Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Buffalo, New York
There are 5 open waiting lists in the Buffalo area right now. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 3 housing authorities serving Buffalo, New York 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 Buffalo, 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 Buffalo, New York
Buffalo, New York is served by 3 housing authorities offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Right now, 5 waiting lists are accepting applications in the Buffalo area. There are also 8 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.
Housing programs available in Buffalo include Public Housing, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Mainstream, RAD. Of these, the following currently have open waitlists: Public Housing (3 open).
Latest Opening
Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority opened its Other waitlist .
About Housing in Buffalo, New York
Affordable housing assistance in the Buffalo, New York area is managed by several housing authorities, including the Town of Amherst, City of Buffalo, Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority, and City of North Tonawanda. Currently, 6 waiting lists are open for various programs across these authorities, while 8 lists are closed. Programs with open waiting lists include Public Housing, which has 3 open lists, and the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program with 1 open list. The Housing Rehabilitation Program and Marine Drive Apartments each also have 1 open list. Other programs, such as Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), RAD, Mainstream, and First-Time Homebuyer, do not currently have open lists but may in the future.
The Buffalo region has approximately 17,436 assisted housing units. For eligibility context, the Very Low Income limit for a family of four in the Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY MSA area for FY2025 is $50,500 per year. The state housing agency involved in these efforts is NY State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR). Those seeking housing assistance are advised to directly contact the relevant housing authorities for the most current information on specific eligibility criteria and application procedures. It is important to monitor their official announcements regularly, as waitlist statuses can change.
Housing Authorities in Buffalo
Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority
Buffalo, New York · NY002
Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority
Buffalo, New York · NY449
City of Buffalo
Buffalo, New York · NY409
How to Apply for Section 8 in Buffalo
To apply for housing assistance in Buffalo, New York, submit an application directly to one of the 3 housing authorities serving the Buffalo area (listed above). Right now, 5 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 $50,500/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 Buffalo include Public Housing, Other, Marine Drive Apartments, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), RAD, Mainstream. 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).
Buffalo, New York Section 8 Income Limits
To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Buffalo, New York, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY MSA area. A family of four must earn less than $50,500 per year (Very Low Income) to be eligible for most programs. The area median family income is $101,000.
| Household Size | Extremely Low 30% AMI |
Very Low 50% AMI |
Low Income 80% AMI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $21,250 | $35,350 | $56,600 |
| 2 Persons | $24,250 | $40,400 | $64,650 |
| 3 Persons | $27,300 | $45,450 | $72,750 |
| 4 Persons | $32,150 | $50,500 | $80,800 |
| 5 Persons | $37,650 | $54,550 | $87,300 |
| 6 Persons | $43,150 | $58,600 | $93,750 |
| 7 Persons | $48,650 | $62,650 | $100,200 |
| 8 Persons | $54,150 | $66,700 | $106,700 |
How do income limits affect my eligibility?
Housing authorities in Buffalo 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 Buffalo and have active housing programs.