How to Qualify for a Mainstream Voucher

Aerial photo of a parking lot for an apartment complex with a handicapped parking space in the center.

Eligibility for the Mainstream Voucher program is almost identical to the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program. The main difference is that Mainstream Vouchers are for non-elderly disabled persons.

To qualify for a Mainstream Voucher, the household must meet the following conditions:

  1. Meet the basic requirements for a Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher.


    There are some basic requirements for admission that are set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

    Read How To Qualify For A Section 8 Voucher for more information.

  2. Have at least one household member who is non-elderly (age 18 to 61) with a documented disability.


    Persons who are 62 years old and above are considered elderly, and are not eligible for Mainstream Vouchers.

    If any household member meets these requirements, they may be eligible for a Mainstream Voucher.

    This is different from the Non-Elderly Disabled (NED) Voucher Program, which requires that the head of household, spouse, or co-head meets these conditions. For more information read the Non-Elderly Disabled (NED) Voucher Guide.

What’s Next?

Now that the basic requirements have been checked, an application must be submitted to a housing authority with an open waiting list.

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