Tuscaloosa, AL

Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Tuscaloosa, Alabama

There are 2 open waiting lists in the Tuscaloosa area right now. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 1 housing authority serving Tuscaloosa, 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 Tuscaloosa, 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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Open Now
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Closed

Affordable Housing in Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Tuscaloosa, Alabama is served by 1 housing authority offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Right now, 2 waiting lists are accepting applications in the Tuscaloosa area. There are also 23 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.

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

Latest Opening

Housing Authority of Tuscaloosa opened its Homeownership waitlist .

About Housing in Tuscaloosa, Alabama

For those seeking affordable housing assistance in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, the primary resource is the Housing Authority of Tuscaloosa (HAT). This agency oversees approximately 3,220 assisted housing units in the area. Currently, HAT has two waiting lists open to new applicants, while one list is closed.

Programs available through HAT include Homeownership and Public Housing, both of which currently have open waiting lists. The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program, however, currently has a closed waiting list. It is advisable for applicants to regularly check with the Housing Authority of Tuscaloosa for current updates on waitlist openings and application procedures.

Income eligibility is a key factor for housing assistance. For a family of four in the Tuscaloosa, AL HUD Metro FMR Area, the Very Low Income limit for Fiscal Year 2025 is $45,550 per year. The Alabama Housing Finance Authority (AHFA) also supports state-level housing initiatives. Understanding these income limits and program statuses is essential when preparing an application for housing assistance in Tuscaloosa.

How to Apply for Section 8 in Tuscaloosa

To apply for housing assistance in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, submit an application directly to Housing Authority of Tuscaloosa, the housing authority serving this area. Right now, 2 waiting lists are 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 $45,550/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 Tuscaloosa include Homeownership, 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).

Tuscaloosa, Alabama Section 8 Income Limits

To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the Tuscaloosa, AL HUD Metro FMR Area area. A family of four must earn less than $45,550 per year (Very Low Income) to be eligible for most programs. The area median family income is $91,100.

Household Size Extremely Low
30% AMI
Very Low
50% AMI
Low Income
80% AMI
1 Person $19,150 $31,900 $51,050
2 Persons $21,900 $36,450 $58,350
3 Persons $26,650 $41,000 $65,650
4 Persons $32,150 $45,550 $72,900
5 Persons $37,650 $49,200 $78,750
6 Persons $43,150 $52,850 $84,600
7 Persons $48,650 $56,500 $90,400
8 Persons $54,150 $60,150 $96,250
Source: HUD FY 2025 Income Limits Area Median Income: $91,100 Effective April 1, 2025
How do income limits affect my eligibility?

Housing authorities in Tuscaloosa 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 Tuscaloosa?
Yes — there are currently 2 open waiting lists in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Click into any housing authority above marked "Open" for application details and official portal links.
Can I apply for Section 8 in Tuscaloosa 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 Tuscaloosa?
Wait times vary depending on demand, funding, and your priority status. National averages range from 6 months to 5+ years. Tuscaloosa 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