Open Section 8 Waiting Lists in Louisiana
Find applications for 5 open Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher waiting lists in Louisiana. There are 161 housing authorities with voucher programs serving about 587,890 renter households in Louisiana. Among these, 5.6 percent of housing authorities run larger voucher programs serving thousands of renters. Over the last three years, there have been 11 waiting lists open in Louisiana.
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View Louisiana Housing Authorities by the Cities They Serve
Louisiana Housing Authorities
Alexandria Housing Authority
| Waiting List | Status |
|---|---|
| Alexandria Housing Authority | Closed |
Alexandria 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 MoreBienville Parish Police Jury
| Waiting List | Status |
|---|---|
| Bienville Parish, Louisiana | Closed |
Bienville Parish Police Jury 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 MoreBossier Parish Housing Authority
| Waiting List | Status |
|---|---|
| Bossier Parish, Louisiana | Closed |
Bossier Parish 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 MoreCalcasieu Parish Police Jury Housing Department
| Waiting List | Status |
|---|---|
| Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana | Closed |
Calcasieu Parish Police Jury Housing Department 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 MoreChurch Point Housing Authority
| Waiting List | Status |
|---|---|
| Church Point Housing Authority | Closed |
Church 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 MoreCity of Baton Rouge Office of Community Development
City of Baton Rouge Office of Community Development serves Louisiana.
Learn MoreCity of New Iberia
| Waiting List | Status |
|---|---|
| City of New Iberia Community Development Department | Closed |
City of New Iberia 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 MoreCity of Plaquemine Section 8 Office
| Waiting List | Status |
|---|---|
| City of Plaquemine Section 8 Office | Closed |
City of Plaquemine Section 8 Office 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 MoreCity of Thibodaux Office of Housing and Community Development
| Waiting List | Status |
|---|---|
| Thibodaux, Louisiana | Closed |
City of Thibodaux Office of Housing and Community Development 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 MoreCity of Ville Platte Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Department
| Waiting List | Status |
|---|---|
| Ville Platte, Louisiana | Closed |
City of Ville Platte Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Department 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 MoreEast Baton Rouge Parish Housing Authority
| Waiting List | Status |
|---|---|
| Baton Rouge, Louisiana | Closed |
| Plaquemine, Louisiana | Closed |
East Baton Rouge Parish 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 MoreEast Carroll Parish Housing Authority
East Carroll Parish Housing Authority serves Louisiana.
Learn MoreEvangeline Parish Police Jury
| Waiting List | Status |
|---|---|
| Evangeline Parish, Louisiana | Closed |
Evangeline Parish Police Jury 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 Auth. of the Town of St. Martinville
Housing Auth. of the Town of St. Martinville serves Louisiana.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of City of Covington
Housing Authority of City of Covington serves Louisiana.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of City of Opelousas
Housing Authority of City of Opelousas serves Louisiana.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of Jefferson Parish
| Waiting List | Status |
|---|---|
| Jefferson Parrish, Louisiana | Closed |
| Jefferson Parish, Louisiana Limited | Closed |
Housing Authority of Jefferson Parish 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 Lafourche Parish
| Waiting List | Status |
|---|---|
| Lafourche Parish, Louisiana | Closed |
Housing Authority of Lafourche Parish 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 Natchitoches Parish
| Waiting List | Status |
|---|---|
| Housing Authority of Natchitoches Parish | Open Until Further Notice |
Housing Authority of Natchitoches Parish is accepting applications for each waiting list.
Get The ApplicationHousing Authority of New Orleans
| Waiting List | Status |
|---|---|
| Orleans Parish, Louisiana | Closed |
Housing Authority of New Orleans 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 Oakdale
| Waiting List | Status |
|---|---|
| Housing Authority of Oakdale | Open Until Further Notice |
Housing Authority of Oakdale is accepting applications for each waiting list.
Get The ApplicationHousing Authority of Rapides Parish
Housing Authority of Rapides Parish serves Louisiana.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of St. James Parish
Housing Authority of St. James Parish serves Louisiana.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the City of Abbeville
Housing Authority of the City of Abbeville serves Louisiana.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the City of Breaux Bridge
Housing Authority of the City of Breaux Bridge serves Louisiana.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the City of Denham Springs
| Waiting List | Status |
|---|---|
| Housing Authority of the City of Denham Springs | Closed |
Housing Authority of the City of Denham Springs 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 Dequincy
Housing Authority of the City of Dequincy serves Louisiana.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the City of Deridder
Housing Authority of the City of Deridder serves Louisiana.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the City of Donaldsonville
Housing Authority of the City of Donaldsonville serves Louisiana.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the City of Eunice
Housing Authority of the City of Eunice serves Louisiana.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the City of Houma
Housing Authority of the City of Houma serves Louisiana.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the City of Jennings
Housing Authority of the City of Jennings serves Louisiana.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the City of Leesville
Housing Authority of the City of Leesville serves Louisiana.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the City of Natchitoches
| Waiting List | Status |
|---|---|
| Housing Authority of the City of Natchitoches | Open Until Further Notice |
Housing Authority of the City of Natchitoches is accepting applications for each waiting list.
Get The ApplicationHousing Authority of the City of Shreveport
| Waiting List | Status |
|---|---|
| Shreveport, Louisiana | Closed |
Housing Authority of the City of Shreveport 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 Sulphur
| Waiting List | Status |
|---|---|
| Housing Authority of the City of Sulphur | Open Until Further Notice |
Housing Authority of the City of Sulphur is accepting applications for each waiting list.
Get The ApplicationHousing Authority of the Parish of Caldwell
| Waiting List | Status |
|---|---|
| Caldwell Parish, Louisiana | Open Now |
Housing Authority of the Parish of Caldwell is accepting applications for each waiting list.
Get The ApplicationHousing Authority of the Town of Arcadia
Housing Authority of the Town of Arcadia serves Louisiana.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the Town of Basile
Housing Authority of the Town of Basile serves Louisiana.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the Town of Berwick
Housing Authority of the Town of Berwick serves Louisiana.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the Town of Bunkie
Housing Authority of the Town of Bunkie serves Louisiana.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the Town of Colfax
| Waiting List | Status |
|---|---|
| Housing Authority of the Town of Colfax | Closed |
Housing Authority of the Town of Colfax 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 Town of Cotton Valley
Housing Authority of the Town of Cotton Valley serves Louisiana.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the Town of Cottonport
Housing Authority of the Town of Cottonport serves Louisiana.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the Town of Delcambre
Housing Authority of the Town of Delcambre serves Louisiana.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the Town of Delhi
Housing Authority of the Town of Delhi serves Louisiana.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the Town of East Hodge
Housing Authority of the Town of East Hodge serves Louisiana.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the Town of Elton
Housing Authority of the Town of Elton serves Louisiana.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the Town of Erath
Housing Authority of the Town of Erath serves Louisiana.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the Town of Grambling
Housing Authority of the Town of Grambling serves Louisiana.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the Town of Gueydan
Housing Authority of the Town of Gueydan serves Louisiana.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the Town of Haynesville
Housing Authority of the Town of Haynesville serves Louisiana.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the Town of Iowa
Housing Authority of the Town of Iowa serves Louisiana.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the Town of Jonesboro
Housing Authority of the Town of Jonesboro serves Louisiana.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the Town of Lake Arthur
Housing Authority of the Town of Lake Arthur serves Louisiana.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the Town of Lake Providence
Housing Authority of the Town of Lake Providence serves Louisiana.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the Town of Logansport
Housing Authority of the Town of Logansport serves Louisiana.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the Town of Mamou
Housing Authority of the Town of Mamou serves Louisiana.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the Town of Mansfield
Housing Authority of the Town of Mansfield serves Louisiana.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the Town of Merryville
Housing Authority of the Town of Merryville serves Louisiana.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the Town of New Roads
Housing Authority of the Town of New Roads serves Louisiana.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the Town of Oberlin
Housing Authority of the Town of Oberlin serves Louisiana.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the Town of Oil City
Housing Authority of the Town of Oil City serves Louisiana.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the Town of Olla
Housing Authority of the Town of Olla serves Louisiana.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the Town of Patterson
Housing Authority of the Town of Patterson serves Louisiana.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the Town of Rayville
Housing Authority of the Town of Rayville serves Louisiana.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the Town of Simmesport
Housing Authority of the Town of Simmesport serves Louisiana.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the Town of Vinton
Housing Authority of the Town of Vinton serves Louisiana.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the Town of Welsh
Housing Authority of the Town of Welsh serves Louisiana.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the Town of White Castle
Housing Authority of the Town of White Castle serves Louisiana.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the Town of Winnsboro
Housing Authority of the Town of Winnsboro serves Louisiana.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the Town of Youngsville
Housing Authority of the Town of Youngsville serves Louisiana.
Learn MoreHousing Authority of the Village of Parks
Housing Authority of the Village of Parks serves Louisiana.
Learn MoreKenner Housing Authority
| Waiting List | Status |
|---|---|
| Kenner, Louisiana | Closed |
Kenner 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 MoreKinder Housing Program
| Waiting List | Status |
|---|---|
| Kinder, Louisiana | Closed |
Kinder Housing Program 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 MoreLafayette Housing Authority
| Waiting List | Status |
|---|---|
| Lafayette, Louisiana | Closed |
Lafayette 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 MoreLafourche Parish Housing Authority
| Waiting List | Status |
|---|---|
| Lafourche Parish, Louisiana | Closed |
Lafourche Parish 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 MoreLake Charles Housing Authority
| Waiting List | Status |
|---|---|
| Lake Charles, Louisiana | Closed |
Lake Charles 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 MoreMinden Housing Authority
| Waiting List | Status |
|---|---|
| Minden, Louisiana | Closed |
Minden 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 MoreMonroe Housing Authority
| Waiting List | Status |
|---|---|
| Monroe, Louisiana | Closed |
Monroe 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 MoreMorgan City Housing Authority
| Waiting List | Status |
|---|---|
| Morgan City Housing Authority | Closed |
Morgan City 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 MorePilgrim Rest Community Development Agency
Pilgrim Rest Community Development Agency serves Louisiana.
Learn MorePineville Housing Authority
| Waiting List | Status |
|---|---|
| Pineville, Louisiana | Closed |
Pineville 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 MoreSection 8 Housing Office of the City of Ruston
| Waiting List | Status |
|---|---|
| Ruston, Louisiana | Closed |
Section 8 Housing Office of the City of Ruston 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 MoreSlidell Housing Authority
| Waiting List | Status |
|---|---|
| Slidell Housing Authority | Closed |
Slidell 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 MoreSouthwest Acadia Consolidated Housing Authority
Southwest Acadia Consolidated Housing Authority serves Louisiana.
Learn MoreSt. Bernard Parish Government Housing and Redevelopment Department
| Waiting List | Status |
|---|---|
| St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana | Closed |
St. Bernard Parish Government Housing and Redevelopment Department 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 MoreSt. Charles Parish Housing Authority
| Waiting List | Status |
|---|---|
| St. Charles Parish, Louisiana | Closed |
St. Charles Parish 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 MoreSt. John the Baptist Parish Housing Authority - Public Housing
St. John the Baptist Parish Housing Authority - Public Housing serves Louisiana.
Learn MoreSt. John the Baptist Parish Housing Authority - Section 8
| Waiting List | Status |
|---|---|
| St. John the Baptist Parish, Louisiana | Closed |
St. John the Baptist Parish Housing Authority - Section 8 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 MoreSt. Landry Parish Housing Authority
St. Landry Parish Housing Authority serves Louisiana.
Learn MoreTerrebonne Parish Consolidated Government
| Waiting List | Status |
|---|---|
| Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana | Closed |
Terrebonne Parish Consolidated Government 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 MoreVillage of Fenton Housing Authority
Village of Fenton Housing Authority serves Louisiana.
Learn MoreWashington Parish Housing Authority
| Waiting List | Status |
|---|---|
| Washington Parish Housing Authority | Closed |
Washington Parish 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 MoreWest Carroll Parish Police Jury Housing Assistance
West Carroll Parish Police Jury Housing Assistance serves Louisiana.
Learn MoreWest Monroe Housing Authority
| Waiting List | Status |
|---|---|
| West Monroe, Louisiana | Closed |
West Monroe 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 MoreAre Section 8 Waiting Lists Open in Louisiana?
As of February 23, 2024, AHO is tracking 0 waiting lists open right now that are scheduled to close in the near future. Additionally, AHO is monitoring 4 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 4 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 Louisiana in the last few years?
During the last three years, there were 11 HCV waiting lists open for at least a day in Louisiana.
How long were HCV waiting lists kept open in Louisiana in the last few years?
Section 8 HCV waiting lists in Louisiana were kept open an average of 974 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, 9.1% of waiting lists in Louisiana that opened had a preference for local residents.
To what extent do housing authorities in Louisiana 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 18.2% of waiting list applications in in Louisiana over the last three years.
How fair is waiting list placement in Louisiana?
Random lotteries were used by 0% of housing authorities in Louisiana 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 Louisiana before receiving a voucher?
Households spend an average of 26 months on a waiting list before receiving a voucher in Louisiana.
Who is served by HCV programs offered through housing authorities in Louisiana?
HCV households served by housing authorities in Louisiana include:
- 24% headed by seniors
- 21% with a person with a disability
- 48% with children
- 30% 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 Louisiana?
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 Louisiana, VLI households make up 92% of voucher-holding households.
ELI households make up 71% 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.