Hackensack, NJ

Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Hackensack, New Jersey

There are 20 open waiting lists in the Hackensack area right now. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 1 housing authority serving Hackensack, 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 Hackensack, 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.

1
Agencies
20
Open Now
4
Closed

Affordable Housing in Hackensack, New Jersey

Hackensack, New Jersey is served by 1 housing authority offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Right now, 20 waiting lists are accepting applications in the Hackensack area. There are also 167 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.

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

Latest Opening

Housing Authority of Bergen County opened its Mainstream waitlist on Dec 10, 2018.

About Housing in Hackensack, New Jersey

Hackensack, New Jersey is served by the Housing Authority of Bergen County, which plays a central role in providing affordable housing opportunities. The area currently offers approximately 4,155 assisted housing units. As of now, there are 19 waiting lists open for various housing programs, with 4 lists currently closed. Individuals and families seeking housing assistance should be aware of these opportunities and the importance of applying when lists are open.

Programs available through the Housing Authority of Bergen County cover a diverse range of needs. Open waiting lists include options such as Disabled Housing, Emerson Veteran Supportive Housing, Franklin Villa Apartments, Hasbrouck Heights Senior Housing, Lehmann Gardens, Mainstream programs, Project-Based Voucher (PBV), Public Housing, Senior Housing, Supportive Housing, and Veteran Housing programs. Eligibility for these programs often depends on income; 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. The New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency (NJHMFA) also supports housing initiatives statewide. Applicants are encouraged to check specific program requirements for detailed eligibility criteria.

How to Apply for Section 8 in Hackensack

To apply for housing assistance in Hackensack, New Jersey, submit an application directly to Housing Authority of Bergen County, the housing authority serving this area. Right now, 20 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 $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 Hackensack include Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Public Housing, Mainstream, Other (Disabled Housing), Other (Veteran Housing), Other (Senior Housing), Other, Supportive Housing, Senior Housing, Disabled Housing, Veteran Housing, other, Housing for Disabled, Other (Supportive Housing), Emerson Veteran Supportive Housing, Hasbrouck Heights Senior Housing, Lehmann Gardens, Franklin Villa Apartments, Other (Building Specific), Other (Veteran Supportive Housing), Emergency Housing Voucher Program, Affordable Homeownership, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Other Senior 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).

Hackensack, New Jersey Section 8 Income Limits

To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Hackensack, 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
Source: HUD FY 2025 Income Limits Area Median Income: $137,100 Effective April 1, 2025
How do income limits affect my eligibility?

Housing authorities in Hackensack 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 Hackensack?
Yes — there are currently 20 open waiting lists in Hackensack, New Jersey. Click into any housing authority above marked "Open" for application details and official portal links.
Can I apply for Section 8 in Hackensack 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 Hackensack?
Wait times vary depending on demand, funding, and your priority status. National averages range from 6 months to 5+ years. Hackensack 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