About Housing Authority City of Jersey City

The Housing Authority City of Jersey City (PHA Code: NJ009) serves Jersey City in Hudson County, New Jersey. This authority manages approximately 7,450 assisted housing units, which include 5,019 Section 8 housing choice vouchers and 2,431 public housing units.

Currently, the Housing Authority City of Jersey City is accepting applications for its Project-Based Voucher (PBV) and Public Housing programs. Other programs, such as Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Mainstream, NEDP, and NEDP Non-Elderly Disabled Voucher, are currently closed to new applications.

To qualify for very low income housing assistance, a family of four in the Jersey City, NJ HUD Metro FMR Area typically must have an annual income not exceeding $67,000. Program availability and eligibility requirements are subject to change.

Public Housing Waitlist

Status

open

Open Date

May 19, 2025

How to Apply

Online

Accepting applications — no deadline
Open until further notice
Open Now
Apply Now — Official Portal

Additional Notes

Preferences include victims of federally declared disasters, Jersey City residents/working family/income mixing, and those requiring wheelchair accessible units. Applications are selected via a computerized random selection process (lottery) after the waitlist closes.

Other Programs

9 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

The HCV Lottery is closed. Applications from the 2022 wait list opening are still valid. FRH uses a waiting list and lottery system. FRH will notify applicants by mail when a voucher becomes available. When the wait list re-opens, previous applications will be purged.

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

The Mainstream (NED) wait list is closed. Applicants from the 2022 wait list will be notified in writing if invited to complete the full application.

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

The Mainstream (NED) wait list is closed, but applications from the 2022 opening are still valid.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
NEDP Non-Elderly Disabled Voucher
Closed

The NED wait list is closed. Applicants from the 2022 wait list will be notified in writing if invited to complete the full application.

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

The Jersey City Housing Authority is not currently accepting applications for Section 8 Project-Based sites.

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

No current application information found. This is a special purpose program under HCV.

No active waitlist information currently available. This program is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when openings are detected.
Family Unification Program (FUP)
Pending

No current application information found. This is a special purpose program under HCV.

No active waitlist information currently available. This program is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when openings are detected.
Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD)
Pending

No current application information found, status is pending.

No active waitlist information currently available. This program is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when openings are detected.
Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH)
Pending

No current application information found. This is a special purpose program under HCV.

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

Status History

PBV Closed Yesterday
PBV Opened 4 days ago
PBV Closed Mar 29, 2026
PBV Opening Soon Mar 9, 2026
Public Housing Opening Soon Mar 9, 2026
NEDP Non-Elderly Disabled Voucher Closed Mar 6, 2026
Public Housing Opened Feb 19, 2026
Mainstream Closed Feb 18, 2026
HCV Closed Feb 18, 2026

Official Application

Apply directly through the official Housing Authority City of Jersey City portal. Applications are free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.

Go to Official Site

WARNING: DO NOT PAY ANYONE TO APPLY FOR HOUSING

Contact Information

City Jersey City, NJ 07306
Email scea@jcha.us
PHA Code NJ009
Section 8 Units 5,019
Public Housing Units 2,431

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 Housing Authority City of Jersey City

1

Check Current Status

Housing Authority City of Jersey City currently has 1 open waiting list (Public Housing). Application windows can close with little notice, so apply as soon as possible.

2

Gather Required Documents

For Section 8 voucher programs at Housing Authority City of Jersey City, 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 $67,000/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

Apply directly through the official Housing Authority City of Jersey City portal. Applications are free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf. If applying online, take a screenshot of your confirmation page for your records.

4

After You Apply

Once accepted onto the waiting list at Housing Authority City of Jersey City, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. Housing Authority City of Jersey City manages approximately 7,450 assisted housing units (5,019 Section 8, 2,431 Public Housing), and wait times depend on turnover and demand in Jersey City. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.

Programs at Housing Authority City of Jersey City

Public Housing Public Housing open

Public Housing units at Housing Authority City of Jersey City are owned and operated directly by the housing authority. Rent is set at 30% of your adjusted monthly income. Housing Authority City of Jersey City manages approximately 2,431 Public Housing units in Jersey City. You may request a transfer to other Public Housing developments but cannot use this benefit at private rental properties.

HCV Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) closed

The Housing Choice Voucher program at Housing Authority City of Jersey City 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 Jersey City. This program serves approximately 5,019 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 Housing Authority City of Jersey City 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.

NEDP closed

The NEDP program at Housing Authority City of Jersey City provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Jersey City. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

NEDP Non-Elderly Disabled Voucher closed

The NEDP Non-Elderly Disabled Voucher program at Housing Authority City of Jersey City provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Jersey City. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

PBV Project-Based Voucher closed

Project-Based Vouchers at Housing Authority City of Jersey City are attached to specific apartment complexes or units in Jersey City. 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.

Continuum of Care Program closed

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

FUP closed

The FUP program at Housing Authority City of Jersey City provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Jersey City. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

RAD Rental Assistance Demonstration closed

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

VASH Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing closed

The HUD-VASH program at Housing Authority City of Jersey City combines Housing Choice Vouchers with VA supportive services for homeless veterans in Jersey City. Referrals are made through the local VA Medical Center — contact the VA to begin the application process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is applying at Housing Authority City of Jersey City free?
Yes. Applying for any federally-funded housing assistance program is always free. Housing Authority City of Jersey City administers 10 programs (Public Housing, HCV, Mainstream, NEDP, NEDP Non-Elderly Disabled Voucher, PBV, Continuum of Care Program, FUP, RAD, VASH) — 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's official portal or in person at their office.
How long is the wait at Housing Authority City of Jersey City?
Wait times at Housing Authority City of Jersey City depend on demand in Jersey City, funding levels, and your priority status. With approximately 7,450 assisted housing units, turnover determines how quickly the list moves. The most recent status change we tracked was on April 6, 2026 when the PBV list changed from "open" to "closed." Families with children, elderly applicants, and disabled individuals may receive priority placement. Contact Housing Authority City of Jersey City 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 Housing Authority City of Jersey City, including Hoboken Housing Authority (1 mi), Weehawken Housing Authority (3 mi), New York City Housing Authority (3 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 Housing Authority City of Jersey City?
You can reach Housing Authority City of Jersey City by phone at (201) 706-4638. You can also email them at scea@jcha.us. Office hours may vary — call ahead to confirm.
What are the income limits for Housing Authority City of Jersey City?
Income limits for Housing Authority City of Jersey City are set by HUD based on the Area Median Income for Jersey City, NJ HUD Metro FMR Area (currently $107,500). For a family of four, the Very Low Income limit (50% AMI) is $67,000. 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.

Housing Authority City of Jersey City Income Limits

Income limits for programs at the Housing Authority City of Jersey City are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for Jersey City, NJ HUD Metro FMR Area. For a household of four, the current limit for Section 8 eligibility (Very Low Income) is $67,000. 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 $28,150 $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
Source: HUD FY 2025 Income Limits Area Median Income: $107,500 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.