Last Updated
20 hours ago
About Paterson Housing Authority
Paterson Housing Authority (PHA), located in Paterson, Passaic County, New Jersey (PHA Code: NJ021), manages approximately 4,397 assisted housing units. This portfolio includes about 3,287 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV) and 1,110 Public Housing units.
PHA offers various housing assistance programs, including Housing Choice Vouchers, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), and Public Housing. Currently, all waiting lists for these programs are closed to new applications. For a family of four, the Very Low Income limit for the Bergen-Passaic, NJ HUD Metro FMR Area is $68,550 annually. Applicants interested in future openings should monitor the Paterson Housing Authority's official announcements for any changes in waitlist status.
Other Programs
3 programsThese 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.
The HCV waiting list last opened from August 10-16, 2020, and used a lottery system to select 1000 applicants. Preferences include residents who live and/or work in the City of Paterson.
The waitlist for 2-bedroom apartments at Riverside Terrace Development was open from April 21-28, 2024.
Public Housing provides affordable rental units owned and operated directly by the housing authority. Units range from single-family homes to high-rise apartments, with rent typically set at 30% of household income.
Status History
Official Application
Apply directly through the official Paterson Housing Authority portal. Applications are free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.
Go to Official SiteWARNING: DO NOT PAY ANYONE TO APPLY FOR HOUSING
Contact Information
Important Notices
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Waiting lists can close without notice once a specific number of applications is reached.
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Ensure your contact information is always up to date with the PHA to avoid being removed from the list.
How to Apply at Paterson Housing Authority
Check Current Status
All 2 waiting lists at Paterson Housing Authority are currently closed. Lists typically open with short notice — sometimes as little as 48 hours. The status at the top of this page is updated nightly.
Gather Required Documents
For Section 8 voucher programs at Paterson Housing Authority, 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 $68,550/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.
Submit Your Application
Apply directly through the official Paterson Housing Authority 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.
After You Apply
Once accepted onto the waiting list at Paterson Housing Authority, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. Paterson Housing Authority manages approximately 4,397 assisted housing units (3,287 Section 8, 1,110 Public Housing), and wait times depend on turnover and demand in Paterson. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.
Programs at Paterson Housing Authority
HCV Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) closed
The Housing Choice Voucher program at Paterson Housing Authority 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 Paterson. This program serves approximately 3,287 households. Vouchers are portable — you can take them with you if you move to a different city or state.
PBV Project-Based Voucher closed
Project-Based Vouchers at Paterson Housing Authority are attached to specific apartment complexes or units in Paterson. 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.
Public Housing Public Housing closed
Public Housing units at Paterson Housing Authority are owned and operated directly by the housing authority. Rent is set at 30% of your adjusted monthly income. Paterson Housing Authority manages approximately 1,110 Public Housing units in Paterson. You may request a transfer to other Public Housing developments but cannot use this benefit at private rental properties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is applying at Paterson Housing Authority free?
How long is the wait at Paterson Housing Authority?
Can I apply to other housing authorities while on this waitlist?
How do I contact Paterson Housing Authority?
What are the income limits for Paterson Housing Authority?
Paterson Housing Authority Income Limits
Income limits for programs at the Paterson Housing Authority are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for Bergen-Passaic, NJ HUD Metro FMR Area. For a household of four, the current limit for Section 8 eligibility (Very Low Income) is $68,550. 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 | $28,850 | $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 |
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.
Nearby Housing Authorities
Applying to multiple housing authorities increases your chances of receiving assistance. These PHAs are closest to Paterson Housing Authority — including across state lines.