Open Section 8 Waiting Lists in Georgia
Find applications for 2 open Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher waiting lists in Georgia. There are 188 housing authorities with voucher programs serving about 1,396,582 renter households in Georgia. Among these, 4.8 percent of housing authorities run larger voucher programs serving thousands of renters. Over the last three years, there have been 3 waiting lists open in Georgia.
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View Georgia Housing Authorities by the Cities They Serve
Georgia Housing Authorities
Albany Housing Authority
| Waiting List | Status |
|---|---|
| Albany Housing Authority | Closed |
Albany Housing Authority is not accepting applications for any waiting lists now, and the waiting lists are not scheduled to open anytime soon. However, Public Housing Agencies offer more programs than the Section 8 and Public Housing Programs.
Learn MoreAtlanta Housing Authority
| Waiting List | Status |
|---|---|
| Atlanta, Georgia | Closed |
Atlanta Housing Authority is not accepting applications for any waiting lists now, and the waiting lists are not scheduled to open anytime soon. However, Public Housing Agencies offer more programs than the Section 8 and Public Housing Programs.
Learn MoreAugusta Housing Authority
| Waiting List | Status |
|---|---|
| Richmond County, Georgia | Closed |
Augusta Housing Authority is not accepting applications for any waiting lists now, and the waiting lists are not scheduled to open anytime soon. However, Public Housing Agencies offer more programs than the Section 8 and Public Housing Programs.
Learn MoreBrunswick Housing Authority
| Waiting List | Status |
|---|---|
| Brunswick HCV | Open Soon |
| Glynn County, Georgia | Open Now |
Brunswick Housing Authority is accepting applications for a waiting list now and will begin accepting applications for another waiting list soon.
Get The ApplicationsCity of Atlanta Dept. of Housing And Community Development
City of Atlanta Dept. of Housing And Community Development serves Georgia.
Learn MoreEast Point Housing Authority
| Waiting List | Status |
|---|---|
| East Point, Georgia | Closed |
East Point Housing Authority is not accepting applications for any waiting lists now, and the waiting lists are not scheduled to open anytime soon. However, Public Housing Agencies offer more programs than the Section 8 and Public Housing Programs.
Learn MoreGeorgia Department of Community Affairs
| Waiting List | Status |
|---|---|
| State of Georgia | Closed |
Georgia Department of Community Affairs is not accepting applications for any waiting lists now, and the waiting lists are not scheduled to open anytime soon. However, Public Housing Agencies offer more programs than the Section 8 and Public Housing Programs.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of Columbus Georgia
| Waiting List | Status |
|---|---|
| Columbus, Georgia | Closed |
Housing Authority of Columbus Georgia is not accepting applications for any waiting lists now, and the waiting lists are not scheduled to open anytime soon. However, Public Housing Agencies offer more programs than the Section 8 and Public Housing Programs.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of DeKalb County
| Waiting List | Status |
|---|---|
| DeKalb County, Georgia | Closed |
Housing Authority of DeKalb County is not accepting applications for any waiting lists now, and the waiting lists are not scheduled to open anytime soon. However, Public Housing Agencies offer more programs than the Section 8 and Public Housing Programs.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of Fulton County
| Waiting List | Status |
|---|---|
| Fulton County, Georgia | Closed |
Housing Authority of Fulton County is not accepting applications for any waiting lists now, and the waiting lists are not scheduled to open anytime soon. However, Public Housing Agencies offer more programs than the Section 8 and Public Housing Programs.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of Newnan
| Waiting List | Status |
|---|---|
| Newnan, Georgia | Closed |
Housing Authority of Newnan is not accepting applications for any waiting lists now, and the waiting lists are not scheduled to open anytime soon. However, Public Housing Agencies offer more programs than the Section 8 and Public Housing Programs.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of Savannah
| Waiting List | Status |
|---|---|
| Chatham County, Georgia | Closed |
Housing Authority of Savannah is not accepting applications for any waiting lists now, and the waiting lists are not scheduled to open anytime soon. However, Public Housing Agencies offer more programs than the Section 8 and Public Housing Programs.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the City of Abbeville
Housing Authority of the City of Abbeville serves Georgia.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the City of Acworth
Housing Authority of the City of Acworth serves Georgia.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the City of Adel
Housing Authority of the City of Adel serves Georgia.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the City of Alamo
Housing Authority of the City of Alamo serves Georgia.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the City of Alma
Housing Authority of the City of Alma serves Georgia.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the City of Americus
| Waiting List | Status |
|---|---|
| Housing Authority of the City of Americus | Closed |
Housing Authority of the City of Americus is not accepting applications for any waiting lists now, and the waiting lists are not scheduled to open anytime soon. However, Public Housing Agencies offer more programs than the Section 8 and Public Housing Programs.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the City of Arlington
Housing Authority of the City of Arlington serves Georgia.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the City of Ashburn
Housing Authority of the City of Ashburn serves Georgia.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the City of Bainbridge
Housing Authority of the City of Bainbridge serves Georgia.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the City of Barnesville
Housing Authority of the City of Barnesville serves Georgia.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the City of Baxley
Housing Authority of the City of Baxley serves Georgia.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the City of Blackshear
Housing Authority of the City of Blackshear serves Georgia.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the City of Blakely
Housing Authority of the City of Blakely serves Georgia.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the City of Blue Ridge
Housing Authority of the City of Blue Ridge serves Georgia.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the City of Boston
Housing Authority of the City of Boston serves Georgia.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the City of Bowdon
Housing Authority of the City of Bowdon serves Georgia.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the City of Bremen
Housing Authority of the City of Bremen serves Georgia.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the City of Buchanan
Housing Authority of the City of Buchanan serves Georgia.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the City of Buena Vista
Housing Authority of the City of Buena Vista serves Georgia.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the City of Buford
Housing Authority of the City of Buford serves Georgia.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the City of Byron
Housing Authority of the City of Byron serves Georgia.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the City of Cairo
Housing Authority of the City of Cairo serves Georgia.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the City of Calhoun
Housing Authority of the City of Calhoun serves Georgia.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the City of Camilla
Housing Authority of the City of Camilla serves Georgia.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the City of Carrollton
| Waiting List | Status |
|---|---|
| Housing Authority of the City of Carrollton | Closed |
Housing Authority of the City of Carrollton is not accepting applications for any waiting lists now, and the waiting lists are not scheduled to open anytime soon. However, Public Housing Agencies offer more programs than the Section 8 and Public Housing Programs.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the City of Cave Spring
Housing Authority of the City of Cave Spring serves Georgia.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the City of Cedartown
Housing Authority of the City of Cedartown serves Georgia.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the City of Chatsworth
Housing Authority of the City of Chatsworth serves Georgia.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the City of Clayton
Housing Authority of the City of Clayton serves Georgia.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the City of Cochran
Housing Authority of the City of Cochran serves Georgia.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the City of College Park
| Waiting List | Status |
|---|---|
| Limited College Park, Georgia | Closed |
| College Park, Georgia | Closed |
Housing Authority of the City of College Park is not accepting applications for any waiting lists now, and the waiting lists are not scheduled to open anytime soon. However, Public Housing Agencies offer more programs than the Section 8 and Public Housing Programs.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the City of Colquitt
Housing Authority of the City of Colquitt serves Georgia.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the City of Comer
Housing Authority of the City of Comer serves Georgia.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the City of Commerce
Housing Authority of the City of Commerce serves Georgia.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the City of Conyers
Housing Authority of the City of Conyers serves Georgia.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the City of Cordele
Housing Authority of the City of Cordele serves Georgia.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the City of Covington
Housing Authority of the City of Covington serves Georgia.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the City of Cumming
Housing Authority of the City of Cumming serves Georgia.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the City of Cuthbert
Housing Authority of the City of Cuthbert serves Georgia.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the City of Dahlonega
Housing Authority of the City of Dahlonega serves Georgia.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the City of Dallas
Housing Authority of the City of Dallas serves Georgia.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the City of Danielsville
Housing Authority of the City of Danielsville serves Georgia.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the City of Dawson
Housing Authority of the City of Dawson serves Georgia.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the City of Decatur
| Waiting List | Status |
|---|---|
| DeKalb County, Georgia | Closed |
Housing Authority of the City of Decatur is not accepting applications for any waiting lists now, and the waiting lists are not scheduled to open anytime soon. However, Public Housing Agencies offer more programs than the Section 8 and Public Housing Programs.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the City of Douglas
Housing Authority of the City of Douglas serves Georgia.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the City of Eastman
Housing Authority of the City of Eastman serves Georgia.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the City of Eatonton
Housing Authority of the City of Eatonton serves Georgia.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the City of Edison
Housing Authority of the City of Edison serves Georgia.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the City of Elberton
Housing Authority of the City of Elberton serves Georgia.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the City of Ellaville
Housing Authority of the City of Ellaville serves Georgia.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the City of Ellijay
Housing Authority of the City of Ellijay serves Georgia.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the City of Fitzgerald
Housing Authority of the City of Fitzgerald serves Georgia.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the City of Fort Gaines
Housing Authority of the City of Fort Gaines serves Georgia.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the City of Fort Oglethorpe
Housing Authority of the City of Fort Oglethorpe serves Georgia.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the City of Fort Valley
Housing Authority of the City of Fort Valley serves Georgia.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the City of Franklin
Housing Authority of the City of Franklin serves Georgia.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the City of Gibson
Housing Authority of the City of Gibson serves Georgia.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the City of Glennville
Housing Authority of the City of Glennville serves Georgia.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the City of Glenwood
Housing Authority of the City of Glenwood serves Georgia.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the City of Grantville
Housing Authority of the City of Grantville serves Georgia.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the City of Greensboro
Housing Authority of the City of Greensboro serves Georgia.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the City of Greenville
Housing Authority of the City of Greenville serves Georgia.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the City of Griffin
Housing Authority of the City of Griffin serves Georgia.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the City of Hahira
Housing Authority of the City of Hahira serves Georgia.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the City of Hampton
Housing Authority of the City of Hampton serves Georgia.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the City of Hartwell
Housing Authority of the City of Hartwell serves Georgia.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the City of Hawkinsville
Housing Authority of the City of Hawkinsville serves Georgia.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the City of Hazlehurst
Housing Authority of the City of Hazlehurst serves Georgia.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the City of Hogansville
Housing Authority of the City of Hogansville serves Georgia.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the City of Homerville
Housing Authority of the City of Homerville serves Georgia.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the City of Jackson
Housing Authority of the City of Jackson serves Georgia.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the City of Jasper
Housing Authority of the City of Jasper serves Georgia.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the City of Jefferson
Housing Authority of the City of Jefferson serves Georgia.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the City of Jesup
Housing Authority of the City of Jesup serves Georgia.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the City of Lafayette
Housing Authority of the City of Lafayette serves Georgia.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the City of Lakeland
Housing Authority of the City of Lakeland serves Georgia.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the City of Lavonia
Housing Authority of the City of Lavonia serves Georgia.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the City of Lawrenceville
Housing Authority of the City of Lawrenceville serves Georgia.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the City of Lincolnton
Housing Authority of the City of Lincolnton serves Georgia.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the City of Lithonia
Housing Authority of the City of Lithonia serves Georgia.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the City of Louisville
Housing Authority of the City of Louisville serves Georgia.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the City of Lumber City
Housing Authority of the City of Lumber City serves Georgia.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the City of Lyons
Housing Authority of the City of Lyons serves Georgia.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the City of Madison
Housing Authority of the City of Madison serves Georgia.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the City of Manchester
Housing Authority of the City of Manchester serves Georgia.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the City of McCaysville
Housing Authority of the City of McCaysville serves Georgia.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the City of McRae
Housing Authority of the City of McRae serves Georgia.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the City of Menlo
Housing Authority of the City of Menlo serves Georgia.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the City of Metter
Housing Authority of the City of Metter serves Georgia.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the City of Millen
Housing Authority of the City of Millen serves Georgia.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the City of Monticello
Housing Authority of the City of Monticello serves Georgia.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the City of Mount Vernon
Housing Authority of the City of Mount Vernon serves Georgia.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the City of Nahunta
Housing Authority of the City of Nahunta serves Georgia.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the City of Nashville
Housing Authority of the City of Nashville serves Georgia.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the City of Newton
Housing Authority of the City of Newton serves Georgia.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the City of Nicholls
Housing Authority of the City of Nicholls serves Georgia.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the City of Norcross
Housing Authority of the City of Norcross serves Georgia.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the City of Ocilla
Housing Authority of the City of Ocilla serves Georgia.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the City of Pearson
Housing Authority of the City of Pearson serves Georgia.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the City of Pelham
Housing Authority of the City of Pelham serves Georgia.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the City of Perry
Housing Authority of the City of Perry serves Georgia.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the City of Quitman
Housing Authority of the City of Quitman serves Georgia.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the City of Reidsville
Housing Authority of the City of Reidsville serves Georgia.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the City of Ringgold
Housing Authority of the City of Ringgold serves Georgia.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the City of Roberta
Housing Authority of the City of Roberta serves Georgia.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the City of Rochelle
Housing Authority of the City of Rochelle serves Georgia.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the City of Roswell
Housing Authority of the City of Roswell serves Georgia.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the City of Sandersville
Housing Authority of the City of Sandersville serves Georgia.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the City of Shellman
Housing Authority of the City of Shellman serves Georgia.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the City of Social Circle
Housing Authority of the City of Social Circle serves Georgia.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the City of Soperton
Housing Authority of the City of Soperton serves Georgia.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the City of Sparta
Housing Authority of the City of Sparta serves Georgia.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the City of Statesboro
Housing Authority of the City of Statesboro serves Georgia.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the City of Summerville
Housing Authority of the City of Summerville serves Georgia.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the City of Swainsboro
Housing Authority of the City of Swainsboro serves Georgia.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the City of Sylvania
Housing Authority of the City of Sylvania serves Georgia.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the City of Sylvester
Housing Authority of the City of Sylvester serves Georgia.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the City of Tallapoosa
Housing Authority of the City of Tallapoosa serves Georgia.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the City of Tennille
Housing Authority of the City of Tennille serves Georgia.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the City of Thomaston
Housing Authority of the City of Thomaston serves Georgia.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the City of Thomasville
Housing Authority of the City of Thomasville serves Georgia.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the City of Tifton
Housing Authority of the City of Tifton serves Georgia.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the City of Toccoa
Housing Authority of the City of Toccoa serves Georgia.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the City of Unadilla
Housing Authority of the City of Unadilla serves Georgia.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the City of Union Point
Housing Authority of the City of Union Point serves Georgia.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the City of Vidalia
Housing Authority of the City of Vidalia serves Georgia.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the City of Vienna
Housing Authority of the City of Vienna serves Georgia.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the City of Villa Rica
Housing Authority of the City of Villa Rica serves Georgia.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the City of Washington
Housing Authority of the City of Washington serves Georgia.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the City of Waycross
Housing Authority of the City of Waycross serves Georgia.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the City of Waynesboro
Housing Authority of the City of Waynesboro serves Georgia.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the City of West Point
Housing Authority of the City of West Point serves Georgia.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the City of Winder
Housing Authority of the City of Winder serves Georgia.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the City of Woodbury
Housing Authority of the City of Woodbury serves Georgia.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the City of Wrightsville
Housing Authority of the City of Wrightsville serves Georgia.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the County of Atkinson
Housing Authority of the County of Atkinson serves Georgia.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the County of Harris
Housing Authority of the County of Harris serves Georgia.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the County of Lee
Housing Authority of the County of Lee serves Georgia.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the County of Screven
Housing Authority of the County of Screven serves Georgia.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the County of Stewart
Housing Authority of the County of Stewart serves Georgia.
Learn MoreJonesboro Housing Authority
| Waiting List | Status |
|---|---|
| Jonesboro and Clayton County, Georgia | Closed |
Jonesboro Housing Authority is not accepting applications for any waiting lists now, and the waiting lists are not scheduled to open anytime soon. However, Public Housing Agencies offer more programs than the Section 8 and Public Housing Programs.
Learn MoreMacon Housing Authority
| Waiting List | Status |
|---|---|
| Bibb County, Georgia | Closed |
Macon Housing Authority is not accepting applications for any waiting lists now, and the waiting lists are not scheduled to open anytime soon. However, Public Housing Agencies offer more programs than the Section 8 and Public Housing Programs.
Learn MoreMarietta Housing Authority
| Waiting List | Status |
|---|---|
| Cobb County, Georgia | Closed |
Marietta Housing Authority is not accepting applications for any waiting lists now, and the waiting lists are not scheduled to open anytime soon. However, Public Housing Agencies offer more programs than the Section 8 and Public Housing Programs.
Learn MoreNorthwest Georgia Housing Authority
| Waiting List | Status |
|---|---|
| Northwest Georgia Housing Authority | Closed |
Northwest Georgia Housing Authority is not accepting applications for any waiting lists now, and the waiting lists are not scheduled to open anytime soon. However, Public Housing Agencies offer more programs than the Section 8 and Public Housing Programs.
Learn MoreSoutheast Georgia Consolidated Housing Authority
Southeast Georgia Consolidated Housing Authority serves Georgia.
Learn MoreAre Section 8 Waiting Lists Open in Georgia?
As of May 8, 2025, AHO is tracking 1 waiting lists open right now that are scheduled to close in the near future. Additionally, AHO is monitoring 0 waiting lists that are open until further notice.
AHO encourages you to first apply to the waiting lists that are scheduled to close, as most housing choice voucher programs do not have a set schedule for when they will reopen their waiting lists.
AHO still encourages you to apply to continuously open waiting lists as soon as possible. These waiting lists may close without sufficient notice.
In total, there are 1 waiting lists you can apply to right now and 1 waiting lists you can apply to soon.
How many HCV waiting lists were open in Georgia in the last few years?
During the last three years, there were 3 HCV waiting lists open for at least a day in Georgia.
How long were HCV waiting lists kept open in Georgia in the last few years?
Section 8 HCV waiting lists in Georgia were kept open an average of 1,095 days over the last three years.
How hard is it to get a voucher if I don't currently live in the area the housing authority serves?
Renters can apply to any open HCV waiting list in the country. The program is supposed to promote mobility so that renters can move to places with more opportunity.
Some housing authorities have a preference for local residents in their waiting list placement. If you live outside the area you can get on the waiting list, but you will likely wait a long time before a voucher is offered, if at all.
Over the last three years, 0% of waiting lists in Georgia that opened had a preference for local residents.
To what extent do housing authorities in Georgia increase access with online applications?
Online applications make it easier for low-income renters to apply for open waiting lists, especially when applying to different communities or when waiting lists are only kept open a short time.
Online applications were used for 66.7% of waiting list applications in in Georgia over the last three years.
How fair is waiting list placement in Georgia?
Random lotteries were used by 33.3% of housing authorities in Georgia to place applicants on their waiting lists over the last three years.
Applicants placed at the bottom of a waiting list may wait up to two or three years before being offered a voucher. Placing applicants on a waiting list using a random lottery gives everyone a fair chance to be near the top of the list.
Many housing authorities place applicants according to the date and time of their submission. Applicants who apply later will have a long wait for assistance, which is especially unfair in cases where waiting lists are kept open just few days or less.
How long do households spend on an HCV waiting list in Georgia before receiving a voucher?
Households spend an average of 33 months on a waiting list before receiving a voucher in Georgia.
Who is served by HCV programs offered through housing authorities in Georgia?
HCV households served by housing authorities in Georgia include:
- 31% headed by seniors
- 20% with a person with a disability
- 46% with children
- 32% where the majority of household income comes from wages earned
What is the income level of households served by HCV programs offered through housing authorities in Georgia?
According to HUD, in general, in order to receive a voucher, a household's income may not exceed 50% of the median income (50% AMI) for the county or metropolitan area in which the family chooses to live. By law, a housing authority must provide 75% of its voucher to applicants whose incomes do not exceed 30% of the area median income (30% AMI).
A 50% AMI household is considered very low-income (VLI) and a 30% AMI household is considered extremely low-income (ELI). ELI households are a subset of the VLI households served by a housing authority.
In the voucher programs of housing authorities in Georgia, VLI households make up 94% of voucher-holding households.
ELI households make up 73% of voucher-holding households.
Is there an application fee for Section 8 waiting lists?
It is against HUD policy for an agency to charge for a Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher application. If anyone is charging a fee for an application, they are either violating federal law, or a scammer with an empty promise. Do not pay for an application.
Why are there Section 8 waiting lists?
Like most low income housing programs, renters are placed on a waiting list to get a Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher because there is a very high demand for vouchers, and a limited supply.
Waiting lists for a Section 8 voucher also tend to be longer than those for other housing programs because renters can live in an apartment or house of their choice. Most of the other rental housing programs require the household to live in a pre-determined apartment.
How does a Section 8 waiting list work?
Renters must first submit an application to a housing authority with an open Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) waiting list. If a waiting list is not currently open, applications cannot be submitted.
After applying, the housing authority will create a list of qualified applicants that is sorted by random lottery, or the date and time applications were received. Many of these waiting lists have limited spots, so some applicants may not be selected for the waiting list, even if they are qualified.
If the household is selected for the waiting list, the housing authority will send confirmation. Be aware that some waiting lists have preferences (such as elderly or local applicants), and qualified households are given priority placement over others.
After getting placed on a waiting list, prepare to wait for some time. Because of the high demand of the HCV program, waiting lists may be many months or years long.
Once the household reaches the top of the waiting list, an eligibility interview will be held to make sure that everyone is qualified. If the household does not meet the qualifications, they can continue applying to other open waiting lists for a chance to get a voucher.
Who can apply for a Section 8 waiting list?
To apply for a Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher waiting list, the head of the household must be at least 18 years old and a U.S. citizen or an eligible immigrant. If the head of household cannot submit an application, another person can submit one on their behalf.
There are many qualifications to get a Section 8 voucher, including income, housing, and criminal history. But those requirements do not prevent a person from applying for an open waiting list.
What is needed to apply for a Section 8 waiting list?
To apply for a Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher waiting list, renters must usually provide their first and last name, date of birth, Social Security Number or Alien ID, and the total gross income of all household members (with exceptions).
Applications may ask for additional information, including housing history, criminal history, proof of income, and preference verification. Applicants may also be asked for demographic information, like gender, disability status, or race and ethnicity.
When can I apply for a Section 8 waiting list?
Applications for a Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher can only be submitted when the housing authority opens the program's waiting list.
For many areas, waiting lists are only open for a brief period. And depending on the area, when a waiting list closes, it may not reopen for many months or years. But there are also many housing authorities that keep their waiting lists open indefinitely, which means that there is no scheduled close date. These waiting lists can close at any time, but they sometimes stay open for months or years.
Can I apply for multiple Section 8 waiting lists?
Yes, renters can apply for multiple Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher waiting lists. There is no limit to how many waiting lists a household may be on.
But, it's usually not allowed to submit multiple applications for the same waiting list. If more than one application is submitted for the same waiting list, the household risks getting disqualified.
What is a Section 8 waiting list lottery?
In many areas, the demand for Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers is so great that the managing housing authority cannot add all applicants to its waiting list. To give all applicants an equal chance of being placed on the waiting list, many agencies draw names by random lottery from the entire pool of applicants.
Housing authorities will usually state if they are doing a lottery drawing on the public notice for the waiting list. If there is not a lottery, applicants will be placed on the waiting list by the date and time the application is received.
How long is a waiting list for Section 8 housing?
Once a household is placed on a Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher waiting list, they may wait anywhere between many months or years before being offered a rental assistance voucher.
There is no typical wait time for a voucher. The amount of time spent on a waiting list depends on various factors, including how many preferences are met, and the location of rental assistance. An applicant in one area of the country may wait less than a year, while someone in another area is on a waiting list for five years or more.
How can I get more information about a Section 8 waiting list?
The easiest way to get more information about many Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) waiting lists is to visit the housing authority's website. Most housing authorities with a website will have a dedicated Section 8 HCV page with details about the program.
However, not all housing authorities have a website. And some that do may provide a limited amount of information. If this is the case, contact the housing authority for help. The agency can tell you if a waiting list is open, how to apply, and other important application requirements.
Is there any way to get priority placement on a Section 8 waiting list?
Yes, many housing authorities use preferences to give a priority to applicants who are part of groups in the area that are in great need of assistance.
Common preference categories for Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher waiting lists include seniors, persons with disabilities, veterans, homeless persons, and those who live and work locally. Applicants who qualify for preferences will have a shorter wait time than those who don't.
What is Section 8?
The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program gives low income rental assistance to individuals and families who need help affording monthly rent. Households with a Section 8 voucher may choose to live in any home that meets the program requirements, including apartments and single-family homes. It is a federal housing program that is run by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
Renters with a Section 8 voucher usually pay 30% of their income for rent. The rest is paid to the landlord by the managing housing authority.
When looking for housing options, be aware that there are other housing programs that use the name "Section 8," including the Project-Based Voucher (PBV) and Project-Based Rental Assistance (PBRA) programs. However, the name "Section 8" on its own usually refers to the HCV program.
How do I apply for a Section 8 waiting list?
When a Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher waiting list is open, there can be a number of different ways to submit an application. In most cases, Section 8 applications are available online, in person, by mail, or a variety of these options.
Online applications are often submitted through a form on a website. Printable applications may be available on the internet, as well. If an application can be sent by mail, a request for one is usually done by phone, mail or email.
In rare situations, applications may also be submitted by fax, or directly by phone. These outdated methods have been phased out by many housing authorities, but there are still some applications that operate this way.
Where can I apply for a Section 8 waiting list?
Renters can apply to most open Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher waiting lists in the country. You do not have to live in the area to apply to most waiting lists, but there are some with restrictions. If the waiting list is restricted, it means that the housing authority is targeting a specific demographic (such as homeless applicants), and documentation or a reference may be required to apply.
However, even if a waiting list is available to the general public, applicants who do not live in the area should check if there are preferences. Preferences give qualified applicants priority placement on the waiting list. And one of the most common preferences is for local residents. This means that non-local applicants may have a very long wait for a voucher, or may not get a voucher at all because of the local demand.