Housing Choice Voucher
The Housing Choice Voucher program helps income-eligible families, seniors, and individuals rent safe housing in the private market — you choose the home, EBRPHA helps pay for it.
What is the Housing Choice Voucher?
The Housing Choice Voucher program — sometimes called Section 8 — is a federally funded rental assistance program administered by EBRPHA. It helps low-income families, seniors, and people with disabilities afford decent, safe housing in the private market across East Baton Rouge Parish.
Once approved, you receive a voucher and search for a home with any landlord who accepts the program. EBRPHA pays a portion of your rent directly to the landlord each month; you pay the difference, which is generally around 30% of your household income.
- You pick the home. Use your voucher with any participating landlord.
- You pay what you can afford. Your share is based on your household income.
- It can move with you. Through portability, your voucher can travel if your life changes.
- Support along the way. Housing counselors guide you from application through move-in.
Income-eligible households at or below 50% of area median income, living in or moving to EBR Parish.
EBRPHA pays the subsidy directly to your landlord — your portion stays tied to what you earn.
How it works
From application to move-in, here's what to expect.
Apply when the waitlist opens
Applications are only accepted when a waitlist is open. Watch for announcements and apply as soon as possible — waitlists close quickly.
Wait for selection
After applying, your name is placed on the waitlist. When selected, EBRPHA will contact you to begin the eligibility review process.
Complete eligibility review
Attend a briefing, provide income and household documents, and pass a criminal background check. If approved, you'll receive your voucher.
Find a home & move in
Search for a rental that meets HUD housing quality standards. Once your landlord and unit are approved, sign your lease and move in.
Check your waitlist status
The Housing Choice Voucher waitlist is currently closed. Follow us on social media to be notified the moment it reopens.
Check my status
Already applied? Enter your application details to see your current position and any updates.
Get notified when it opens
Follow EBRPHA on social media to be the first to know when the waitlist reopens or application windows change.
Apply for the Housing Choice Voucher
Applications are accepted when the waitlist is open. Start your application when the time comes — or reach out to a housing counselor now for guidance.
Common questions
Answers about eligibility, the process, and program rules.
Browse all resourcesEligibility is based on household income, family size, and citizenship or eligible immigration status. Most households earning at or below 50% of the area median income may qualify. Final eligibility is confirmed during the application review.
When a waitlist is open, you submit an application with your household and income details. If selected from the waitlist, you'll be invited to a briefing, complete eligibility paperwork, and then begin your housing search with your voucher.
Yes. Portability lets you use your voucher in another jurisdiction under certain conditions. Talk with your caseworker before you move so we can coordinate the transfer and avoid any gap in assistance.
Once a year, we review your income and household to make sure your rent portion stays accurate. We'll contact you with the forms and timeline. Report major income or household changes when they happen, not just at recertification.
You must pay your portion of rent on time, keep your unit in good condition, report changes in income or household size promptly, comply with your lease, and attend annual recertifications.