Last Updated

20 hours ago

About Elizabeth Housing Authority

The Elizabeth Housing Authority (PHA Code: NJ003) is located in Elizabeth, Union County, New Jersey. It manages approximately 2,845 assisted housing units, comprising 1,334 Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8) and 1,511 Public Housing units. This authority provides critical housing assistance to eligible low-income individuals and families within its jurisdiction.

The authority operates various programs, including Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Mainstream Vouchers, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Public Housing, and RAD (Rental Assistance Demonstration). Eligibility is income-based; for instance, the Very Low Income limit for a family of four in the Newark, NJ HUD Metro FMR Area is $67,650 per year. All of these program waiting lists are currently closed to new applications, and information on the Shelter Plus Care program status is not available.

Applicants should be aware that all waiting lists for the Elizabeth Housing Authority are presently closed. There is no specified timeline for when waiting lists may reopen. Interested individuals should consult official announcements from the authority for any future updates regarding application periods.

Other Programs

6 programs

These programs are administered by this housing authority but do not have active waitlist openings at this time. Statuses are verified nightly and subscribers will be notified when changes are detected.

Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV)
Closed

HACE selects families from the waiting list based on the date and time of application, in accordance with established selection preferences.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
Mainstream Voucher
Closed

All waiting lists in Elizabeth, including Mainstream, are currently closed.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
Project-Based Voucher (PBV)
Closed

The Project-Based Voucher program attaches funding to specific units, unlike tenant-based vouchers.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
Public Housing
Closed

The Elizabeth Housing Authority owns and operates family and senior complexes as part of its Public Housing and Affordable Housing portfolio. No waiting lists are currently accepting applications.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD)
Closed

The Elizabeth Housing Authority's portfolio includes properties operating under the Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) program, such as Marina Village. All waiting lists are currently closed.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
Shelter Plus Care
Pending

This program provides rental assistance for homeless persons with disabilities and is referral-based from Bridgeway House and Homefirst.

No active waitlist information currently available. This program is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when openings are detected.

Status History

RAD Closed Mar 6, 2026
Public Housing Closed Feb 24, 2026
Public Housing unknown Feb 22, 2026
Public Housing Closed Feb 21, 2026
HCV Closed Feb 21, 2026
Public Housing Closed Feb 19, 2026

Official Application

Contact Elizabeth Housing Authority directly at (908) 965-2400 to request an application. Applications are always free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.

Contact the housing authority directly for application information.

WARNING: DO NOT PAY ANYONE TO APPLY FOR HOUSING

Contact Information

Address 688 Maple Ave
City Elizabeth, NJ 07202
PHA Code NJ003
Section 8 Units 1,334
Public Housing Units 1,511

Important Notices

  • Waiting lists can close without notice once a specific number of applications is reached.

  • Ensure your contact information is always up to date with the PHA to avoid being removed from the list.

How to Apply at Elizabeth Housing Authority

1

Check Current Status

All 5 waiting lists at Elizabeth Housing Authority are currently closed. Lists typically open with short notice — sometimes as little as 48 hours. The status at the top of this page is updated nightly.

2

Gather Required Documents

For Section 8 voucher programs at Elizabeth Housing Authority, you will typically need: government-issued photo ID for all adult household members, Social Security cards for all members, birth certificates for minors, proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, benefit letters), and proof of current address. For a family of four, income must be below $67,650/year to qualify in this area. Having these ready before the waitlist opens can make the difference between getting on the list and missing the window.

3

Submit Your Application

Contact Elizabeth Housing Authority directly at (908) 965-2400 to request an application. Applications are always free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.

4

After You Apply

Once accepted onto the waiting list at Elizabeth Housing Authority, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. Elizabeth Housing Authority manages approximately 2,845 assisted housing units (1,334 Section 8, 1,511 Public Housing), and wait times depend on turnover and demand in Elizabeth. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.

Programs at Elizabeth Housing Authority

HCV Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) closed

The Housing Choice Voucher program at Elizabeth Housing Authority provides rental assistance that allows you to choose any privately-owned rental unit that meets program requirements. You pay approximately 30% of your adjusted monthly income toward rent, and the voucher covers the remainder up to the Fair Market Rent for Elizabeth. This program serves approximately 1,334 households. Vouchers are portable — you can take them with you if you move to a different city or state.

Mainstream Mainstream Voucher closed

Mainstream Vouchers at Elizabeth Housing Authority are specifically designated for non-elderly individuals with disabilities. These vouchers work like standard HCVs but are reserved for this population and often have separate, shorter waitlists.

PBV Project-Based Voucher closed

Project-Based Vouchers at Elizabeth Housing Authority are attached to specific apartment complexes or units in Elizabeth. Unlike the standard Housing Choice Voucher, PBV assistance stays with the property — not with you. However, after one year of occupancy, you may request a standard portable voucher. PBV waitlists often move faster because fewer applicants know about them.

Public Housing Public Housing closed

Public Housing units at Elizabeth Housing Authority are owned and operated directly by the housing authority. Rent is set at 30% of your adjusted monthly income. Elizabeth Housing Authority manages approximately 1,511 Public Housing units in Elizabeth. You may request a transfer to other Public Housing developments but cannot use this benefit at private rental properties.

RAD Rental Assistance Demonstration closed

The Rental Assistance Demonstration program at Elizabeth Housing Authority converts Public Housing units to project-based assistance with long-term contracts. RAD units in Elizabeth maintain the same resident protections as Public Housing while enabling capital improvements to the properties.

Shelter Plus Care closed

The Shelter Plus Care program at Elizabeth Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Elizabeth. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is applying at Elizabeth Housing Authority free?
Yes. Applying for any federally-funded housing assistance program is always free. Elizabeth Housing Authority administers 6 programs (HCV, Mainstream, PBV, Public Housing, RAD, Shelter Plus Care) — none of which charge an application fee. If any website or person asks you to pay money to apply, it is a scam. Always apply directly through the housing authority or in person at their office at 688 Maple Ave, Elizabeth, NJ.
How long is the wait at Elizabeth Housing Authority?
Wait times at Elizabeth Housing Authority depend on demand in Elizabeth, funding levels, and your priority status. With approximately 2,845 assisted housing units, turnover determines how quickly the list moves. The most recent status change we tracked was on March 6, 2026 when the RAD list changed from "unknown" to "closed." Families with children, elderly applicants, and disabled individuals may receive priority placement. Contact Elizabeth Housing Authority directly for current estimated wait times.
Can I apply to other housing authorities while on this waitlist?
Yes. There is no limit to the number of housing authority waiting lists you can join simultaneously. There are 8 other housing authorities within 100 miles of Elizabeth Housing Authority, including Union County Housing Authority (1 mi), Housing Authority City of Linden (1 mi), Rahway Housing Authority (4 mi). Applying to multiple PHAs in New Jersey and neighboring states is strongly recommended to increase your chances. Browse all housing authorities in New Jersey.
How do I contact Elizabeth Housing Authority?
You can reach Elizabeth Housing Authority by phone at (908) 965-2400. Their office is located at 688 Maple Ave, Elizabeth, NJ 07202. You can also email them at wjones@hacenj.com. Office hours may vary — call ahead to confirm.
What are the income limits for Elizabeth Housing Authority?
Income limits for Elizabeth Housing Authority are set by HUD based on the Area Median Income for Newark, NJ HUD Metro FMR Area (currently $135,300). For a family of four, the Very Low Income limit (50% AMI) is $67,650. Most Section 8 and Public Housing programs require your household income to be at or below this level. See the full income limits table below.

Elizabeth Housing Authority Income Limits

Income limits for programs at the Elizabeth Housing Authority are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for Newark, NJ HUD Metro FMR Area. For a household of four, the current limit for Section 8 eligibility (Very Low Income) is $67,650. Limits are set annually by HUD and vary by household size.

Household Size Extremely Low
30% AMI
Very Low
50% AMI
Low Income
80% AMI
1 Person $28,450 $47,400 $72,950
2 Persons $32,500 $54,150 $83,400
3 Persons $36,550 $60,900 $93,800
4 Persons $40,600 $67,650 $104,200
5 Persons $43,850 $73,100 $112,550
6 Persons $47,100 $78,500 $120,900
7 Persons $50,350 $83,900 $129,250
8 Persons $54,150 $89,300 $137,550
Source: HUD FY 2025 Income Limits Area Median Income: $135,300 Effective April 1, 2025
What do these income limits mean?

Extremely Low Income (30% AMI) — Households earning at or below 30% of the Area Median Income. This is the threshold for the lowest-income tier of assistance. Many housing authorities give preference to applicants at this level.

Very Low Income (50% AMI) — The standard eligibility threshold for Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers and most Public Housing programs. Your household income must be at or below this limit to qualify.

Low Income (80% AMI) — Some programs, including Project-Based Vouchers and certain local initiatives, use this higher threshold. Check with this housing authority for specific program requirements.