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Once your application has been submitted, it can take between a couple of weeks and a couple of months for offices to process applications. This depends on the resources available to review applications. Usually, online applications are processed more quickly than paper applications. The application or public notice about the waiting list opening may have information on when waiting list status will be available, and how to find out your status.
Once you are on a waiting list, your wait time varies greatly depending on the office you applied through. Because of the high demand of affordable housing, and comparatively low supply, it is not rare to be on a waiting list for several years. Generally, large metropolitan areas have long waiting lists, while lower populated areas have shorter waiting lists.
After being approved for the Public Housing program, you will be able to move into the unit the housing authority has approved for you. You will not be able to move from this unit and keep the rental assistance.
Housing authorities will examine the income of Public Housing participants every two years. The household’s average income for the last two years must be below the area’s 120% Area Median Income (AMI) income limit. If a household is over-income, they will not be required to move out. But, they must either pay Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the unit, or the subsidy amount that the housing authority received from HUD for the unit.