Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in National City, California
All waiting lists in National City are currently closed. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 1 housing authority serving National City, 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 National City, 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 National City, California
National City, California is served by 1 housing authority offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Currently, all waitlists in National City are closed. Openings can happen with as little as 48 hours notice, so monitoring is critical. There are also 10 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.
Housing programs available in National City 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 National City right now, there are 10 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 National City, California
Federal rental assistance in National City, San Diego County is administered by Community Development Corporation of National City (HUD agency code CA116). It administers roughly 1,131 assisted housing units.
Section 8 Waitlist tracks 12 waiting lists across this agency. As of Apr 23, 2026, none are accepting applications. Another 10 open lists are within 50 miles; most agencies accept applications from non-residents.
HUD sets income eligibility for this area as San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA MSA. A four-person household qualifies as Very Low Income at or below $82,700 per year, and as Low Income at or below $132,400 (HUD FY2025 limits).
Housing Authorities in National City
How to Apply for Section 8 in National City
To apply for housing assistance in National City, California, submit an application directly to Community Development Corporation of National City, 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 $82,700/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 National City include Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Affordable Housing (Union Tower), EHV, Other (Union Tower Affordable Housing Project), Affordable Housing, Other, Other (Emergency Housing Vouchers), Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Public Housing, VASH, RAD, Mainstream. 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).
National City, California Section 8 Income Limits
To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in National City, California, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA MSA area. A family of four must earn less than $82,700 per year (Very Low Income) to be eligible for most programs. The area median family income is $130,800.
| Household Size | Extremely Low 30% AMI |
Very Low 50% AMI |
Low Income 80% AMI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $34,750 | $57,900 | $92,700 |
| 2 Persons | $39,700 | $66,150 | $105,950 |
| 3 Persons | $44,650 | $74,450 | $119,200 |
| 4 Persons | $49,600 | $82,700 | $132,400 |
| 5 Persons | $53,600 | $89,350 | $143,000 |
| 6 Persons | $57,550 | $95,950 | $153,600 |
| 7 Persons | $61,550 | $102,550 | $164,200 |
| 8 Persons | $65,500 | $109,200 | $174,800 |
How do income limits affect my eligibility?
Housing authorities in National City 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 National City and have active housing programs.