Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Ottawa, Kansas
There are 6 open waiting lists in the Ottawa area right now. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 1 housing authority serving Ottawa, Kansas 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 Ottawa, 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 Ottawa, Kansas
Ottawa, Kansas is served by 1 housing authority offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Right now, 6 waiting lists are accepting applications in the Ottawa area. There are also 16 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.
Housing programs available in Ottawa include Public Housing, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Mainstream, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), RAD. Of these, the following currently have open waitlists: Public Housing (1 open).
Latest Opening
Lyon County/eckan Housing Authority opened its other waitlist .
About Housing in Ottawa, Kansas
For individuals and families seeking affordable housing in Ottawa, Kansas, the primary resource is the Lyon County/eckan Housing Authority. This authority manages access to various assistance programs, contributing to the approximately 506 assisted housing units available in the area. The state housing agency supporting these efforts is the Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC). Understanding the current status of waiting lists and program requirements is crucial for applicants.
Currently, six distinct programs have open waiting lists for housing assistance in Ottawa. These include ECKAN Rental Housing, ECKAN Owned Rental Housing, Public Housing, and other rental assistance options available through the authority. It is important to note that programs such as HCV (Housing Choice Voucher), Mainstream, PBV (Project-Based Vouchers), and RAD currently have closed waiting lists. Eligibility often depends on income; for example, a family of four in Franklin County must be at or below a Very Low Income limit of $48,100 per year (FY2025) for many programs. Prospective applicants should thoroughly review specific program criteria and ensure all submitted information is accurate and up-to-date.
How to Apply for Section 8 in Ottawa
To apply for housing assistance in Ottawa, Kansas, submit an application directly to Lyon County/eckan Housing Authority, the housing authority serving this area. 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 $48,100/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 Ottawa include Public Housing, ECKAN Rental Housing, Rental Housing, Other, Other (ECKAN Owned Rental Housing), other, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), RAD, Mainstream, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV). 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).
Ottawa, Kansas Section 8 Income Limits
To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Ottawa, Kansas, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the Franklin County, KS area. A family of four must earn less than $48,100 per year (Very Low Income) to be eligible for most programs. The area median family income is $96,200.
| Household Size | Extremely Low 30% AMI |
Very Low 50% AMI |
Low Income 80% AMI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $20,200 | $33,700 | $53,900 |
| 2 Persons | $23,100 | $38,500 | $61,600 |
| 3 Persons | $26,650 | $43,300 | $69,300 |
| 4 Persons | $32,150 | $48,100 | $76,950 |
| 5 Persons | $37,650 | $51,950 | $83,150 |
| 6 Persons | $43,150 | $55,800 | $89,300 |
| 7 Persons | $48,650 | $59,650 | $95,450 |
| 8 Persons | $54,150 | $63,500 | $101,600 |
How do income limits affect my eligibility?
Housing authorities in Ottawa 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 Ottawa and have active housing programs.