Section 8 is a government program that anyone can apply for, but only some people are approved for it. You have to be within certain income limits. This means that you cannot make over a certain amount of money. You don't have to live in a specific neighborhood, but you have to rent from a landlord that accepts the vouchers. The process can be lengthy, and most states have a waiting list. If you are interested in the program, you need to apply as soon as possible to your local housing authority. The application for the program is long. You have to provide information about yourself and your family. You need to include the information for everyone who will be living in the home. This includes children, your spouse or your significant other. If the agency finds out that there is someone living in the home that was not on the application, then you could lose the assistance. You are required to submit to a background check. Some states make you take a drug test for the assistance, but this is not the normal situation for every case. If you have any type of criminal history or if you are in any kind of trouble with law enforcement, then your chances of being approved for the program are slim. After your application has been approved, you can start looking for a home. Some states require you to take a class on self-improvement before you move into the home. If there is a deposit to move into the property, then this is your responsibility. The voucher will cover a certain amount of money, and if you can find something that is less than the voucher, then you don't have to pay any rent. However, if the rent is more than the voucher, then this amount is our responsibility. If you are late paying your rent, then you can be evicted.