Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Indianapolis, Indiana
There are 6 open waiting lists in the Indianapolis area right now. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 2 housing authorities serving Indianapolis, Indiana 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 Indianapolis, 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 Indianapolis, Indiana
Indianapolis, Indiana is served by 2 housing authorities offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Right now, 6 waiting lists are accepting applications in the Indianapolis area. There are also 17 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.
Housing programs available in Indianapolis include Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Public Housing, Mainstream, RAD, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV). Of these, the following currently have open waitlists: HCV (1 open), Public Housing (1 open).
Latest Opening
Indianapolis Housing Agency opened its Other (Affordable Housing/Market-Rate Housing) waitlist on Mar 5, 2015.
About Housing in Indianapolis, Indiana
Federal rental assistance in Indianapolis, Marion County is administered by 2 housing authorities: Indiana Housing and Community Development Au and Indianapolis Housing Agency. Together they administer roughly 16,261 assisted housing units — 582 public housing units and 15,679 Housing Choice Vouchers.
Section 8 Waitlist tracks 11 waiting lists across these agencies. As of Jul 26, 2026, 6 are accepting applications. Another 17 open lists are within 50 miles; most agencies accept applications from non-residents.
HUD sets income eligibility for this area as Indianapolis-Carmel, IN HUD Metro FMR Area. A four-person household qualifies as Very Low Income at or below $55,350 per year, and as Low Income at or below $88,550 (HUD FY2025 limits).
Housing Authorities in Indianapolis
How to Apply for Section 8 in Indianapolis
To apply for housing assistance in Indianapolis, Indiana, submit an application directly to one of the 2 housing authorities serving the Indianapolis area (listed above). Right now, 6 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 $55,350/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 Indianapolis include Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Public Housing, Market-Rate Housing, Affordable Housing, Other (Affordable Housing/Market-Rate Housing), Other, Mainstream, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), 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).
Indianapolis, Indiana Section 8 Income Limits
To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Indianapolis, Indiana, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the Indianapolis-Carmel, IN HUD Metro FMR Area area. A family of four must earn less than $55,350 per year (Very Low Income) to be eligible for most programs. The area median family income is $110,700.
| Household Size | Extremely Low 30% AMI |
Very Low 50% AMI |
Low Income 80% AMI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $23,250 | $38,750 | $62,000 |
| 2 Persons | $26,600 | $44,300 | $70,850 |
| 3 Persons | $29,900 | $49,850 | $79,700 |
| 4 Persons | $33,200 | $55,350 | $88,550 |
| 5 Persons | $37,650 | $59,800 | $95,650 |
| 6 Persons | $43,150 | $64,250 | $102,750 |
| 7 Persons | $48,650 | $68,650 | $109,850 |
| 8 Persons | $54,150 | $73,100 | $116,900 |
How do income limits affect my eligibility?
Housing authorities in Indianapolis 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 Indianapolis and have active housing programs.