Section 8 Waiting List

The Section 8 program is managed on the federal level by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and locally by public housing authorities (PHA). Funding for the program comes from HUD, while the infrastructure and housing is established locally by PHAs. At the current time the demand outweighs both the funding and available affordable housing options in most states. As a result, when you apply to Section 8 programs you are going to be put on a waitlist.

What is a Waitlist ?

A waitlist includes all Section 8 applicants in a given PHA area. These waitlists can be so long in some areas that the wait is up to 10 years to receive project-based housing or the Housing Choice Voucher program. If you live in an area where the demand is extremely high, the waitlists in that area may be closed for good. If this happens you will have to find another PHA office in order to apply.

Applying to a Waitlist

To get placed on a waitlist you must submit a completed Section 8 application to the PHA office managing the waitlist. There are different waitlists for the various Section 8 programs. Also you can apply to more than one waitlist at a time to increase your household’s chances of being selected.

When your household is selected from a waitlist you will be directed on how to proceed. If you applied for project-based housing you will receive information on how to move into your new home. If you applied to the Housing Choice Voucher program you have 90 days to find an affordable home. This home must meet HUD and Section 8 guidelines for health and safety. Also, the rent cannot exceed $2,000 in any state.