Open Section 8 Waiting Lists in New Jersey

Find applications for 2 open Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher waiting lists in New Jersey. There are 106 housing authorities with voucher programs serving about 1,243,983 renter households in New Jersey. Among these, 10.4 percent of housing authorities run larger voucher programs serving thousands of renters. Over the last three years, there have been 27 waiting lists open in New Jersey.

View New Jersey Housing Authorities by the Cities They Serve

New Jersey Housing Authorities

Asbury Park Housing Authority

Waiting List Status
Asbury Park, New Jersey Closed

Asbury Park 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.

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Atlantic City Housing Authority

Waiting List Status
Atlantic City, New Jersey Closed

Atlantic 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.

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Bayonne Housing Authority

Bayonne Housing Authority serves New Jersey.

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Belmar Housing Authority

Belmar Housing Authority serves New Jersey.

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Berkeley Housing Authority

Berkeley Housing Authority serves New Jersey.

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Beverly Housing Authority

Beverly Housing Authority serves New Jersey.

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Boonton Housing Authority

Waiting List Status
Boonton, New Jersey Closed
Boonton, New Jersey Closed

Boonton 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.

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Borough of Clementon Housing Authority

Borough of Clementon Housing Authority serves New Jersey.

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Bridgeton Housing Authority

Bridgeton Housing Authority serves New Jersey.

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Buena Housing Authority

Buena Housing Authority serves New Jersey.

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Burlington County Board of Social Services

Waiting List Status
Burlington County Board of Social Services Closed

Burlington County Board of Social Services 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.

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Burlington Housing Authority

Burlington Housing Authority serves New Jersey.

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Cape May Housing Authority

Cape May Housing Authority serves New Jersey.

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Carteret Housing Authority

Carteret Housing Authority serves New Jersey.

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Cherry Hill Housing Authority

Cherry Hill Housing Authority serves New Jersey.

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City of Clifton Housing Department

Waiting List Status
City of Clifton Housing Department Closed

City of Clifton 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.

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Cliffside Park Housing Authority

Cliffside Park Housing Authority serves New Jersey.

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Collaborative Support Programs of NJ

Collaborative Support Programs of NJ serves New Jersey.

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Collingswood Housing Authority

Collingswood Housing Authority serves New Jersey.

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Community Enterprises Corporation

Community Enterprises Corporation serves New Jersey.

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Edgewater Housing Authority

Waiting List Status
Edgewater Housing Authority Closed

Edgewater 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.

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Edison Housing Authority

Waiting List Status
Edison, New Jersey Closed

Edison 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.

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Elizabeth Housing Authority

Elizabeth Housing Authority serves New Jersey.

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Englewood Housing Authority

Waiting List Status
Englewood, New Jersey Closed

Englewood 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.

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Florence Housing Authority

Florence Housing Authority serves New Jersey.

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Fort Lee Housing Authority

Fort Lee Housing Authority serves New Jersey.

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Freehold Housing Authority

Freehold Housing Authority serves New Jersey.

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Garden State Episcopal CDC

Garden State Episcopal CDC serves New Jersey.

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Garfield Housing Authority

Garfield Housing Authority serves New Jersey.

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Glassboro Housing Authority

Waiting List Status
Glassboro, New Jersey Closed

Glassboro 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.

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Gloucester City Housing Authority

Gloucester City Housing Authority serves New Jersey.

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Guttenberg Housing Authority

Waiting List Status
Guttenberg, New Jersey, Limited Closed

Guttenberg 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.

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Hackensack Housing Authority

Hackensack Housing Authority serves New Jersey.

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Haddon Housing Authority

Haddon Housing Authority serves New Jersey.

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Hamilton Township Housing Authority

Waiting List Status
Hamilton Township, New Jersey Closed

Hamilton Township 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.

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Harrison Housing Authority

Harrison Housing Authority serves New Jersey.

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Highland Park Housing Authority

Waiting List Status
Highland Park, New Jersey Closed

Highland Park 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.

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Highlands Housing Authority

Highlands Housing Authority serves New Jersey.

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Hightstown Housing Authority

Hightstown Housing Authority serves New Jersey.

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Hoboken Housing Authority

Waiting List Status
Hoboken Housing Authority Closed

Hoboken 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.

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Housing Authority City of Linden

Waiting List Status
Linden, New Jersey Closed

Housing Authority City of Linden 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.

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Housing Authority Town of Dover

Waiting List Status
Morris County, New Jersey Closed

Housing Authority Town of Dover 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.

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Housing Authority of Bergen County

Waiting List Status
Bergen County, New Jersey Closed

Housing Authority of Bergen 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.

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Housing Authority of Gloucester County

Waiting List Status
Gloucester County, New Jersey Closed
Veteran Open Until Further Notice

Housing Authority of Gloucester County is accepting applications for a waiting list now.

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Housing Authority of Plainfield

Waiting List Status
Plainfield, New Jersey Closed

Housing Authority of Plainfield 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.

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Housing Authority of the Borough of Lodi

Housing Authority of the Borough of Lodi serves New Jersey.

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Housing Authority of the Borough of Madison

Waiting List Status
Madison, NJ Closed

Housing Authority of the Borough of Madison 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.

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Housing Authority of the Borough of Sayreville

Waiting List Status
Housing Authority of the Borough of Sayreville Closed

Housing Authority of the Borough of Sayreville 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.

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Housing Authority of the City of Camden

Waiting List Status
Camden, New Jersey Closed

Housing Authority of the City of Camden 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.

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Housing Authority of the City of East Orange

Waiting List Status
East Orange, New Jersey Closed
Eaton Place Closed

Housing Authority of the City of East Orange 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.

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Housing Authority of the City of Passaic

Waiting List Status
Passaic, New Jersey Closed

Housing Authority of the City of Passaic 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.

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Housing Authority of the City of Paterson

Waiting List Status
Housing Authority of the City of Paterson Closed

Housing Authority of the City of Paterson 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.

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Housing Authority of the City of Paterson

Housing Authority of the City of Paterson serves New Jersey.

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Housing Authority of the City of Perth Amboy

Waiting List Status
Perth Amboy, New Jersey Limited Closed

Housing Authority of the City of Perth Amboy 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.

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Housing Authority of the Township of Bloomfield

Waiting List Status
Bloomfield, New Jersey Closed

Housing Authority of the Township of Bloomfield 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.

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Housing Authority of the Township of Brick

Waiting List Status
Brick Township, New Jersey Closed

Housing Authority of the Township of Brick 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.

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Housing Authority of the Township of Franklin

Housing Authority of the Township of Franklin serves New Jersey.

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Hunterdon County Division of Housing

Waiting List Status
Hunterdon County, New Jersey Closed

Hunterdon County Division of Housing 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.

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Irvington Township Housing Authority

Waiting List Status
Irvington Township Housing Authority Closed

Irvington Township 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.

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Jersey City Housing Authority

Waiting List Status
Jersey City, New Jersey Closed

Jersey 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.

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Keansburg Housing Authority

Waiting List Status
Keansburg Housing Authority Closed

Keansburg 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.

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Lakewood Housing Authority

Waiting List Status
Lakewood, New Jersey Closed

Lakewood 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.

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Lakewood Township Residential Assistance Program

Waiting List Status
Lakewood Township, New Jersey Closed

Lakewood Township Residential Assistance 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.

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Long Branch Housing Authority

Waiting List Status
Long Branch, New Jersey Closed

Long Branch 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.

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Manville Housing Authority

Manville Housing Authority serves New Jersey.

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Middlesex County Division of Housing and Social Services

Waiting List Status
Middlesex County Division of Housing & Social Services Closed

Middlesex County Division of Housing and Social Services 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.

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Middletown Housing Authority

Waiting List Status
Middletown, New Jersey Closed

Middletown 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.

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Millville Housing Authority

Waiting List Status
Cumberland County, New Jersey Closed

Millville 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.

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Monmouth County Public Housing Agency

Waiting List Status
Monmouth County, New Jersey Closed

Monmouth County Public Housing Agency 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.

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Montclair Housing Authority

Waiting List Status
Montclair Housing Authority Closed

Montclair 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.

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Morris County Housing Authority

Waiting List Status
Morris County, New Jersey Closed

Morris County 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.

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Morristown Housing Authority

Waiting List Status
Morristown, New Jersey Closed

Morristown 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.

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N.j. Hsg. And Mortgage Finance Agcy

N.j. Hsg. And Mortgage Finance Agcy serves New Jersey.

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Neptune Housing Authority

Neptune Housing Authority serves New Jersey.

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New Brunswick Housing Authority

Waiting List Status
New Brunswick, New Jersey Closed

New Brunswick 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.

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Newark Housing Authority

Waiting List Status
Newark, New Jersey Closed

Newark 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.

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Newton Housing Authority

Newton Housing Authority serves New Jersey.

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North Bergen Housing Authority

North Bergen Housing Authority serves New Jersey.

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Ocean City Housing Authority

Ocean City Housing Authority serves New Jersey.

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Old Bridge Housing Authority

Old Bridge Housing Authority serves New Jersey.

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Orange Housing Authority

Waiting List Status
Orange, New Jersey Closed

Orange 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.

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Passaic County Public Housing Agency

Waiting List Status
Passaic County, New Jersey Closed

Passaic County Public Housing Agency 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.

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Penns Grove Housing Authority

Waiting List Status
Salem County, New Jersey Closed

Penns Grove 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.

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Pennsauken Housing Authority

Waiting List Status
Pennsauken, New Jersey Closed

Pennsauken 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.

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Phillipsburg DCD

Waiting List Status
Phillipsburg, New Jersey Closed

Phillipsburg DCD 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.

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Phillipsburg Housing Authority

Phillipsburg Housing Authority serves New Jersey.

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Princeton Housing Authority

Princeton Housing Authority serves New Jersey.

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Rahway Housing Authority

Rahway Housing Authority serves New Jersey.

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Red Bank Housing Authority

Waiting List Status
Red Bank, New Jersey Closed

Red Bank 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.

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Salem Housing Authority

Salem Housing Authority serves New Jersey.

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Secaucus Housing Authority

Secaucus Housing Authority serves New Jersey.

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Somerville Housing Authority

Waiting List Status
Borough of Somerville, New Jersey Closed

Somerville 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.

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South Amboy Housing Authority

South Amboy Housing Authority serves New Jersey.

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State of New Jersey Department of Community Affairs

Waiting List Status
State of New Jersey Closed

State of New Jersey 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.

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Summit Housing Authority

Summit Housing Authority serves New Jersey.

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Trenton Housing Authority

Trenton Housing Authority serves New Jersey.

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Union City Housing Authority

Waiting List Status
Union City Housing Authority Open Until Further Notice

Union City Housing Authority is accepting applications for each waiting list.

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Union County Housing Authority

Union County Housing Authority serves New Jersey.

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Union Township Housing Authority

Union Township Housing Authority serves New Jersey.

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Vineland Housing Authority

Waiting List Status
Vineland, New Jersey Closed

Vineland 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.

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Warren County Housing Authority

Warren County Housing Authority serves New Jersey.

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Weehawken Housing Authority

Weehawken Housing Authority serves New Jersey.

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West New York Housing Authority

West New York Housing Authority serves New Jersey.

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West Orange Public Housing Agency

Waiting List Status
West Orange Public Housing Agency Closed

West Orange Public Housing Agency 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.

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Wildwood Housing Authority

Wildwood Housing Authority serves New Jersey.

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Woodbridge Housing Authority

Waiting List Status
Woodbridge Housing Authority Closed

Woodbridge 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.

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Are Section 8 Waiting Lists Open in New Jersey?

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 2 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 2 waiting lists you can apply to right now and 0 waiting lists you can apply to soon.

How many HCV waiting lists were open in New Jersey in the last few years?

During the last three years, there were 27 HCV waiting lists open for at least a day in New Jersey.

How long were HCV waiting lists kept open in New Jersey in the last few years?

Section 8 HCV waiting lists in New Jersey were kept open an average of 146 days over the last three years.

Many waiting lists were kept open only a short time. In the last three years, 59.3% were open seven days or less and 11.1% were open for only one day (or a few hours) . This means that it is important for low-income renters to apply right away when they find an open waiting list.

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, 55.6% of waiting lists in New Jersey that opened had a preference for local residents.

To what extent do housing authorities in New Jersey 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 74.1% of waiting list applications in in New Jersey over the last three years.

How fair is waiting list placement in New Jersey?

Random lotteries were used by 44.4% of housing authorities in New Jersey 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 New Jersey before receiving a voucher?

Households spend an average of 31 months on a waiting list before receiving a voucher in New Jersey.

Who is served by HCV programs offered through housing authorities in New Jersey?

HCV households served by housing authorities in New Jersey include:

  • 37% headed by seniors
  • 23% with a person with a disability
  • 35% with children
  • 33% 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 New Jersey?

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 New Jersey, VLI households make up 94% of voucher-holding households.

ELI households make up 76% 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.