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About Housing Authority of Bessemer
The Housing Authority of Bessemer, located in Bessemer, Jefferson County, Alabama, provides housing assistance programs to eligible low-income individuals and families. It manages approximately 1,301 assisted housing units, which include 593 Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV) and 708 Public Housing units. All waiting lists for housing assistance through the Housing Authority of Bessemer are currently closed.
Currently, the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), and Public Housing program waiting lists are closed to new applicants. This includes recent changes where both the HCV and Public Housing waiting lists moved from open to closed status. For reference, the very low-income limit for a family of four in the Birmingham-Hoover, AL HUD Metro FMR Area is $47,950 per year. Applicants are advised to check directly with the Housing Authority for any future updates on waiting list availability.
Other Programs
3 programsThese programs are administered by this housing authority but do not have active waitlist openings at this time. Statuses are verified nightly and subscribers will be notified when changes are detected.
Applications are accepted when funding is available. BHA announces open application periods through public notices. Eligible applicants are placed on a waiting list based on the date and time of application and any applicable preferences, or the PHA conducts a random drawing. Preferences may be given to certain groups, such as veterans or those displaced by natural disasters.
J.I. Cobb / Hillside Homes (2BR & 3BR Waiting Lists are closed). Davis Heights / Asbury Howard (2BR & 3BR Waiting Lists are closed).
J.I. Cobb / Hillside Homes (2BR & 3BR) and Jess Lanier Manor (55 & Disable) and Davis Heights / Asbury Howard (2BR & 3BR) waiting lists are closed.
Status History
Deadline: Nov 7, 2025
Official Application
Contact Housing Authority of Bessemer directly at (205) 481-4420 to request an application. Applications are always free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.
Contact the housing authority directly for application information.
WARNING: DO NOT PAY ANYONE TO APPLY FOR HOUSING
Contact Information
Important Notices
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Waiting lists can close without notice once a specific number of applications is reached.
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Ensure your contact information is always up to date with the PHA to avoid being removed from the list.
How to Apply at Housing Authority of Bessemer
Check Current Status
All 3 waiting lists at Housing Authority of Bessemer are currently closed. Lists typically open with short notice — sometimes as little as 48 hours. The status at the top of this page is updated nightly.
Gather Required Documents
For Section 8 voucher programs at Housing Authority of Bessemer, you will typically need: government-issued photo ID for all adult household members, Social Security cards for all members, birth certificates for minors, proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, benefit letters), and proof of current address. For a family of four, income must be below $47,950/year to qualify in this area. Having these ready before the waitlist opens can make the difference between getting on the list and missing the window.
Submit Your Application
Contact Housing Authority of Bessemer directly at (205) 481-4420 to request an application. Applications are always free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.
After You Apply
Once accepted onto the waiting list at Housing Authority of Bessemer, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. Housing Authority of Bessemer manages approximately 1,301 assisted housing units (593 Section 8, 708 Public Housing), and wait times depend on turnover and demand in Bessemer. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.
Programs at Housing Authority of Bessemer
HCV Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) closed
The Housing Choice Voucher program at Housing Authority of Bessemer provides rental assistance that allows you to choose any privately-owned rental unit that meets program requirements. You pay approximately 30% of your adjusted monthly income toward rent, and the voucher covers the remainder up to the Fair Market Rent for Bessemer. This program serves approximately 593 households. Vouchers are portable — you can take them with you if you move to a different city or state.
PBV Project-Based Voucher closed
Project-Based Vouchers at Housing Authority of Bessemer are attached to specific apartment complexes or units in Bessemer. Unlike the standard Housing Choice Voucher, PBV assistance stays with the property — not with you. However, after one year of occupancy, you may request a standard portable voucher. PBV waitlists often move faster because fewer applicants know about them.
Public Housing Public Housing closed
Public Housing units at Housing Authority of Bessemer are owned and operated directly by the housing authority. Rent is set at 30% of your adjusted monthly income. Housing Authority of Bessemer manages approximately 708 Public Housing units in Bessemer. You may request a transfer to other Public Housing developments but cannot use this benefit at private rental properties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is applying at Housing Authority of Bessemer free?
How long is the wait at Housing Authority of Bessemer?
Can I apply to other housing authorities while on this waitlist?
How do I contact Housing Authority of Bessemer?
What are the income limits for Housing Authority of Bessemer?
Housing Authority of Bessemer Income Limits
Income limits for programs at the Housing Authority of Bessemer are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for Birmingham-Hoover, AL HUD Metro FMR Area. For a household of four, the current limit for Section 8 eligibility (Very Low Income) is $47,950. Limits are set annually by HUD and vary by household size.
| Household Size | Extremely Low 30% AMI |
Very Low 50% AMI |
Low Income 80% AMI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $20,150 | $33,600 | $53,700 |
| 2 Persons | $23,000 | $38,400 | $61,400 |
| 3 Persons | $26,650 | $43,200 | $69,050 |
| 4 Persons | $32,150 | $47,950 | $76,700 |
| 5 Persons | $37,650 | $51,800 | $82,850 |
| 6 Persons | $43,150 | $55,650 | $89,000 |
| 7 Persons | $48,650 | $59,500 | $95,150 |
| 8 Persons | $54,150 | $63,300 | $101,250 |
What do these income limits mean?
Extremely Low Income (30% AMI) — Households earning at or below 30% of the Area Median Income. This is the threshold for the lowest-income tier of assistance. Many housing authorities give preference to applicants at this level.
Very Low Income (50% AMI) — The standard eligibility threshold for Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers and most Public Housing programs. Your household income must be at or below this limit to qualify.
Low Income (80% AMI) — Some programs, including Project-Based Vouchers and certain local initiatives, use this higher threshold. Check with this housing authority for specific program requirements.
Nearby Housing Authorities
Applying to multiple housing authorities increases your chances of receiving assistance. These PHAs are closest to Housing Authority of Bessemer — including across state lines.