How to Apply for Section 8 in Long Beach

For residents of Long Beach struggling with housing costs, Section 8 housing assistance offers a critical pathway to safe, stable, and affordable living. Officially known as the Housing Choice Voucher Program, Section 8 is a federal initiative administered locally by the Long Beach Housing Authority (LBHA). It enables low-income families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities to rent privately owned housing while receiving government subsidies to cover a portion of their rent. With Long Beach’s rising cost of living and limited affordable housing inventory, understanding how to apply for Section 8 is more important than ever.

This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step roadmap for navigating the Section 8 application process in Long Beach. Whether you’re applying for the first time or seeking to reapply after a previous denial, this tutorial equips you with the knowledge, tools, and strategies to increase your chances of success. We cover eligibility requirements, application procedures, waiting list management, documentation preparation, and real-world insights from those who have successfully obtained vouchers. By following this guide, you’ll be better prepared to overcome common obstacles and make informed decisions throughout your journey to secure housing assistance.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Determine Your Eligibility

Before beginning the application process, confirm that you meet the basic eligibility criteria established by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and enforced by the Long Beach Housing Authority. Eligibility is primarily based on three factors: income, citizenship status, and household composition.

Your household’s gross annual income must be at or below 50% of the Area Median Income (AMI) for Long Beach. For 2024, the income limits are approximately:

• 1 person: $47,850
• 2 people: $54,650
• 3 people: $61,450
• 4 people: $68,250
• 5 people: $73,750
• 6 people: $79,250

These figures are adjusted annually and may vary slightly. You can verify the most current limits on the LBHA website or by visiting their office. Income includes wages, Social Security, unemployment benefits, child support, and other regular payments. Some income sources, such as certain disability payments or student financial aid, may be partially or fully excluded—consult LBHA guidelines for specifics.

You must also be a U.S. citizen or have eligible immigration status. Non-citizens with qualified status—such as lawful permanent residents, refugees, or asylees—may qualify. Undocumented individuals are not eligible. All household members must provide documentation of identity and immigration status.

Finally, your household must be composed of individuals who live together and share financial responsibilities. This includes single individuals, families with children, elderly persons, and people with disabilities. The LBHA will verify the composition of your household during the application and screening process.

2. Check the Waiting List Status

The most critical step in applying for Section 8 in Long Beach is determining whether the waiting list is open. Unlike some cities that maintain open applications year-round, the Long Beach Housing Authority typically closes its waiting list when it reaches capacity due to high demand and limited funding. The list may remain closed for months or even years.

Check the official LBHA website regularly for updates. The authority posts announcements about waiting list openings on its homepage, social media channels, and through local community partners. You can also sign up for email alerts if available. Do not rely on third-party websites or unofficial sources—they may provide outdated or inaccurate information.

When the waiting list opens, it is usually announced with a short application window—often 7 to 14 days. Applications are accepted exclusively online during this period. Paper applications are not accepted unless you have a documented disability that prevents online access. In such cases, contact LBHA directly to request accommodations.

Be prepared to act quickly. When the list opens, hundreds—sometimes thousands—of applicants submit applications within hours. Have all required documents ready before the opening date to avoid delays or errors.

3. Gather Required Documentation

Once you confirm the waiting list is open, assemble all necessary documents in advance. Incomplete applications are automatically disqualified. Required documentation includes:

• Valid government-issued photo ID for the head of household (driver’s license, state ID, passport)
• Proof of income for all adult household members (pay stubs, tax returns, benefit award letters, unemployment statements)
• Proof of Social Security numbers for all household members (Social Security cards or SSA-1099 forms)
• Proof of citizenship or eligible immigration status (birth certificate, naturalization certificate, I-551, I-94, etc.)
• Proof of address (utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days)
• Birth certificates or school records for all children in the household
• Documentation of any disabilities or special needs (if applicable)
• Child support or alimony documentation (if receiving or paying)

Keep copies of everything. The LBHA may request additional documentation during the verification phase, and having organized records will expedite the process. If you lack certain documents—such as tax returns due to being unemployed—contact LBHA for acceptable alternatives.

4. Complete the Online Application

When the waiting list opens, navigate to the Long Beach Housing Authority’s official website and locate the Section 8 application portal. The application is web-based and must be completed in one session, so ensure you have a stable internet connection and sufficient time.

The application asks for detailed personal information, including:

• Full legal names and dates of birth for all household members
• Current address and contact information
• Relationships between household members
• Employment history and current income sources
• Previous housing history, including evictions or participation in other housing programs
• Special circumstances (e.g., homelessness, domestic violence, disability)

Be honest and thorough. Misrepresenting information can result in disqualification or legal consequences. If you’re unsure how to answer a question, refer to the application instructions or seek help from a community-based housing counselor.

After submission, you will receive a confirmation number and email. Save this information—it will be your only reference for checking your status on the waiting list. Do not submit multiple applications. Doing so will disqualify you.

5. Monitor Your Waiting List Status

After submitting your application, you will be placed on a waiting list ranked by priority and date of submission. Priority is often given to households that are homeless, fleeing domestic violence, or paying more than 50% of their income toward rent. The rest are placed in chronological order.

The average wait time for a Section 8 voucher in Long Beach ranges from 2 to 5 years, depending on funding, household size, and priority status. You can check your position on the list by logging into the LBHA applicant portal using your confirmation number and personal details.

It is essential to keep your contact information updated. If LBHA cannot reach you due to an outdated phone number or address, your application may be removed from the list. Notify the authority immediately if you move, change your phone number, or experience a change in household composition.

Some applicants receive notifications via mail, but relying solely on postal delivery is risky. Regularly check the portal and sign up for text or email alerts if offered.

6. Respond to Notifications and Complete Screening

When your name reaches the top of the list, LBHA will contact you to begin the eligibility screening process. This step is mandatory and includes:

• A formal interview (in-person or virtual)
• Verification of income, assets, and household composition
• Background checks for all adult household members (criminal history and eviction records)
• Reference checks from previous landlords

Attend all scheduled appointments. Failure to respond or appear for verification will result in removal from the program. Bring all original documents and copies. If you need an interpreter, request one in advance.

During the screening, LBHA will determine your final income eligibility and calculate your expected tenant contribution. This is typically 30% of your adjusted monthly income. The voucher covers the difference between that amount and the approved rent limit for your unit size.

7. Receive Your Voucher and Find Housing

If approved, you will receive a Section 8 voucher and a packet of instructions. The voucher includes the dollar amount of your subsidy and the expiration date—usually 60 to 120 days to find a qualifying unit.

You may rent any privately owned housing unit that meets HUD’s Housing Quality Standards (HQS). This includes apartments, townhomes, single-family homes, and duplexes. The landlord must agree to participate in the Section 8 program and sign a contract with LBHA.

Search for housing using LBHA’s approved landlord list, online rental platforms, or by contacting property managers directly. Be upfront about your voucher status. Some landlords may be hesitant, but many welcome Section 8 tenants because the rent is guaranteed by the government.

Once you find a unit, schedule a housing inspection with LBHA. The inspector will check for safety, sanitation, structural integrity, and compliance with HQS. If the unit fails, you’ll have a limited time to find another. If it passes, you’ll sign a lease and the voucher will begin paying the landlord directly.

8. Maintain Compliance and Renewal

After securing housing, you must comply with program rules to keep your voucher. This includes:

• Reporting all changes in income or household composition within 10 days
• Allowing annual re-examinations of your income and family status
• Not engaging in criminal activity or violating lease terms
• Paying your portion of rent on time

Failure to comply can result in termination of assistance. LBHA conducts annual recertifications to adjust your subsidy based on updated income. Keep records of all communications and payments.

Section 8 vouchers are renewable indefinitely as long as you remain eligible and comply with program rules. There is no time limit on how long you can receive assistance.

Best Practices

Apply During Open Windows—Don’t Wait

Waiting for the “perfect time” to apply is a common mistake. The Long Beach Housing Authority opens its waiting list infrequently and without warning. When it does, applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis. Set up calendar reminders, follow LBHA on social media, and subscribe to notifications. Be ready to submit your application the moment the portal opens.

Organize Your Documents Early

Many applicants are disqualified not because they’re ineligible, but because they lack proper documentation. Start gathering your records months in advance. Create a digital folder with scanned copies of IDs, pay stubs, birth certificates, and immigration papers. Keep physical copies in a safe place. If you’re missing a document, contact the issuing agency immediately—obtaining a replacement can take weeks.

Use Community Resources for Support

Nonprofit organizations, libraries, and community centers in Long Beach often offer free assistance with Section 8 applications. Groups like the Long Beach Community Action Partnership and United Way of Greater Los Angeles provide one-on-one help with form completion, document organization, and navigating the portal. Don’t hesitate to ask for support—it’s free and designed for people in your situation.

Be Honest and Transparent

Never omit information or lie on your application. LBHA cross-references your data with state and federal databases. A discrepancy—even a minor one—can lead to denial or removal from the program. If you’ve had past evictions, criminal history, or debt to a housing authority, disclose it. LBHA considers mitigating circumstances and may still approve you if you demonstrate rehabilitation and stability.

Stay in Contact

Even if you’re years away from the top of the list, maintain communication with LBHA. Update your contact information every time it changes. Check your portal monthly. Respond promptly to any requests for information. Applicants who disappear from the system are often removed without notice.

Prepare for the Landlord Challenge

One of the biggest hurdles after receiving a voucher is finding a landlord who accepts Section 8. Some landlords fear bureaucracy, late inspections, or lower rent payments. To overcome this, present yourself as a reliable tenant. Provide references, proof of steady income, and a willingness to sign a long-term lease. Offer to pay a higher security deposit if allowed. Highlight that the government guarantees rent payments.

Understand Your Rights

As a Section 8 participant, you have legal rights under federal and state law. Landlords cannot refuse you solely because you use a voucher—this is considered source-of-income discrimination and is illegal in California. If you’re denied housing unfairly, contact the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing or a legal aid organization for assistance.

Tools and Resources

Official Long Beach Housing Authority Website

The primary resource for all Section 8 applicants is the official LBHA website: www.lbha.org. Here, you’ll find the most accurate information on waiting list openings, application portals, income limits, forms, and contact details. Bookmark this site and check it weekly.

Housing Choice Voucher Program (HUD) Portal

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development maintains a national resource center at www.hud.gov/section8. This site offers downloadable guides, FAQs, and policy updates that apply nationwide. Use it to understand your rights and responsibilities as a voucher holder.

California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD)

For state-level housing resources and funding opportunities, visit www.hcd.ca.gov. HCD provides additional assistance programs for low-income renters, including emergency rental aid and homeownership initiatives.

Online Rental Platforms

Use platforms like Zillow, Apartments.com, and Rent.com to search for Section 8-friendly units. Filter by “Section 8 accepted” or call property managers directly and ask. Some landlords list participation status in their ads. You can also search for “Section 8 housing Long Beach” on Google to find listings posted by local agencies or nonprofits.

Local Nonprofit and Legal Aid Organizations

Several organizations in Long Beach offer free support:

• Long Beach Community Action Partnership – Offers housing counseling and application assistance.
• Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles – Provides legal advice for housing discrimination and eviction prevention.
• United Way of Greater Los Angeles – Connects residents with housing resources and emergency aid.
• Long Beach Public Library – Offers free computer access, Wi-Fi, and staff assistance with online applications.

Document Scanning and Storage Tools

Use free digital tools to organize your documents:

• Google Drive – Store scanned documents with secure sharing options.
• Adobe Scan – Free app to turn phone photos into clear PDFs.
• Dropbox – Backup and sync files across devices.

Always password-protect sensitive files and avoid storing originals on public computers.

Income and Rent Calculators

Use HUD’s income calculator to estimate your eligibility: https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/housing/mfh/ami. You can also use LBHA’s own rent calculator to estimate your portion of rent based on income and family size.

Real Examples

Example 1: Maria, Single Mother of Two

Maria, a 32-year-old single mother working part-time at a grocery store, applied for Section 8 after her rent increased by 40% and she could no longer afford her apartment. She had been on the waiting list for three years when LBHA reopened applications in early 2023. She had prepared her documents in advance: pay stubs, her children’s birth certificates, and proof of her Social Security number. She submitted her application within 30 minutes of the portal opening. Four months later, she was called for an interview. After passing the background check and income verification, she received her voucher in August 2023. Within two weeks, she found a two-bedroom apartment that passed inspection. Her rent is now $1,400, and she pays $420 per month—30% of her income. The voucher covers the rest. “I cried when I got the call,” Maria says. “I finally feel like I can breathe.”

Example 2: James, Veteran with Disability

James, a 58-year-old veteran with a service-connected disability, applied for Section 8 after being discharged from a VA housing program. He was placed on the waiting list in 2021. Because he qualified for priority status due to his disability and homelessness history, he moved up the list faster than others. When his turn came, LBHA expedited his screening and connected him with a housing counselor. He found a one-bedroom unit in a veterans’ housing complex that accepted vouchers. His monthly rent is $950; he pays $285. He also receives additional benefits through the VA that help cover utilities. “The voucher didn’t just give me a roof,” James says. “It gave me dignity.”

Example 3: The Rodriguez Family, Denied and Reapplied

The Rodriguez family applied in 2022 but were denied because they didn’t provide proof of income for the father, who was unemployed. They assumed they were permanently disqualified. After contacting a nonprofit housing advocate, they learned they could reapply when the list reopened. They gathered documentation showing the father was actively seeking work, had completed job training, and received temporary food assistance. When the list reopened in 2024, they reapplied and were approved. Their experience underscores the importance of persistence and seeking help when denied.

FAQs

How long does it take to get a Section 8 voucher in Long Beach?

Wait times vary significantly but typically range from 2 to 5 years. Priority applicants—such as those who are homeless, fleeing domestic violence, or paying more than half their income for rent—may be moved to the top of the list.

Can I apply for Section 8 if I have a criminal record?

Having a criminal record does not automatically disqualify you. LBHA reviews each case individually. Convictions for drug-related offenses, violent crimes, or sex offenses may result in denial, but other offenses may be considered with evidence of rehabilitation. Be honest during the application process.

What if I’m homeless? Can I still apply?

Yes. Homeless individuals are given priority status. You can apply using a shelter address or the address of a trusted contact. LBHA can also assist with connecting you to emergency housing while you wait.

Can I use my voucher outside of Long Beach?

Yes. Section 8 vouchers are portable. Once you receive your voucher, you may move to another city or county that participates in the program. You must notify LBHA in advance and complete a portability request form.

Do I have to pay a security deposit?

Yes. While Section 8 covers rent, you are still responsible for paying a security deposit to your landlord, just like any other tenant. The amount is typically one month’s rent. Some nonprofits offer security deposit assistance programs—ask LBHA for referrals.

Can I apply if I’m a student?

Generally, full-time students are not eligible unless they are over 23, have dependents, or receive disability benefits. Part-time students may qualify if they meet income requirements. Contact LBHA for clarification based on your situation.

What happens if my income increases?

If your income rises, your tenant contribution will increase proportionally, but you will not lose your voucher immediately. LBHA conducts annual reviews. As long as your income remains below 80% of the AMI, you can continue receiving assistance.

Can I own a car and still qualify?

Yes. Ownership of a vehicle does not affect eligibility. Only income and assets are considered. A car is not counted as a disqualifying asset.

How often is the waiting list open?

There is no fixed schedule. The waiting list may open once every few years or remain closed for extended periods. Monitor the LBHA website closely for announcements.

Is there a way to speed up the process?

Priority status can shorten your wait. Qualifying circumstances include homelessness, domestic violence, disability, or being displaced by natural disaster. Document these situations thoroughly when applying.

Conclusion

Applying for Section 8 in Long Beach is not a simple or quick process, but it is a vital lifeline for thousands of residents facing housing insecurity. With careful preparation, persistence, and the use of available resources, you can successfully navigate the application system—even through long waiting periods and bureaucratic hurdles. The key is to stay informed, organized, and proactive. Don’t wait for the perfect moment; prepare now so you’re ready when the list opens. Use the tools, follow the best practices, and don’t hesitate to seek help from community organizations. Your stability, safety, and future depend on it.

Remember: Section 8 is not charity—it’s a right guaranteed under federal law for those who meet the criteria. You deserve safe, affordable housing. By following this guide, you’re taking a powerful step toward claiming it.