Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Santa Ana, California
There is 1 open waiting list in the Santa Ana area right now. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 2 housing authorities serving Santa Ana, 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 Santa Ana, 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 Santa Ana, California
Santa Ana, California is served by 2 housing authorities offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Right now, 1 waiting list is accepting applications in the Santa Ana area. There are also 41 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.
Housing programs available in Santa Ana include Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Mainstream, Public Housing. Of these, the following currently have open waitlists: PBV (1 open).
Latest Opening
Housing Authority of the City of Santa Ana opened its PBV waitlist on Dec 1, 2023.
About Housing in Santa Ana, California
For individuals and families seeking affordable housing in Santa Ana, California, assistance is primarily managed by two local agencies: the Orange County Housing Authority and the Housing Authority of the City of Santa Ana. These authorities administer various programs designed to help residents secure stable housing.
Currently, out of five total waiting lists, one is open for applications, while the remaining four are closed. Available programs include the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV), Project-Based Voucher (PBV), Mainstream Vouchers, and Public Housing. While no HCV, Mainstream, or Public Housing lists are presently accepting new applications, one PBV waiting list is currently open. There are approximately 15,084 assisted housing units in the Santa Ana area.
Understanding income requirements is crucial for eligibility. For example, for a family of four in the Santa Ana-Anaheim-Irvine, CA HUD Metro FMR Area, the Very Low Income limit for Fiscal Year 2025 is $84,600 per year. The California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) oversees statewide housing initiatives. Those interested in housing assistance should regularly check the status of these waiting lists, as opportunities can change and open periodically. It is important to apply promptly when a relevant list opens.
How to Apply for Section 8 in Santa Ana
To apply for housing assistance in Santa Ana, California, submit an application directly to one of the 2 housing authorities serving the Santa Ana area (listed above). 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 $84,600/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 Santa Ana include Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Mainstream, Public Housing. 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).
Santa Ana, California Section 8 Income Limits
To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Santa Ana, California, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the Santa Ana-Anaheim-Irvine, CA HUD Metro FMR Area area. A family of four must earn less than $84,600 per year (Very Low Income) to be eligible for most programs. The area median family income is $136,600.
| Household Size | Extremely Low 30% AMI |
Very Low 50% AMI |
Low Income 80% AMI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $35,550 | $59,250 | $94,750 |
| 2 Persons | $40,600 | $67,700 | $108,300 |
| 3 Persons | $45,700 | $76,150 | $121,850 |
| 4 Persons | $50,750 | $84,600 | $135,350 |
| 5 Persons | $54,850 | $91,400 | $146,200 |
| 6 Persons | $58,900 | $98,150 | $157,050 |
| 7 Persons | $62,950 | $104,950 | $167,850 |
| 8 Persons | $67,000 | $111,700 | $178,700 |
How do income limits affect my eligibility?
Housing authorities in Santa Ana 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 Santa Ana and have active housing programs.