Can you still get an emergency housing voucher in 2024?

Last updated 2026-07-11

What is an Emergency Housing Voucher and where did it come from?

An Emergency Housing Voucher is a tenant-based rental subsidy, nearly identical to a standard Housing Choice Voucher, except it targets people who are homeless, fleeing domestic violence, or aging out of foster care. Congress created it in Section 3202 of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (Public Law 117-2), which authorized exactly 70,000 EHVs and set aside $5 billion to pay for them. ^[8]

HUD wrote the rules in PIH Notice 2021-15. That notice laid out the eligibility categories, the referral process, and the landlord incentives. The flow goes like this: a participating Public Housing Authority (PHA) gets an allocation of EHVs, a partnering Continuum of Care or domestic violence service provider refers eligible households, and the PHA issues the voucher and runs it from there.

The word "emergency" does not mean you get keys in a week. It means the program was built for people in acute housing crisis, and it was funded on an emergency basis outside the normal yearly appropriations cycle. Once you hold the voucher, it works like any Section 8 voucher. You find a private landlord, pass an HQS inspection, and pay roughly 30 percent of your income toward rent while the PHA covers the rest. ^[2]

Are Emergency Housing Vouchers still available in 2024?

Yes, technically. The full picture is messier than that.

HUD allocated all 70,000 EHVs to roughly 626 PHAs by September 2022. ^[1] That handout is finished. No new federal EHV appropriation has passed as of July 2024, so there is no second batch of 70,000 coming from Congress.

Turnover is what keeps the program moving. When an EHV holder loses eligibility, leaves the PHA's jurisdiction, or dies, the voucher does not vanish. Under the American Rescue Plan, EHVs stay available until they are used, and PHAs can hand them to new eligible households. HUD's early 2024 EHV data showed roughly 59,000 of the 70,000 allocated vouchers leased up nationally. That leaves roughly 11,000 still circulating, either being searched with an active voucher or waiting for re-issuance at local PHAs. ^[3]

So whether you can get one right now comes down to your local PHA and whether it has any vouchers left to issue or any on the re-issuance queue. That number moves every month. The honest answer: call your housing authority and ask about EHV availability directly.

The National Low Income Housing Coalition has tracked EHV leasing by state. As of early 2024, some PHAs in big metros had leased every EHV and built waitlists for re-issuance, while smaller rural PHAs still sat on unissued vouchers, partly because finding landlords willing to take them has been harder there. ^[3]

Who qualifies for an Emergency Housing Voucher?

EHV eligibility is tighter than standard Section 8. You have to fall into one of four categories set by the American Rescue Plan Act and spelled out in PIH Notice 2021-15. ^[1]

Eligibility Category	Description
Homeless	Currently living in a shelter, on the street, or in a place not meant for habitation
At risk of homelessness	Income below 30% of Area Median Income and facing eviction or other serious housing instability
Fleeing domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking	Or has fled and is unstably housed
Recently homeless or at risk	As defined by HUD and determined to benefit from stable housing

You also have to meet standard HCV income limits (usually at or below 50 percent of Area Median Income) and pass the PHA's background screening. ^[2]

The referral part carries real weight. PHAs almost never take direct walk-in applications for EHVs. A Continuum of Care (CoC) partner, domestic violence service provider, or other partnering agency refers you to the PHA. If you think you qualify, your first move is contacting a local homeless services agency or domestic violence shelter. They are the gateway. Walk into the PHA housing office without a referral and you'll usually get sent back to go get one.

Immigration rules match regular Section 8: at least one household member must be a U.S. citizen or eligible immigrant. Mixed-status families can still get prorated assistance.

How do you actually apply for an EHV in 2024?

There is no national application portal for EHVs. Everything runs through your local PHA and its referral partners. Here's how it works in practice.

Start with a local homeless services organization or domestic violence program. You can find CoC contacts through HUD's CoC program locator at hudexchange.info. ^[4] Tell them your situation and ask whether they are an EHV referral partner. If they are, they assess your eligibility under the four categories above and send a referral to the participating PHA.

Next, the PHA gets the referral and checks whether it has EHVs available. If it does, it either places you on its EHV waiting list or issues a voucher outright, depending on local demand and policy.

Then comes the search. Once you hold the voucher, you have a search period (typically 60 to 120 days, and PHAs can grant extensions) to find a landlord and unit. The landlord has to agree to participate and pass an HQS inspection. EHVs carry an extra $500 to $1,500 in landlord incentive money that PHAs can offer to sweeten the deal. ^[1]

If your PHA has no EHVs left, ask about its regular HCV waitlist. Some areas have open Section 8 waiting lists even after EHVs run dry. You might also qualify for other rental assistance programs like Emergency Rental Assistance (though most ERA funds were spent by 2024) or local rapid rehousing.

VoucherReady's free housing search tools can help you spot which PHAs in your state still have open lists, which beats calling every office one by one.

What states and cities still have EHVs available?

HUD publishes a public EHV dashboard showing allocation, issuance, and leasing data by PHA. As of the most recent data in early 2024, national leasing sat at roughly 84 percent of all allocated EHVs. ^[3] So about 16 percent were not yet under lease, though not all of those are open to new applicants. Some are mid-search with an existing voucher holder.

States with historically slower leasing, often because of tight rental markets and landlord reluctance, included California, New York, and Massachusetts. Rents in many of those areas top HUD's payment standards even after recent fair market rent bumps. States with faster leasing, meaning fewer leftover vouchers, tended to sit in the South and Midwest, where rents run lower relative to payment standards.

This shifts all the time. Your best source is the HUD EHV Resource Page at hudexchange.info, which links to the live dashboard. ^[4] You can also call your local PHA and ask flat out: "Do you have any EHVs available for new referrals?"

One honest caveat: HUD's dashboard shows macro data, not real-time unit-by-unit availability at each PHA. A PHA that reads 95 percent leased might have three EHVs on the re-issuance queue today. The only way to know is to call.

How does an EHV differ from a regular Section 8 voucher?

Once issued, they're nearly the same thing. You use both to rent from a private landlord, both fall under 24 CFR Part 982, and both need HQS inspections and income verification. ^[2] The rent math is identical.

The differences live on the front end and in the extras built into EHV.

Referral requirement: Standard HCV usually comes through a waitlist you apply to yourself. EHV comes through a CoC or service provider referral. You can't walk in and ask for one.

Landlord incentives: PHAs got dedicated money to offer landlords move-in incentives, covering security deposits, holding fees, and small repairs, all to pull landlords into EHV participation. Standard HCV comes with no such dedicated pot, though some PHAs use other funds the same way.

Service coordination: HUD required PHAs to partner with service agencies so EHV households can reach case management on top of the voucher. The idea is that people coming out of homelessness or trauma often need more than a rent subsidy to stay housed. ^[1]

No income targeting: Standard HCV has a targeting rule (75 percent of new admissions must be at or below 30 percent AMI). EHVs skip that rule because the eligible population already sits far below that line.

Portability: EHVs port to other jurisdictions under the same rules as regular HCVs, subject to the receiving PHA's policies. Get an EHV in Chicago but need to move to Denver? You can port it, as long as the receiving PHA has capacity to absorb it.

Will there be more Emergency Housing Vouchers after 2024?

Nobody knows. This one is genuinely open.

As of July 2024, no legislation creating a second round of EHVs has passed. Proposals exist. The Biden administration's fiscal year 2025 budget request included funding for 20,000 new HCVs broadly, but that's not EHV-specific, and a budget request is not law. ^[5]

Advocacy groups including the National Alliance to End Homelessness have pushed for more EHV funding, pointing to how fast the original 70,000 were absorbed against an estimated 653,000 people experiencing homelessness on a single night in January 2023, the highest count since HUD started its annual Point-in-Time tally. ^[6]

The political math for a second round is rough. Discretionary spending caps under the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023 (Public Law 118-5) squeeze new housing appropriations. HUD's budget is a yearly brawl in Congress, and emergency supplemental spending of the size that funded the original EHVs is a long shot outside a recognized national emergency.

The practical read: don't bank on a new federal EHV round in 2024. Chase the existing vouchers through your local PHA and CoC partners, and keep an eye on your housing section 8 program for local or state supplements. Some states have built their own homelessness voucher programs with state money.

What landlords need to know about accepting Emergency Housing Vouchers

If a household with an EHV approaches you, the mechanics match a standard HUD housing voucher. You sign a Housing Assistance Payment contract with the PHA, pass an HQS inspection, and collect guaranteed rent on the first of the month from the PHA plus the tenant's portion.

The EHV-specific extras actually work in your favor. PHAs got dedicated American Rescue Plan money to offer landlords security deposit coverage, holding fees while the inspection is pending, and cash for minor repairs needed to pass. Amounts vary by PHA, but PIH Notice 2021-15 authorized $500 to $1,500 in incentive payments. ^[1] Some PHAs went higher with local matching funds.

The main landlord gripe with EHVs, same as with regular vouchers, is the inspection and how long it takes. From the day a tenant presents an EHV to move-in can run two to eight weeks depending on the PHA's inspection backlog. Plan for that.

Rent reasonableness still applies. The PHA compares your unit's rent to unassisted comparable units nearby and won't approve rent above that line. If your asking rent sits at or below market, this rarely trips anyone up.

For landlords weighing the full picture of voucher participation, the VoucherReady landlord kit walks through the HAP contract, inspection checklist, and payment timeline in plain language.

What if you don't qualify for an EHV? What other options exist?

EHV eligibility is narrow. If you don't fit the four categories, or your PHA has no vouchers left, here are your realistic next moves.

Regular HCV waitlist: Many PHAs open their standard housing choice voucher program waitlists on a schedule. The wait often runs years, but getting on the list now matters. Use HUD's PHA locator at hud.gov to find yours. ^[7]

Project-based vouchers: These attach to specific units rather than following the tenant. Availability runs through individual housing developments. Ask your PHA about project-based waitlists.

Public housing: Separate from vouchers, traditional public housing units have their own waitlists. Long too, but worth applying to at the same time.

Rapid rehousing: CoC-funded rapid rehousing gives short-term rental help (usually three to twelve months) for people leaving homelessness. It won't last like a voucher, but it can carry you into stable housing while you wait for one.

State and local programs: Several states, including California (ERAP successors), New York (CityFHEPS in New York City), and Illinois, run state-funded rental assistance. These vary enormously.

Low income housing tax credit properties (LIHTC) offer below-market rents with no voucher required. Income limits apply (typically 50 to 60 percent AMI) but there's no waiting-list lottery. Search at HUD's affordable housing locator or through your local housing authority.

Low income senior housing through HUD Section 202 is open to households with at least one member 62 or older, and in some areas it moves faster than standard HCV.

Common mistakes people make when trying to get an EHV

Going straight to the PHA without a referral. PHAs will almost always send you back to a CoC partner first. Save the trip and start with a local homeless services organization or a 211 call.

Assuming "emergency" means fast. The referral, eligibility determination, issuance, and unit search can still eat months. "Emergency" describes who the program targets, not how quickly it processes.

Not asking about re-issuance. When a PHA tells you "we don't have EHVs available," ask specifically: "Do you have any EHVs in re-issuance due to turnover, and how do I get on that list?" That's a different question and sometimes gets a different answer.

Blowing the search-period deadline. Once you get an EHV, the clock starts. Most PHAs give 60 to 120 days to find a unit. Miss the deadline without requesting an extension and the voucher can expire. Ask for extensions early if the search drags.

Showing up to your first appointment without documents. Income verification, ID, birth certificates for dependents, and proof of your qualifying situation (shelter records, DV service letters, foster care discharge paperwork) all get asked for. Arriving empty-handed adds weeks.

Skipping over section 8 houses for rent listings just because the asking rent looks high. Ask the landlord whether they've had the unit HQS-inspected or worked with the PHA before. Landlords sometimes list high but negotiate, and the PHA's rent reasonableness call might approve it anyway if comparable rents back it up.

How to track EHV availability and stay updated

HUD's EHV Resource Page at hudexchange.info is the authoritative source. ^[4] It links to the live performance dashboard, updated quarterly, which shows allocation, issuance, and leasing numbers by PHA.

The National Low Income Housing Coalition publishes periodic EHV tracking reports at nlihc.org that turn HUD data into readable state-by-state summaries. ^[3]

For real-time local availability, nothing beats calling your PHA. Get on their notification list if they run one. Many PHAs now keep email or text lists for when waitlists open or re-issuances come up.

Follow your local CoC too. CoCs coordinate homeless services across a set geographic area and are the referral gatekeepers for EHVs. Their meetings are usually open to the public and a decent way to hear about shifts in local EHV availability before any public announcement. Find your local CoC at hudexchange.info. ^[4]

If you want to hunt for PHAs with historically open waitlists, tools like those at go section 8 pull some of that data together. Always verify directly with the PHA before you act on a third-party listing site.

Frequently asked questions

Can I apply for an Emergency Housing Voucher directly through HUD?

No. HUD does not issue vouchers directly to individuals. EHVs are administered by local Public Housing Authorities (PHAs), and you must be referred by a Continuum of Care partner or domestic violence service provider before the PHA can issue you a voucher. Start by contacting a local homeless services agency or calling 211 to find the right referral organization in your area.

How long does it take to get housed with an Emergency Housing Voucher?

It varies widely. The referral and issuance process can take two weeks to several months depending on PHA capacity and local demand. Once you have the voucher, most PHAs give 60 to 120 days to find a unit and complete the HQS inspection. Total time from referral to move-in is commonly three to six months, though some households move in faster and some take longer if the landlord search proves difficult.

Does an Emergency Housing Voucher expire?

The voucher has a search period, typically 60 to 120 days from issuance. If you don't find a unit within that window, it can expire. PHAs can grant extensions, and you should request one before the deadline if you're still searching. EHVs that are returned or expire due to turnover can be re-issued to new eligible households, which is why asking your PHA about re-issuance availability makes sense.

Can I use an Emergency Housing Voucher in any state?

EHVs are portable under the same rules as standard Housing Choice Vouchers under 24 CFR 982.353. You can port to another PHA's jurisdiction if you have a reason to move. The receiving PHA must have the administrative capacity to absorb the voucher and must agree to administer it. Not all PHAs accept incoming portable vouchers, so confirm before relocating.

Are undocumented immigrants eligible for an EHV?

No. EHVs follow the same immigration requirements as standard HCV. At least one household member must be a U.S. citizen or have eligible immigration status. Mixed-status families can still get prorated assistance calculated on the number of eligible members, so the subsidy covers a fraction of the rent proportional to eligible household members. Undocumented members are not counted in the household size for subsidy calculation.

What is the income limit for an Emergency Housing Voucher?

You must be at or below 50 percent of the Area Median Income (AMI) for your area, which is the standard HCV income limit. In practice, the eligible population (people who are homeless, fleeing DV, or aging out of foster care) sits almost always far below that threshold. HUD publishes AMI tables by area each year at huduser.gov. Your PHA verifies income at the time of application.

Do landlords get any special benefits for accepting an EHV tenant?

Yes. PHAs received dedicated American Rescue Plan funding to offer EHV landlords financial incentives including security deposit coverage, holding fees, and money for minor repairs needed to pass the HQS inspection. PIH Notice 2021-15 authorized up to $1,500 in incentive payments, and some PHAs added local funds on top. Payment comes monthly and guaranteed from the PHA, and the incentives are meant to cut the upfront cost risk that often makes landlords hesitant.

Is there an EHV waiting list I can get on?

Some PHAs keep a referral queue or informal waiting list for EHVs, especially for re-issued vouchers. There is no national EHV waitlist. Availability is PHA-specific. If your local PHA says it has no EHVs available, ask whether you can go on a re-issuance notification list. Apply for the regular HCV waitlist at the same time, since those are separate processes.

What happens to an EHV if the holder is no longer eligible or moves away?

The voucher returns to the PHA, which can re-issue it to a new eligible household through the referral process. EHVs funded under the American Rescue Plan stay available until used, so returned vouchers don't drop off the PHA's allocation. That's why turnover creates ongoing openings even after the initial issuance phase has wrapped up.

Can someone aging out of foster care get an Emergency Housing Voucher?

Yes. Youth aging out of foster care between ages 18 and 24 (up to 25 in some jurisdictions) are explicitly named as an eligible category in the American Rescue Plan Act and PIH Notice 2021-15. They are referred through CoC partners or foster care agencies. If you or someone you know is in this situation, contact the local child welfare agency or a CoC youth homelessness program to start the referral.

How many Emergency Housing Vouchers were funded and how many are left?

Congress funded exactly 70,000 EHVs through the 2021 American Rescue Plan. HUD allocated all 70,000 to approximately 626 PHAs by September 2022. As of early 2024, roughly 59,000 were under active lease, meaning around 11,000 were either being searched by current holders or available for re-issuance. The numbers shift monthly as households move in or vouchers turn over.

Will there be a second round of Emergency Housing Vouchers in 2025?

No second EHV round has been enacted as of mid-2024. There have been advocacy efforts and budget proposals, but no legislation has passed. Spending constraints under the 2023 Fiscal Responsibility Act make a large supplemental appropriation unlikely in the near term. Watch HUD's budget announcements and Congressional housing bills if you want to track this, but don't count on new EHV funding on a set timeline.

What is the difference between an EHV and emergency rental assistance (ERA)?

They're different programs. Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA), funded in 2020 and 2021, provided short-term cash payments to cover past-due or current rent for households hit by COVID-19. ERA funds were largely spent by 2024. An EHV is a long-term rental subsidy with no fixed end date, like a regular Section 8 voucher. EHV targets homeless or at-risk households specifically; ERA targeted COVID-related hardship more broadly.

Sources

1. HUD, PIH Notice 2021-15 (Emergency Housing Vouchers): American Rescue Plan Act Section 3202 authorized 70,000 EHVs; PIH Notice 2021-15 set eligibility categories, referral requirements, and landlord incentives up to $1,500
2. HUD, 24 CFR Part 982 (Housing Choice Voucher Program regulations): EHVs are administered under the same regulatory framework as standard HCVs, including HQS inspections and rent reasonableness requirements
3. National Low Income Housing Coalition, EHV Tracker: As of early 2024, roughly 59,000 of 70,000 EHVs were under active lease nationally, with leasing rates varying significantly by state
4. HUD, FY2025 Budget Justifications: The Biden administration's FY2025 budget request included funding for approximately 20,000 new housing choice vouchers broadly
5. HUD, 2023 Annual Homeless Assessment Report (AHAR) to Congress: HUD's 2023 Point-in-Time count found roughly 653,000 people experiencing homelessness on a single night in January 2023, the highest count since the count began
6. HUD, PHA Contact Locator: HUD maintains a public PHA locator tool to find local housing authorities by state and county
7. Congress.gov, American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, Public Law 117-2: Section 3202 of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 created and funded 70,000 Emergency Housing Vouchers with $5 billion in dedicated funding
8. Congress.gov, Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023, Public Law 118-5: The Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023 imposed discretionary spending caps that constrain new housing appropriations through FY2025
9. HUD, Fair Market Rents Documentation System: HUD publishes annual Area Median Income and Fair Market Rent figures by area used to set EHV and HCV payment standards and income eligibility thresholds