Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Decatur, Georgia
There is 1 open waiting list 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.
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, 1 waiting list is accepting applications in the Decatur area. There are also 33 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 (1 open).
Latest Opening
Housing Authority of the County of Dekalb opened its PBV waitlist on Nov 1, 2021.
About Housing in Decatur, Georgia
Affordable housing in Decatur, Georgia, is managed by two main agencies: the Housing Authority of the County of Dekalb and the Housing Authority of the City of Decatur. Together, these authorities administer approximately 5,762 assisted housing units in the area. Currently, there is one open waiting list for housing assistance, while six other lists are closed. The available open list is for a Project-Based Voucher (PBV) program.
In addition to PBV programs, other assistance options like Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Public Housing, Project-Based Rental Assistance (PBRA), and Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) are available in Decatur, though their waiting lists are presently closed. For applicants, it's important to note the income limits; for instance, the Very Low Income limit for a family of four in the Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA HUD Metro FMR Area is $57,100 per year for FY2025. It is advisable to regularly monitor the status of all waiting lists, as they can open and close. The Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) is the state agency that oversees these housing initiatives.
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, 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 $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), Public Housing, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), PBRA, RAD. 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 |
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.
Nearby Cities with Housing Authorities
Applying to nearby cities increases your chances of receiving assistance sooner. These cities are within 75 miles of Decatur and have active housing programs.