Plainfield Housing Authority
Plainfield, New Jersey
Last Updated
1 hours ago
About Plainfield Housing Authority
The Plainfield Housing Authority (PHA), identified by PHA Code NJ039, is located in Plainfield, Union County, New Jersey. This authority manages approximately 1,268 assisted housing units, which include 915 Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers and 353 Public Housing units.
Currently, the Plainfield Housing Authority is accepting applications for its Public Housing and Senior Housing programs. The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV), Project-Based Voucher (PBV), and Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) programs are presently closed to new applicants. For a family of four, the very low-income limit is $67,650 per year, applicable to the Newark, NJ HUD Metro FMR Area.
Applicants should be aware that program statuses are subject to change; the Public Housing program, for example, has recently transitioned between open and closed periods. It is advisable to verify the latest program availability directly with the housing authority.
Public Housing Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
This waitlist is for senior housing, providing affordable options for low and moderate income senior citizens, families and people with disabilities.
Senior Housing Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
Applications for senior housing are available at the administrative office and are now available online.
View original notice — hapnj.orgOther 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 Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) waiting list is currently pending opening. When it opens, 800 applicants will be chosen by random lottery after sorting preferences. The estimated wait time for a voucher is approximately 7 years. Online pre-applications will be available in English and Span...
The Project-Based Voucher Waiting List for Allen Young Apartments is closed.
The Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) Project-Based Voucher Waiting List is closed.
Status History
Official Application
Apply directly through the official Plainfield 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 Plainfield Housing Authority
Check Current Status
Plainfield Housing Authority currently has 2 open waiting lists (Public Housing, Senior Housing). Application windows can close with little notice, so apply as soon as possible.
Gather Required Documents
For Section 8 voucher programs at Plainfield 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 $67,650/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 Plainfield 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 Plainfield Housing Authority, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. Plainfield Housing Authority manages approximately 1,268 assisted housing units (915 Section 8, 353 Public Housing), and wait times depend on turnover and demand in Plainfield. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.
Programs at Plainfield Housing Authority
Public Housing Public Housing open
Public Housing units at Plainfield Housing Authority are owned and operated directly by the housing authority. Rent is set at 30% of your adjusted monthly income. Plainfield Housing Authority manages approximately 353 Public Housing units in Plainfield. You may request a transfer to other Public Housing developments but cannot use this benefit at private rental properties.
Senior Housing open
The Senior Housing program at Plainfield Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Plainfield. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
HCV Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) closed
The Housing Choice Voucher program at Plainfield 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 Plainfield. This program serves approximately 915 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 Plainfield Housing Authority are attached to specific apartment complexes or units in Plainfield. 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.
RAD Rental Assistance Demonstration closed
The Rental Assistance Demonstration program at Plainfield Housing Authority converts Public Housing units to project-based assistance with long-term contracts. RAD units in Plainfield maintain the same resident protections as Public Housing while enabling capital improvements to the properties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is applying at Plainfield Housing Authority free?
How long is the wait at Plainfield Housing Authority?
Can I apply to other housing authorities while on this waitlist?
How do I contact Plainfield Housing Authority?
What are the income limits for Plainfield Housing Authority?
Plainfield Housing Authority Income Limits
Income limits for programs at the Plainfield Housing Authority are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for Newark, NJ HUD Metro FMR Area. For a household of four, the current limit for Section 8 eligibility (Very Low Income) is $67,650. 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 | $28,450 | $47,400 | $72,950 |
| 2 Persons | $32,500 | $54,150 | $83,400 |
| 3 Persons | $36,550 | $60,900 | $93,800 |
| 4 Persons | $40,600 | $67,650 | $104,200 |
| 5 Persons | $43,850 | $73,100 | $112,550 |
| 6 Persons | $47,100 | $78,500 | $120,900 |
| 7 Persons | $50,350 | $83,900 | $129,250 |
| 8 Persons | $54,150 | $89,300 | $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 Plainfield Housing Authority — including across state lines.