According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), over 2.2 million families currently receive assistance through the Housing Choice Voucher Program, popularly known as Section 8.
So many families rely on Section 8 for stability, it’s a random question that comes to everyone’s mind. If something happens to the head of household, can Section 8 be transferred to another family member? The answer is, Yes—but only in specific situations.
What Is Section 8 Housing?
Section 8 is not a housing unit—it’s a voucher. You use it to rent a home in the private market, and the government (through a local Public Housing Authority, or PHA) pays a portion of your rent directly to the landlord.
Eligibility is based on:
- Income: Typically must be below 50% of your local Area Median Income (AMI)
- Citizenship or legal status: Must be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen
- Background: No recent evictions or serious criminal convictions
If approved, you receive a Housing Choice Voucher, and you’re the head of household—the person legally responsible for the voucher.
Can You Transfer a Section 8 Voucher to a Family Member?
You cannot “give” your Section 8 voucher to someone else like a gift or a will.
It’s not inherited like grandma’s necklace or passed on like a car title. But there are limited circumstances under which a family member can legally take over the voucher.
1. If the Head of Household Dies or Leaves Permanently
Under HUD rules, if the voucher holder dies, a remaining adult family member can request to take over the voucher.
But it’s not automatic. The person must:
- Already be listed on the lease
- Have lived in the home for an extended period (usually 12 months)
- Be income-eligible
- Pass a background check
Example:
Lisa lived with her mother (the voucher holder) for 6 years in Detroit. When her mother passed away, Lisa contacted the local PHA within 14 days, submitted proof she was on the lease and income-qualified. After 6 weeks, the PHA approved her as the new head of household.
This is called “voucher succession”, and it’s allowed under HUD guidelines, though each PHA may interpret it slightly differently.
Official HUD Rule on Succession
Straight from the HUD Housing Choice Voucher Program Guidebook (7420.10G):
“When the head of household dies or leaves, the PHA may permit a remaining family member to assume the voucher, provided they qualify and were part of the assisted household.”
Source: HUD HCV Guidebook
In simple terms, If your mom, dad, spouse, or another head of household passes away or leaves, and you’re living there legally, you can apply to take over.
When a Voucher Cannot Be Transferred?
Not every family situation qualifies.
Situations Where Transfer Will Be Denied:
- You weren’t living in the unit
- You’re not listed on the lease
- You moved in without notifying the PHA
- You don’t meet income guidelines
- You have criminal history or prior evictions
- The original voucher holder left but didn’t report it
You can’t add a cousin to your lease today and hand over the voucher tomorrow. It just doesn’t work that way.
Can I Add a Family Member to the Lease (Then Let Them Take Over Later)?
You can request to add a family member to your household through the PHA. If approved, they’ll be on the lease and possibly eligible for future voucher succession. But HUD frowns on doing this just to game the system.
PHAs will investigate situations where it seems like someone was added only to later take over the voucher.
So, make sure the request is legitimate, and the person actually lives there full-time.
Step-by-Step Process to Transfer Section 8 to a Family Member
Here’s exactly how to request a Section 8 transfer if the original head of household is no longer eligible.
Step 1: Notify the PHA Immediately
If the head of household dies or leaves:
- Contact your local PHA within 10–30 days
- Ask for the household recomposition form
Step 2: Gather Required Documents
You’ll need:
- Death certificate (if applicable)
- Lease showing your name listed
- Proof of income
- Photo ID
- Utility bills showing residency
- Signed background check consent
Step 3: Submit an Official Request
Complete the recomposition form and submit all supporting documents. Be truthful—lying here is grounds for denial and criminal charges.
Step 4: PHA Review (30–90 Days)
They’ll review your:
- Residency history
- Income status
- Background check
- Lease compliance
They may conduct interviews or ask for more proof.
Step 5: Decision Notification
If approved, you’ll receive a new voucher with your name as the head of household.
If denied, you’ll get
- A written reason
- Instructions to request a hearing or appeal
Common Mistakes That Lead to Denials
Let’s be real—this process can be a minefield. Here are 8 common missteps to avoid:
- Waiting too long to notify the PHA
- Assuming the voucher is transferable by default
- Adding people to the household without approval
- Not having documentation ready
- Having a criminal background
- Missing deadlines
- Arguing with PHA staff (won’t help your case)
- Letting someone live there “under the radar”
How Do Local PHAs Handle This?
Each PHA may have slightly different processes. Here’s a quick look at a few:
Los Angeles (HACLA)
- Allows household succession if person was listed for 12 months or longer
- Must apply within 14 days
New York City (NYCHA)
- Requires documentation of continuous occupancy
- Live-in aides can’t succeed unless approved as a family member
Chicago (CHA)
- Reviews case history and income
- If someone “abandoned” the unit, family can be penalized
Real-Life Case Studies
Case #1: Approved Transfer
Rosa, a 62-year-old from Miami, had been caring for her disabled brother who held the voucher. When he passed away, she applied within 10 days, was already on the lease, and income-qualified. The PHA approved her in 42 days.
Case #2: Denied Transfer
James moved in with his aunt in Atlanta 5 months before she died but wasn’t listed on the lease. His request was denied due to short residency and no prior notification.
Final Thoughts
While Section 8 vouchers aren’t automatically transferable, a family member may take over the voucher in certain cases—especially if they were already living in the household, listed on the lease, and meet all eligibility requirements. It’s crucial to act fast, communicate clearly with your local PHA, and provide complete documentation. Don’t make assumptions—follow the process step by step, and when in doubt, ask your housing authority for guidance. Staying informed is your best shot at keeping the assistance within your family.
FAQs
Can a Section 8 voucher be inherited?
Not exactly. It can be assumed by another family member only if they meet HUD’s and the local PHA’s criteria.
Can I add someone now and let them take over later?
You can request to add someone, but future succession isn’t guaranteed. They must qualify on their own later.
How long does the transfer process take?
Anywhere from 30 to 90 days, depending on the PHA’s workload.
What if the transfer is denied?
You can request an informal hearing. Ask for it in writing within 14 days of your denial notice.
Can I appeal a transfer denial?
Yes. Each PHA has an appeal process. You may be able to present new documents or challenge incorrect information.
