Plainfield Housing Authority
Plainfield, New Jersey
Last Updated
Less than an hour ago
About Plainfield Housing Authority
Plainfield Housing Authority (HUD agency code NJ039) is the public housing agency serving Plainfield, Union County, New Jersey. It administers 353 public housing units and 915 Housing Choice Vouchers.
Section 8 Waitlist tracks 6 waiting lists at this agency, covering Other, Public Housing, Senior, HCV, PBV, RAD. As of Jun 29, 2026, 3 are open and 3 are closed.
Income eligibility is set by HUD for the Newark, NJ HUD Metro FMR Area. A four-person household qualifies as Very Low Income at or below $67,650 per year, and as Low Income at or below $104,200 (HUD FY2025 limits). Most waiting lists at this agency apply the Very Low Income threshold.
Section 8 Waitlist has recorded 48 status changes at this agency, most recently on Aug 25, 2026. Always confirm current status with the agency directly before applying.
Other Programs Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
Applications for senior housing are available online and at the administrative office.
Public Housing Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
Applications are available online and in-person at the administrative office. This program provides affordable housing 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 online and at the administrative office.
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 wait time to receive a voucher is approximately 7 years. Applicants are placed on the waiting list by random lottery after sorting preferences. 800 applicants will be chosen.
Allen Young Apartments (a PBV property) waitlist is closed.
The Housing Authority of Plainfield Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) Project-Based Voucher Waiting List for Allen Young Apartments 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.
WARNING: DO NOT PAY ANYONE TO APPLY FOR HOUSING
Contact Information
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 Plainfield Housing Authority
Check Current Status
Plainfield Housing Authority currently has 3 open waiting lists (Other Programs, 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 to apply.
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
Other Other Programs open
The Other Programs 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.
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 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 Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) 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 (PBV) 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 (RAD) 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.