Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Long Beach, California
All waiting lists in Long Beach are currently closed. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 1 housing authority serving Long Beach, California 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 Long Beach, 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.
Affordable Housing in Long Beach, California
Long Beach, California is served by 1 housing authority offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Currently, all waitlists in Long Beach are closed. Openings can happen with as little as 48 hours notice, so monitoring is critical. There are also 39 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.
Housing programs available in Long Beach include Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Mainstream, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Public Housing, RAD, VASH.
Open Lists Nearby
While no waitlists are open in Long Beach right now, there are 39 open lists within 50 miles. Most housing authorities accept applications from non-residents, so applying in neighboring cities is a practical strategy. Scroll down to "Nearby Cities" below for options.
About Housing in Long Beach, California
Long Beach, California, is served by a single housing authority: the City of Long Beach Housing Authority. As of now, there are no open waiting lists for housing assistance programs, with 14 lists currently closed.
The City of Long Beach Housing Authority manages various housing assistance programs, which currently have closed waiting lists. These include programs such as Emergency Housing Voucher, Family Self-Sufficiency, HCV, HOPWA, Mainstream, PBV, Public Housing, RAD, VASH (Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing), and Shelter Plus Care. The Long Beach area provides approximately 7,862 assisted housing units.
For reference, the Very Low Income limit for a family of four in the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Glendale, CA HUD Metro FMR Area is $75,750 per year (FY2025). The California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) serves as the state housing agency. Individuals seeking assistance should regularly monitor the City of Long Beach Housing Authority's official announcements for any future waiting list openings and specific application requirements.
How to Apply for Section 8 in Long Beach
To apply for housing assistance in Long Beach, California, submit an application directly to City of Long Beach Housing Authority, the housing authority serving this area. All waitlists are currently closed, but openings happen with as little as 48 hours 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 $75,750/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 Long Beach include RAD, other, Other Rental Assistance Programs, SPC, Mainstream, VASH, Shelter Plus Care and Homeless Assistance Program, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Public Housing, HOPWA, Other, Shelter Plus Care, Family Self-Sufficiency, Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Emergency Housing Voucher. 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).
Long Beach, California Section 8 Income Limits
To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Long Beach, California, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Glendale, CA HUD Metro FMR Area area. A family of four must earn less than $75,750 per year (Very Low Income) to be eligible for most programs. The area median family income is $106,600.
| Household Size | Extremely Low 30% AMI |
Very Low 50% AMI |
Low Income 80% AMI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $31,850 | $53,000 | $84,850 |
| 2 Persons | $36,400 | $60,600 | $96,950 |
| 3 Persons | $40,950 | $68,150 | $109,050 |
| 4 Persons | $45,450 | $75,750 | $121,150 |
| 5 Persons | $49,100 | $81,800 | $130,850 |
| 6 Persons | $52,750 | $87,850 | $140,550 |
| 7 Persons | $56,400 | $93,900 | $150,250 |
| 8 Persons | $60,000 | $100,000 | $159,950 |
How do income limits affect my eligibility?
Housing authorities in Long Beach 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.
Nearby Cities with Housing Authorities
Applying to nearby cities increases your chances of receiving assistance sooner. These cities are within 75 miles of Long Beach and have active housing programs.