Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Jersey City, New Jersey
There is 1 open waiting list in the Jersey City area right now. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 1 housing authority serving Jersey City, 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 Jersey City, 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 Jersey City, New Jersey
Jersey City, New Jersey is served by 1 housing authority offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Right now, 1 waiting list is accepting applications in the Jersey City area. There are also 181 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.
Housing programs available in Jersey City include Public Housing, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Mainstream, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), RAD, VASH. Of these, the following currently have open waitlists: Public Housing (1 open).
Latest Opening
Housing Authority City of Jersey City opened its Public Housing waitlist on May 19, 2025.
About Housing in Jersey City, New Jersey
Seeking affordable housing assistance in Jersey City, New Jersey involves connecting with the local housing authority and understanding program availability. The primary agency serving the area is the Housing Authority City of Jersey City, which manages approximately 7,450 assisted housing units.
Currently, the Housing Authority City of Jersey City has 2 waiting lists open for applications, while 4 others are closed. Available programs include Housing Choice Voucher (HCV), Mainstream, Non-Elderly Disabled Program (NEDP), NEDP Non-Elderly Disabled Voucher, Project-Based Voucher (PBV), Public Housing, and Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD). For those looking to apply, the Project-Based Voucher (PBV) and Public Housing waiting lists are presently accepting new applications. All other program waitlists are closed.
To qualify for many of these programs, applicants must meet specific income guidelines. For instance, a family of four is considered Very Low Income if their annual earnings do not exceed $67,000, based on FY2025 guidelines for the Jersey City, NJ HUD Metro FMR Area. The New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency (NJHMFA) also plays a role in supporting affordable housing initiatives across the state. Applicants are advised to regularly check the status of relevant waitlists and ensure all required documentation is prepared.
How to Apply for Section 8 in Jersey City
To apply for housing assistance in Jersey City, New Jersey, submit an application directly to Housing Authority City of Jersey City, the housing authority serving this area. Right now, 1 waiting list is 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 $67,000/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 Jersey City include Public Housing, NEDP Non-Elderly Disabled Voucher, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), NEDP, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Mainstream, Continuum of Care Program, RAD, FUP, VASH. 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).
Jersey City, New Jersey Section 8 Income Limits
To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Jersey City, New Jersey, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the Jersey City, NJ HUD Metro FMR Area area. A family of four must earn less than $67,000 per year (Very Low Income) to be eligible for most programs. The area median family income is $107,500.
| Household Size | Extremely Low 30% AMI |
Very Low 50% AMI |
Low Income 80% AMI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $28,150 | $46,900 | $75,050 |
| 2 Persons | $32,200 | $53,600 | $85,800 |
| 3 Persons | $36,200 | $60,300 | $96,500 |
| 4 Persons | $40,200 | $67,000 | $107,200 |
| 5 Persons | $43,450 | $72,400 | $115,800 |
| 6 Persons | $46,650 | $77,750 | $124,400 |
| 7 Persons | $49,850 | $83,100 | $132,950 |
| 8 Persons | $54,150 | $88,450 | $141,550 |
How do income limits affect my eligibility?
Housing authorities in Jersey City 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 Jersey City and have active housing programs.