Jefferson County Housing Authority
Birmingham, Alabama
Last Updated
Yesterday
About Jefferson County Housing Authority
The Jefferson County Housing Authority (JCHA), PHA Code AL086, is located in Birmingham, Jefferson County, Alabama. It manages approximately 2,863 assisted housing units, which include 2,303 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) units and 560 Public Housing units.
JCHA offers various housing programs, including Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Mainstream, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Public Housing, and Senior Housing. All waiting lists for these programs are currently closed, including HCV, Mainstream, Other, PBV, Public Housing, and Senior Housing. Public Housing lists have recently changed status, from "closed" to "opening soon" and then back to "closed."
For a family of four, the Very Low Income limit for the Birmingham-Hoover, AL HUD Metro FMR Area is $47,950 per year. Potential applicants should note that all JCHA waiting lists are presently closed and are not accepting new applications.
Other Programs
6 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.
The HCV Project-Based Voucher program had a waiting list open from April 29, 2024, to May 1, 2024, for individuals 55 years and older for specific properties.
Mainstream vouchers are for non-elderly persons with disabilities (18-62 years of age) and utilize the same application as the Section 8 program, which is currently closed.
The Senior Housing waiting list is currently closed.
This HCV Project-Based Voucher program accepted applications from individuals 55 years and older. Properties included Spring Gardens II, III, IV, Hickory Ridge I, II, III in Birmingham, and Brighton Gardens in Bessemer.
Public housing waitlists for Bessemer, Warrior, and Fultondale are currently closed.
The waiting list for Senior Housing is currently closed.
Status History
Deadline: Mar 5, 2026
Deadline: Mar 4, 2026
Deadline: Mar 5, 2026
Official Application
Apply directly through the official Jefferson County Housing Authority portal. Applications are free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.
Go to Official SiteWARNING: DO NOT PAY ANYONE TO APPLY FOR HOUSING
Contact Information
Important Notices
-
Waiting lists can close without notice once a specific number of applications is reached.
-
Ensure your contact information is always up to date with the PHA to avoid being removed from the list.
How to Apply at Jefferson County Housing Authority
Check Current Status
All 6 waiting lists at Jefferson County Housing Authority 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 Jefferson County Housing Authority, 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
Apply directly through the official Jefferson County Housing Authority portal. Applications are free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf. If applying online, take a screenshot of your confirmation page for your records.
After You Apply
Once accepted onto the waiting list at Jefferson County Housing Authority, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. Jefferson County Housing Authority manages approximately 2,863 assisted housing units (2,303 Section 8, 560 Public Housing), and wait times depend on turnover and demand in Birmingham. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.
Programs at Jefferson County Housing Authority
HCV Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) closed
The Housing Choice Voucher program at Jefferson County Housing Authority 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 Birmingham. This program serves approximately 2,303 households. Vouchers are portable — you can take them with you if you move to a different city or state.
Mainstream Mainstream Voucher closed
Mainstream Vouchers at Jefferson County Housing Authority are specifically designated for non-elderly individuals with disabilities. These vouchers work like standard HCVs but are reserved for this population and often have separate, shorter waitlists.
Other closed
The Other program at Jefferson County Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Birmingham. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
PBV Project-Based Voucher closed
Project-Based Vouchers at Jefferson County Housing Authority are attached to specific apartment complexes or units in Birmingham. 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 Jefferson County Housing Authority are owned and operated directly by the housing authority. Rent is set at 30% of your adjusted monthly income. Jefferson County Housing Authority manages approximately 560 Public Housing units in Birmingham. You may request a transfer to other Public Housing developments but cannot use this benefit at private rental properties.
Senior Housing closed
The Senior Housing program at Jefferson County Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Birmingham. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is applying at Jefferson County Housing Authority free?
How long is the wait at Jefferson County Housing Authority?
Can I apply to other housing authorities while on this waitlist?
How do I contact Jefferson County Housing Authority?
What are the income limits for Jefferson County Housing Authority?
Jefferson County Housing Authority Income Limits
Income limits for programs at the Jefferson County Housing Authority 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 Jefferson County Housing Authority — including across state lines.