Cape May, NJ

Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Cape May, New Jersey

All waiting lists in Cape May are currently closed. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 1 housing authority serving Cape May, New Jersey 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 Cape May, 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.

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Affordable Housing in Cape May, New Jersey

Cape May, New Jersey is served by 1 housing authority offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Currently, all waitlists in Cape May are closed. Openings can happen with as little as 48 hours notice, so monitoring is critical. There are also 20 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.

Housing programs available in Cape May include Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Public Housing.

Open Lists Nearby

While no waitlists are open in Cape May right now, there are 20 open lists within 50 miles. Most housing authorities accept applications from non-residents, so applying in neighboring cities is a practical strategy. Scroll down to "Nearby Cities" below for options.

About Housing in Cape May, New Jersey

Cape May, New Jersey offers limited affordable housing options primarily served by the Cape May Housing Authority. Currently, all waiting lists for housing assistance in the area are closed, with two lists having recently closed and zero currently open. This includes programs for both the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) and Public Housing, each with one list that is presently closed to new applications. There are approximately 85 assisted housing units available across the area.

For families seeking assistance, it's important to note the income guidelines. For a family of four in the Cape May County, NJ HUD Metro FMR Area, the Very Low Income limit for FY2025 is $60,350 per year. To determine eligibility, applicants must meet these income requirements when a waitlist is open.

While no waitlists are open now, prospective applicants should regularly check with the Cape May Housing Authority for announcements on future openings. Staying informed about program updates and application periods is crucial. Additionally, the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency (NJHMFA) serves as the state housing agency, providing further resources and information on housing programs throughout New Jersey.

How to Apply for Section 8 in Cape May

To apply for housing assistance in Cape May, New Jersey, submit an application directly to Cape May Housing Authority, the housing authority serving this area. All waitlists are currently closed, but openings happen with as little as 48 hours 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 $60,350/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 Cape May include Public Housing, 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).

Cape May, New Jersey Section 8 Income Limits

To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Cape May, New Jersey, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the Cape May County, NJ HUD Metro FMR Area area. A family of four must earn less than $60,350 per year (Very Low Income) to be eligible for most programs. The area median family income is $124,600.

Household Size Extremely Low
30% AMI
Very Low
50% AMI
Low Income
80% AMI
1 Person $25,350 $42,250 $67,550
2 Persons $29,000 $48,250 $77,200
3 Persons $32,600 $54,300 $86,850
4 Persons $36,200 $60,350 $96,500
5 Persons $39,100 $65,200 $104,250
6 Persons $43,150 $70,000 $111,950
7 Persons $48,650 $74,850 $119,700
8 Persons $54,150 $79,650 $127,400
Source: HUD FY 2025 Income Limits Area Median Income: $124,600 Effective April 1, 2025
How do income limits affect my eligibility?

Housing authorities in Cape May 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 Cape May?
Currently, all waiting lists in Cape May, New Jersey are closed. Section 8 Waitlist checks every housing authority nightly and will show openings as soon as they occur. In the meantime, consider applying to nearby cities listed below.
Can I apply for Section 8 in Cape May 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 Cape May?
Wait times vary depending on demand, funding, and your priority status. National averages range from 6 months to 5+ years. Cape May 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 New Jersey