Decatur, GA

Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Decatur, Georgia

There are 2 open waiting lists in the Decatur area right now. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 2 housing authorities serving Decatur, Georgia 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 Decatur, 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.

2
Agencies
2
Open Now
6
Closed

Affordable Housing in Decatur, Georgia

Decatur, Georgia is served by 2 housing authorities offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Right now, 2 waiting lists are accepting applications in the Decatur area. There are also 58 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.

Housing programs available in Decatur include Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Public Housing, RAD. Of these, the following currently have open waitlists: PBV (2 open).

Latest Opening

Housing Authority of the City of Decatur opened its PBV waitlist .

About Housing in Decatur, Georgia

Federal rental assistance in Decatur, Dekalb County is administered by 2 housing authorities: Housing Authority of the City of Decatur and Housing Authority of the County of Dekalb. Together they administer roughly 5,762 assisted housing units.

Section 8 Waitlist tracks 8 waiting lists across these agencies. As of Aug 16, 2026, 2 are accepting applications. Another 58 open lists are within 50 miles; most agencies accept applications from non-residents.

HUD sets income eligibility for this area as Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA HUD Metro FMR Area. A four-person household qualifies as Very Low Income at or below $57,100 per year, and as Low Income at or below $91,350 (HUD FY2025 limits).

How to Apply for Section 8 in Decatur

To apply for housing assistance in Decatur, Georgia, submit an application directly to one of the 2 housing authorities serving the Decatur area (listed above). Right now, 2 waiting lists are 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 $57,100/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 Decatur include Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), PBRA, RAD, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), 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).

Decatur, Georgia Section 8 Income Limits

To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Decatur, Georgia, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA HUD Metro FMR Area area. A family of four must earn less than $57,100 per year (Very Low Income) to be eligible for most programs. The area median family income is $114,200.

Household Size Extremely Low
30% AMI
Very Low
50% AMI
Low Income
80% AMI
1 Person $24,000 $40,000 $63,950
2 Persons $27,400 $45,700 $73,100
3 Persons $30,850 $51,400 $82,250
4 Persons $34,250 $57,100 $91,350
5 Persons $37,650 $61,700 $98,700
6 Persons $43,150 $66,250 $106,000
7 Persons $48,650 $70,850 $113,300
8 Persons $54,150 $75,400 $120,600
Source: HUD FY 2025 Income Limits Area Median Income: $114,200 Effective April 1, 2025
How do income limits affect my eligibility?

Housing authorities in Decatur 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there open Section 8 waiting lists in Decatur?
Yes — there are currently 2 open waiting lists in Decatur, Georgia. Click into any housing authority above marked "Open" for application details and official portal links.
Can I apply for Section 8 in Decatur if I don't live there?
In most cases, yes. While some PHAs give preference to local residents, there is no federal rule requiring you to live in a city to apply for its waiting list. Many applicants apply to housing authorities in multiple cities and states simultaneously to increase their chances of receiving assistance.
How long is the wait for Section 8 in Decatur?
Wait times vary depending on demand, funding, and your priority status. National averages range from 6 months to 5+ years. Decatur wait times depend on the specific housing authority and program type. Contact the PHA directly for current estimates, and consider applying to multiple PHAs to improve your chances.
All housing authorities in Georgia