Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Washington, District of Columbia
All waiting lists in Washington are currently closed. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 2 housing authorities serving Washington, District of Columbia 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 Washington, 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 Washington, District of Columbia
Washington, District of Columbia is served by 2 housing authorities offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Currently, all waitlists in Washington are closed. Openings can happen with as little as 48 hours notice, so monitoring is critical. There are also 36 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.
Housing programs available in Washington include Public Housing, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Project-Based Vouchers (PBV).
Open Lists Nearby
While no waitlists are open in Washington right now, there are 36 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 Washington, District of Columbia
Washington, District of Columbia offers various affordable housing options managed by two primary housing authorities: the D.C Housing Authority and Community Connections. The District of Columbia Housing Authority (DCHA) also serves as the state housing agency. Currently, there are 0 open affordable housing waitlists in Washington D.C., with 15 waitlists presently closed.
Programs available in the area include Public Housing, the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program, Project-Based Voucher (PBV) programs, and Moderate Rehabilitation. Residents may also find options through Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH), Supported Independent Living (SIL), Emergency Rental Programs, Group Homes, and the Local Rent Supplement Program (LRSP). There are approximately 25,653 assisted housing units available in the Washington D.C. area.
For applicants, it's important to be aware of income limits. For instance, the Very Low Income limit for a family of four in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD HUD Metro FMR Area is $81,950 per year (FY2025). As waitlists can close quickly, prospective applicants are encouraged to regularly check for updates on openings from both the D.C Housing Authority and Community Connections.
Housing Authorities in Washington
Community Connections
Washington, District of Columbia · DC880
D.C Housing Authority
Washington, District of Columbia · DC001
How to Apply for Section 8 in Washington
To apply for housing assistance in Washington, District of Columbia, submit an application directly to one of the 2 housing authorities serving the Washington area (listed above). 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 $81,950/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 Washington include Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Other Supportive Housing Programs, Supportive Housing, Public Housing, Moderate Rehabilitation, Moderate Rehabilitation Program, Local Rent Supplement Program, Local Rent Supplement Program (LRSP), Emergency Rental Program, Supported Independent Living (SIL), Group Homes, Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH), Supportive Housing (Community Connections), Permanent Supportive Housing, other. 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).
Washington, District of Columbia Section 8 Income Limits
To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Washington, District of Columbia, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD HUD Metro FMR Area area. A family of four must earn less than $81,950 per year (Very Low Income) to be eligible for most programs. The area median family income is $163,900.
| Household Size | Extremely Low 30% AMI |
Very Low 50% AMI |
Low Income 80% AMI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $34,450 | $57,400 | $74,800 |
| 2 Persons | $39,350 | $65,600 | $85,450 |
| 3 Persons | $44,250 | $73,800 | $96,150 |
| 4 Persons | $49,150 | $81,950 | $106,800 |
| 5 Persons | $53,100 | $88,550 | $115,350 |
| 6 Persons | $57,050 | $95,100 | $123,900 |
| 7 Persons | $60,950 | $101,650 | $132,450 |
| 8 Persons | $64,900 | $108,200 | $141,000 |
How do income limits affect my eligibility?
Housing authorities in Washington 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 Washington and have active housing programs.