County of Merced Housing Authority
Merced, California
Last Updated
3 hours ago
About County of Merced Housing Authority
County of Merced Housing Authority (HUD agency code CA023) is the public housing agency serving Merced, Merced County, California. It administers 421 public housing units and 2,891 Housing Choice Vouchers.
Section 8 Waitlist tracks 14 waiting lists at this agency, covering Other, Rural Development, HCV, PBV, Public Housing, EHV, RAD, VASH. As of Apr 24, 2026, 4 are open and 3 are closed. Status is unconfirmed for 7 further lists.
Income eligibility is set by HUD for the Merced, CA MSA. A four-person household qualifies as Very Low Income at or below $46,950 per year, and as Low Income at or below $75,100 (HUD FY2025 limits). Most waiting lists at this agency apply the Very Low Income threshold.
Section 8 Waitlist has recorded 22 status changes at this agency, most recently on Aug 26, 2026. Always confirm current status with the agency directly before applying.
Other Programs Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Additional Notes
The Felix Torres Year-Round Farmworker Housing program continues to accept paper applications.
Farmworker Housing
Status
open
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
This program, specifically the Felix Torres Year-Round Farmworker Housing in Planada (60 units), is for families with at least one person earning a minimum of $5,752.50 annually from domestic farm labor, or retired/disabled farm labor workers. Applications are accepted via paper (pickup in person) or online download.
Felix Torres Year-Round Farmworker Housing
Status
open
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
Rents are income-based, calculated at 30% Area Median Income. The head of household must have legal status to work in the United States. Other eligibility screening criteria are applicable.
USDA Rural Development Housing Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Online or In-person
Additional Notes
The County of Merced Housing Authority opened its Felix Torres Year-Round Farmworker Housing waitlist. Rents are income-based at 30% Area Median Income, and the head of household must have legal status to work in the United States.
Other Programs
7 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.
Interested applicants must visit the Public Notices page for updates. Waiting list opening announcements with detailed sign-up information are posted there. Applications may be rejected if the family does not meet the occupancy standards for the waiting list that was open and/or if a closed waiting list is selected.
PBV sites accept applications periodically. The website does not specify current open or closed status for the overall PBV program or provide specific application deadlines.
Interested applicants must visit the Public Notices page for waiting list updates. Waiting list opening announcements with detailed sign-up information are posted there. Applications may be rejected if the family does not meet the occupancy standards (bedroom size) for the waiting list that was open and/or if a closed waiting list is selected.
Emergency Housing Vouchers assist households who are homeless, at risk of homelessness, or fleeing domestic violence, human trafficking, or similar situations. Referrals typically come through a local Continuum of Care rather than an open waiting list.
Requires at least one household member to earn a minimum of $5,752.50 annually from domestic farm labor, or be a retired/disabled farm labor worker. Rents are income-based, calculated at 30% Area Median Income. Head of household must hold legal status to work in the United States. Applications are paper-based, available for pick up at 925 N. Plainsburg Rd., Planada, CA 95365, or for download online.
This housing opportunity is for families with at least one person earning a minimum of $5,752.50 annually from domestic farm labor, or families with a retired or disabled farm labor worker. Applications can be submitted online via the Authority's website application portal or in-person at Self-Help Kiosks located at 405 U Street, Merced.
Additional programs administered by this housing authority that do not fall under a standard federal voucher or public housing category.
Additional programs administered by this housing authority that do not fall under a standard federal voucher or public housing category.
The Rental Assistance Demonstration program converts Public Housing units to project-based assistance, allowing housing authorities to leverage private funding for property rehabilitation while preserving long-term affordability for residents.
Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing combines HUD rental assistance with VA supportive services for homeless veterans. Participants receive a housing voucher along with case management, health care, and mental health services through the VA.
Status History
Deadline: Sep 16, 2026
Deadline: Sep 16, 2026
Official Application
Apply directly through the official County of Merced Housing Authority portal. Applications are free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.
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 County of Merced Housing Authority
Check Current Status
County of Merced Housing Authority currently has 4 open waiting lists (Other Programs, USDA Rural Development Housing). Application windows can close with little notice, so apply as soon as possible.
Gather Required Documents
For Section 8 voucher programs at County of Merced 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 $46,950/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 County of Merced Housing Authority portal. Applications are free — never pay to apply.
After You Apply
Once accepted onto the waiting list at County of Merced Housing Authority, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. County of Merced Housing Authority manages approximately 3,312 assisted housing units (2,891 Section 8, 421 Public Housing), and wait times depend on turnover and demand in Merced. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.
Programs at County of Merced Housing Authority
Other Other Programs open
The Other Programs program at County of Merced Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Merced. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Rural Development USDA Rural Development Housing open
The USDA Rural Development Housing program at County of Merced Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Merced. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
HCV Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) closed
The Housing Choice Voucher program at County of Merced 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 Merced. This program serves approximately 2,891 households. Vouchers are portable — you can take them with you if you move to a different city or state.
PBV Project-Based Voucher (PBV) closed
Project-Based Vouchers at County of Merced Housing Authority are attached to specific apartment complexes or units in Merced. 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 County of Merced Housing Authority are owned and operated directly by the housing authority. Rent is set at 30% of your adjusted monthly income. County of Merced Housing Authority manages approximately 421 Public Housing units in Merced. You may request a transfer to other Public Housing developments but cannot use this benefit at private rental properties.
EHV Emergency Housing Voucher (EHV) closed
The Emergency Housing Voucher (EHV) program at County of Merced Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Merced. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
RAD Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) closed
The Rental Assistance Demonstration program at County of Merced Housing Authority converts Public Housing units to project-based assistance with long-term contracts. RAD units in Merced maintain the same resident protections as Public Housing while enabling capital improvements to the properties.
VASH Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) closed
The HUD-VASH program at County of Merced Housing Authority combines Housing Choice Vouchers with VA supportive services for homeless veterans in Merced. Referrals are made through the local VA Medical Center — contact the VA to begin the application process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is applying at County of Merced Housing Authority free?
How long is the wait at County of Merced Housing Authority?
Can I apply to other housing authorities while on this waitlist?
How do I contact County of Merced Housing Authority?
What are the income limits for County of Merced Housing Authority?
County of Merced Housing Authority Income Limits
Income limits for programs at the County of Merced Housing Authority are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for Merced, CA MSA. For a household of four, the current limit for Section 8 eligibility (Very Low Income) is $46,950. 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 | $19,750 | $32,900 | $52,600 |
| 2 Persons | $22,550 | $37,600 | $60,100 |
| 3 Persons | $26,650 | $42,300 | $67,600 |
| 4 Persons | $32,150 | $46,950 | $75,100 |
| 5 Persons | $37,650 | $50,750 | $81,150 |
| 6 Persons | $43,150 | $54,500 | $87,150 |
| 7 Persons | $48,650 | $58,250 | $93,150 |
| 8 Persons | $54,150 | $62,000 | $99,150 |
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 County of Merced Housing Authority — including across state lines.