Complete Guide to Section 8 & Public Housing in Connecticut
Connecticut has 50 housing authorities managing a combined 510 waiting lists across Section 8 (HCV), Public Housing, and Project-Based Voucher programs. Currently, 138 of those lists are accepting applications — an open rate of approximately 27%. This data was last verified on Aug 6, 2026.
Connecticut provides various affordable housing assistance options through its 50 housing authorities, which manage a total of 349 waiting lists across the state. Currently, 84 of these lists are open, representing a 24% open rate, while 220 lists are closed. Key programs with open lists include Public Housing, with 17 of its 50 lists accepting applications, and Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), which has 6 open lists out of 38. For applicants seeking specialized housing, State Elderly Housing has both of its 2 lists open, and Congregate Housing has 2 open lists out of 3. Other programs like Mainstream and Family Housing currently have no open lists.
The availability of assistance varies by location and program. Danbury's Housing Authority stands out with 7 open lists. Hartford has 3 open lists across its 3 housing authorities, while Bridgeport and Canton each have 1 open list. For many Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) statewide, a centralized waitlist manages Elderly/Disabled housing applications, simplifying the process for this demographic. However, Hartford, New Haven, and Bridgeport operate independently, requiring separate applications for their programs. Other open opportunities include specific programs such as one open Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) list out of 50, a LIHTC (Low-Income Housing Tax Credit) list, Assisted Living programs (with 5 open lists), and several Below Market Rate (BMR) and Workforce Housing options, each having multiple open lists. Veterans may find assistance through one open VASH list.
Prospective applicants should actively monitor individual housing authority lists, as their status can change. For example, the Waterbury Housing Authority recently changed its Public Housing list from open to closed, while the Housing Authority of the Town of Enfield opened its Public Housing list. The Housing Authority of the City of Danbury also changed a Public Housing list from open to closed, illustrating the dynamic nature of availability. The Connecticut Housing Finance Authority (CHFA) serves as the state's housing agency and is a key resource. Focusing efforts on the 84 currently open lists, particularly for programs like Public Housing, PBV, State Elderly Housing, and various Elderly/Disabled options, can improve the chances of securing affordable housing assistance.
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The affordable housing programs tracked in Connecticut include Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV) (3 open), Public Housing (12 open), Project-Based Vouchers (PBV) (6 open), Mainstream (1 open), RAD (2 open), VASH (1 open). Each program has its own eligibility criteria, application process, and wait times. In most cases, applicants can apply to multiple program types at the same housing authority, and there is no limit to the number of housing authorities you can apply to statewide.
The cities with the most open waitlists in Connecticut right now are Stamford (55), Storrs (14), Seymour (11), Danbury (9), and Enfield (8) . Applicants who are flexible about location will generally receive assistance sooner than those who apply to a single waitlist in a high-demand area.
Latest opening: Housing Authority of the City of Hartford — Public Housing
Eligibility Requirements for Connecticut
To qualify for assistance in Connecticut, applicants must meet specific income and household criteria set by the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority (CHFA).
- Income: Below HUD local limits
- Citizenship: U.S. Citizen or eligible legal status
- Background: Criminal background check required
- Residency: Preferences often given to locals
Real-Time Data Verification
Section 8 Waitlist aggregates data from official Connecticut legal notices, government press releases, and PHA portal updates. Every listing is cross-referenced with Connecticut Housing Finance Authority (CHFA) to ensure that families receive accurate information for low-income programs.