Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Garfield, New Jersey
All waiting lists in Garfield are currently closed. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 1 housing authority serving Garfield, 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 Garfield, 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 Garfield, New Jersey
Garfield, New Jersey is served by 1 housing authority offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Currently, all waitlists in Garfield are closed. Openings can happen with as little as 48 hours notice, so monitoring is critical. There are also 186 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.
Housing programs available in Garfield include Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Public Housing.
Open Lists Nearby
While no waitlists are open in Garfield right now, there are 186 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 Garfield, New Jersey
Affordable housing assistance in Garfield, New Jersey, is primarily managed by the Garfield Housing Authority. This agency administers programs designed to help individuals and families secure stable housing. Currently, the Garfield Housing Authority offers two main types of assistance: the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program and Public Housing. It is important for prospective applicants to know that both of these programs currently have closed waiting lists in Garfield, with a total of two lists closed and none open at this time.
Despite the current closure of waitlists, there are approximately 456 assisted housing units in the Garfield area. When waitlists do open, applicants will typically need to meet specific income guidelines. For instance, the very low-income limit for a family of four in the Bergen-Passaic, NJ HUD Metro FMR Area is $68,550 per year for Fiscal Year 2025. This threshold helps determine eligibility for assistance. The New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency (NJHMFA) also serves as a broader state resource for housing information. While waitlists are closed, it is advisable to regularly check with the Garfield Housing Authority for any announcements regarding future openings and to understand application requirements. Being prepared with necessary documentation can be beneficial once new opportunities arise.
Housing Authorities in Garfield
How to Apply for Section 8 in Garfield
To apply for housing assistance in Garfield, New Jersey, submit an application directly to Garfield 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 $68,550/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 Garfield include Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Public Housing. 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).
Garfield, New Jersey Section 8 Income Limits
To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Garfield, New Jersey, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the Bergen-Passaic, NJ HUD Metro FMR Area area. A family of four must earn less than $68,550 per year (Very Low Income) to be eligible for most programs. The area median family income is $137,100.
| Household Size | Extremely Low 30% AMI |
Very Low 50% AMI |
Low Income 80% AMI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $28,850 | $48,000 | $72,950 |
| 2 Persons | $32,950 | $54,850 | $83,400 |
| 3 Persons | $37,050 | $61,700 | $93,800 |
| 4 Persons | $41,150 | $68,550 | $104,200 |
| 5 Persons | $44,450 | $74,050 | $112,550 |
| 6 Persons | $47,750 | $79,550 | $120,900 |
| 7 Persons | $51,050 | $85,050 | $129,250 |
| 8 Persons | $54,350 | $90,500 | $137,550 |
How do income limits affect my eligibility?
Housing authorities in Garfield 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 Garfield and have active housing programs.