Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Lakewood, New Jersey
There are 4 open waiting lists in the Lakewood area right now. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 2 housing authorities serving Lakewood, 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 Lakewood, 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 Lakewood, New Jersey
Lakewood, New Jersey is served by 2 housing authorities offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Right now, 4 waiting lists are accepting applications in the Lakewood area. There are also 73 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.
Housing programs available in Lakewood include Public Housing, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), RAD, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Mainstream. Of these, the following currently have open waitlists: Public Housing (2 open), PBV (1 open), RAD (1 open).
Latest Opening
Housing Authority of the Township of Lakewood opened its Public Housing waitlist on Feb 18, 2026.
About Housing in Lakewood, New Jersey
Lakewood, New Jersey offers various affordable housing options managed by two primary agencies: the Housing Authority of the Township of Lakewood and the Lakewood Township Residential Assistance Program. Together, these programs support approximately 2,211 assisted housing units in the area. Currently, there are 4 open waiting lists for housing assistance in Lakewood, while 7 lists are closed. Programs such as Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Mainstream, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Public Housing, Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD), and Family Unification Program (FUP) are offered, though not all are presently accepting applications.
For those seeking assistance, open waiting lists in Lakewood currently include Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Public Housing, and Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) programs. While the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV), Mainstream, and Family Unification Program (FUP) lists are currently closed, it is advisable to regularly check for updates. Eligibility for these programs typically depends on income. For instance, a family of four in the Monmouth-Ocean, NJ HUD Metro FMR Area is considered Very Low Income with an annual income up to $68,400, based on FY2025 limits. The New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency (NJHMFA) also supports affordable housing initiatives statewide. Prospective applicants should contact the Housing Authority of the Township of Lakewood and the Lakewood Township Residential Assistance Program directly for the most current information on eligibility, application processes, and waiting list statuses.
How to Apply for Section 8 in Lakewood
To apply for housing assistance in Lakewood, New Jersey, submit an application directly to one of the 2 housing authorities serving the Lakewood area (listed above). Right now, 4 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 $68,400/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 Lakewood include Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Public Housing, RAD, Mainstream, FUP, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV). 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).
Lakewood, New Jersey Section 8 Income Limits
To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Lakewood, New Jersey, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the Monmouth-Ocean, NJ HUD Metro FMR Area area. A family of four must earn less than $68,400 per year (Very Low Income) to be eligible for most programs. The area median family income is $136,800.
| Household Size | Extremely Low 30% AMI |
Very Low 50% AMI |
Low Income 80% AMI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $28,750 | $47,900 | $72,950 |
| 2 Persons | $32,850 | $54,750 | $83,400 |
| 3 Persons | $36,950 | $61,600 | $93,800 |
| 4 Persons | $41,050 | $68,400 | $104,200 |
| 5 Persons | $44,350 | $73,900 | $112,550 |
| 6 Persons | $47,650 | $79,350 | $120,900 |
| 7 Persons | $50,950 | $84,850 | $129,250 |
| 8 Persons | $54,200 | $90,300 | $137,550 |
How do income limits affect my eligibility?
Housing authorities in Lakewood 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 Lakewood and have active housing programs.