Cottonwood, AL

Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Cottonwood, Alabama

There is 1 open waiting list in the Cottonwood area right now. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 1 housing authority serving Cottonwood, Alabama and updates statuses nightly. Below you will find every PHA in the area with current waitlist status, program types, and direct application links.

If no lists are currently open in Cottonwood, we recommend applying to nearby cities as well. There is no limit to the number of waiting lists you can join, and many housing authorities accept applications from non-residents.

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Affordable Housing in Cottonwood, Alabama

Cottonwood, Alabama is served by 1 housing authority offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Right now, 1 waiting list is accepting applications in the Cottonwood area. There are also 24 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.

Housing programs available in Cottonwood include Public Housing, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV). Of these, the following currently have open waitlists: Public Housing (1 open).

Latest Opening

Cottonwood Housing Authority opened its Public Housing waitlist on Jul 1, 2017.

About Housing in Cottonwood, Alabama

For individuals and families seeking affordable housing assistance in Cottonwood, Alabama, the primary local resource is the Cottonwood Housing Authority. This authority manages approximately 53 assisted housing units within the area, providing crucial support for residents.

Currently, the Cottonwood Housing Authority has one waiting list open for its Public Housing program. The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program, which also falls under the authority's purview, currently has one waiting list that is closed to new applications. A crucial eligibility factor for these programs is household income. For instance, a family of four seeking very low-income assistance in the Dothan, AL HUD Metro FMR Area must generally not exceed an annual income of $39,100, based on FY2025 guidelines.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the Cottonwood Housing Authority directly for the most current information regarding eligibility requirements, application procedures, and any changes to waitlist openings. The Alabama Housing Finance Authority (AHFA) also serves as the state housing agency, supporting affordable housing initiatives across Alabama.

How to Apply for Section 8 in Cottonwood

To apply for housing assistance in Cottonwood, Alabama, submit an application directly to Cottonwood Housing Authority, the housing authority serving this area. Right now, 1 waiting list is accepting applications — apply as soon as possible, as open enrollment periods can close with short notice. Applications are always free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.

Before applying, gather the following documents for all household members: government-issued photo ID, Social Security cards, birth certificates for minors, proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, benefit statements), and proof of current address. For a family of four in this area, income must be below $39,100/year (Very Low Income threshold) to qualify for most programs. Having these ready before a waitlist opens can be the difference between getting on the list and missing the window.

Housing programs available in Cottonwood include Public Housing, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV). Applying to multiple program types simultaneously improves your chances of receiving assistance. After submitting, you will be placed on the waiting list based on the date of your application and any applicable preferences (veterans, elderly, disabled, working families, or local residents).

Cottonwood, Alabama Section 8 Income Limits

To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Cottonwood, Alabama, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the Dothan, AL HUD Metro FMR Area area. A family of four must earn less than $39,100 per year (Very Low Income) to be eligible for most programs. The area median family income is $78,200.

Household Size Extremely Low
30% AMI
Very Low
50% AMI
Low Income
80% AMI
1 Person $16,450 $27,400 $43,800
2 Persons $21,150 $31,300 $50,050
3 Persons $26,650 $35,200 $56,300
4 Persons $32,150 $39,100 $62,550
5 Persons $37,650 $42,250 $67,600
6 Persons $43,150 $45,400 $72,600
7 Persons $48,500 $48,500 $77,600
8 Persons $51,650 $51,650 $82,600
Source: HUD FY 2025 Income Limits Area Median Income: $78,200 Effective April 1, 2025
How do income limits affect my eligibility?

Housing authorities in Cottonwood use these income limits to determine who qualifies for rental assistance. Your total household income before taxes is compared against the limit for your household size.

Very Low Income (50% AMI) — Most Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers and Public Housing programs require your income to be at or below this level. This is the primary eligibility threshold.

Extremely Low Income (30% AMI) — Households at this level often receive priority on waiting lists. By law, housing authorities must allocate a portion of vouchers to extremely low-income families.

Low Income (80% AMI) — Some programs, including Project-Based Vouchers and locally funded initiatives, accept applicants up to this threshold. Contact individual housing authorities below for their specific requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there open Section 8 waiting lists in Cottonwood?
Yes — there are currently 1 open waiting list in Cottonwood, Alabama. Click into any housing authority above marked "Open" for application details and official portal links.
Can I apply for Section 8 in Cottonwood if I don't live there?
In most cases, yes. While some PHAs give preference to local residents, there is no federal rule requiring you to live in a city to apply for its waiting list. Many applicants apply to housing authorities in multiple cities and states simultaneously to increase their chances of receiving assistance.
How long is the wait for Section 8 in Cottonwood?
Wait times vary depending on demand, funding, and your priority status. National averages range from 6 months to 5+ years. Cottonwood wait times depend on the specific housing authority and program type. Contact the PHA directly for current estimates, and consider applying to multiple PHAs to improve your chances.
All housing authorities in Alabama