.
Deadlines that decide your case
Federal timeframes worth knowing. Your agency’s letter may set others, so always check it.
Your voucher clock stops while the agency reviews your landlord paperwork.
How the pause worksAsk Social Security for a waiver or appeal of an overpayment within 30 days and collection waits.
SSA.govCommon questions
Is this a government website?
No. Voucher Help Guide is an independent site. We explain the rules and link to the official sources, but we can’t process applications or make decisions about your case.
Can my housing authority give me more time to find a home?
Often, yes. Federal rules let housing authorities extend your voucher, and they must extend it when a disability makes your search harder. See our extension guide and sample letter.
How do you check your guides?
Each rule is checked against HUD.gov and the Code of Federal Regulations, and every guide shows its sources and review date. Read our editorial policy.
Where can I get free help with my case?
Call 211 for local services, or search for a legal aid office in your area at LawHelp.org.