Omaha, NE

Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Omaha, Nebraska

There are 10 open waiting lists in the Omaha area right now. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 2 housing authorities serving Omaha, Nebraska 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 Omaha, 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
10
Open Now
4
Closed

Affordable Housing in Omaha, Nebraska

Omaha, Nebraska is served by 2 housing authorities offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Right now, 10 waiting lists are accepting applications in the Omaha area. There are also 32 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.

Housing programs available in Omaha include Public Housing, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV). Of these, the following currently have open waitlists: Public Housing (1 open), PBV (1 open).

Latest Opening

Douglas County Housing Authority opened its CROWN (Credit to Own Housing) waitlist .

About Housing in Omaha, Nebraska

Omaha, Nebraska's affordable housing landscape is primarily served by two key agencies: the Omaha Housing Authority and the Douglas County Housing Authority. These authorities manage a variety of programs designed to assist individuals and families. Currently, there are 10 waiting lists open for applications, while 4 lists are presently closed.

Programs with open waiting lists include Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Public Housing, and various CROWN programs focusing on both rental and homeownership opportunities, such as CROWN Program (Homeownership), CROWN (Credit to Own Housing), and other CROWN initiatives. Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) and other Rental Housing Programs also have open lists. Applicants should note that while Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV) are offered, their waiting lists are currently closed. Across the area, approximately 9,446 assisted housing units are available.

To give an idea of eligibility, a family of four in the Omaha-Council Bluffs area would generally need to have a combined income at or below $56,850 per year to qualify as Very Low Income for FY2025 programs. The Nebraska Investment Finance Authority (NIFA) serves as the state's housing finance agency. When seeking assistance, it is important to directly check the status of specific waiting lists with the respective housing authority and apply promptly when lists are accepting new applicants.

How to Apply for Section 8 in Omaha

To apply for housing assistance in Omaha, Nebraska, submit an application directly to one of the 2 housing authorities serving the Omaha area (listed above). Right now, 10 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 $56,850/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 Omaha include Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), CROWN (Homeownership), CROWN Program (Homeownership), CROWN (Credit to Own Housing), Other, CROWN, Public Housing, Rental Housing Programs, Low-Income Housing Tax Credit, LIHTC, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV). 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).

Omaha, Nebraska Section 8 Income Limits

To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Omaha, Nebraska, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the Omaha-Council Bluffs, NE-IA HUD Metro FMR Area area. A family of four must earn less than $56,850 per year (Very Low Income) to be eligible for most programs. The area median family income is $113,700.

Household Size Extremely Low
30% AMI
Very Low
50% AMI
Low Income
80% AMI
1 Person $23,900 $39,800 $63,700
2 Persons $27,300 $45,500 $72,800
3 Persons $30,700 $51,200 $81,900
4 Persons $34,100 $56,850 $90,950
5 Persons $37,650 $61,400 $98,250
6 Persons $43,150 $65,950 $105,550
7 Persons $48,650 $70,500 $112,800
8 Persons $54,150 $75,050 $120,100
Source: HUD FY 2025 Income Limits Area Median Income: $113,700 Effective April 1, 2025
How do income limits affect my eligibility?

Housing authorities in Omaha 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 Omaha?
Yes — there are currently 10 open waiting lists in Omaha, Nebraska. Click into any housing authority above marked "Open" for application details and official portal links.
Can I apply for Section 8 in Omaha 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 Omaha?
Wait times vary depending on demand, funding, and your priority status. National averages range from 6 months to 5+ years. Omaha 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 Nebraska