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About Olean Housing Authority

The Olean Housing Authority (PHA Code: NY093) is situated in Olean, Cattaraugus County, New York. This authority is responsible for managing approximately 306 assisted housing units across various programs within the area.

Currently, the Olean Housing Authority is accepting applications solely for its Public Housing program. Other programs, including Housing Choice Voucher (HCV), Mainstream Voucher, Project-Based Voucher (PBV), and Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD), are presently closed to new applications. The status for both the Mainstream and RAD programs recently updated from unknown to closed.

Individuals interested in applying for the Public Housing program should note the current income limits. For a family of four residing in the Cattaraugus County, NY area, the Very Low Income limit is $44,250 per year.

Public Housing Waitlist

Status

open

How to Apply

In-person or Mail

Accepting applications — no deadline
Open until further notice
Open Now

Additional Notes

Apartment assignments are based on availability. Applications require original signatures and hard copies. Processing can take up to 6 weeks. Approved applicants are added to a waiting list and notified when an apartment is available.

View original notice — oleanhousingauthority.org

Other Programs

4 programs

These 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.

Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV)
Closed

The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher waiting list is not currently accepting applications.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
Mainstream Voucher
Closed

No active waitlist information is currently available for Mainstream Vouchers, which are for non-elderly persons with disabilities.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
Project-Based Voucher (PBV)
Closed

No active waitlist information is currently available.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD)
Closed

No active waitlist openings at this time.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.

Status History

RAD Closed 2 days ago
Mainstream Closed 2 days ago
PBV Closed 6 days ago
HCV Closed Mar 31, 2026

Official Application

Contact Olean Housing Authority directly at (716) 372-8262 to request an application. Applications are always free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.

Contact the housing authority directly for application information.

WARNING: DO NOT PAY ANYONE TO APPLY FOR HOUSING

Contact Information

Address 132 N Union St Ste 118
City Olean, NY 14760
PHA Code NY093
Public Housing Units 306

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 Olean Housing Authority

1

Check Current Status

Olean Housing Authority currently has 1 open waiting list (Public Housing). Application windows can close with little notice, so apply as soon as possible.

2

Gather Required Documents

For Section 8 voucher programs at Olean 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 $44,250/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.

3

Submit Your Application

Contact Olean Housing Authority directly at (716) 372-8262 to request an application. Applications are always free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.

4

After You Apply

Once accepted onto the waiting list at Olean Housing Authority, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. Olean Housing Authority manages approximately 306 assisted housing units, and wait times depend on turnover and demand in Olean. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.

Programs at Olean Housing Authority

Public Housing Public Housing open

Public Housing units at Olean Housing Authority are owned and operated directly by the housing authority. Rent is set at 30% of your adjusted monthly income. Olean Housing Authority manages approximately 306 Public Housing units in Olean. You may request a transfer to other Public Housing developments but cannot use this benefit at private rental properties.

HCV Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) closed

The Housing Choice Voucher program at Olean 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 Olean. Vouchers are portable — you can take them with you if you move to a different city or state.

Mainstream Mainstream Voucher closed

Mainstream Vouchers at Olean Housing Authority are specifically designated for non-elderly individuals with disabilities. These vouchers work like standard HCVs but are reserved for this population and often have separate, shorter waitlists.

PBV Project-Based Voucher closed

Project-Based Vouchers at Olean Housing Authority are attached to specific apartment complexes or units in Olean. 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 Olean Housing Authority converts Public Housing units to project-based assistance with long-term contracts. RAD units in Olean maintain the same resident protections as Public Housing while enabling capital improvements to the properties.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is applying at Olean Housing Authority free?
Yes. Applying for any federally-funded housing assistance program is always free. Olean Housing Authority administers 5 programs (Public Housing, HCV, Mainstream, PBV, RAD) — none of which charge an application fee. If any website or person asks you to pay money to apply, it is a scam. Always apply directly through the housing authority or in person at their office at 132 N Union St Ste 118, Olean, NY.
How long is the wait at Olean Housing Authority?
Wait times at Olean Housing Authority depend on demand in Olean, funding levels, and your priority status. With approximately 306 assisted housing units, turnover determines how quickly the list moves. The most recent status change we tracked was on April 5, 2026 when the RAD list changed from "unknown" to "closed." Families with children, elderly applicants, and disabled individuals may receive priority placement. Contact Olean Housing Authority directly for current estimated wait times.
Can I apply to other housing authorities while on this waitlist?
Yes. There is no limit to the number of housing authority waiting lists you can join simultaneously. There are 8 other housing authorities within 100 miles of Olean Housing Authority, including City of Salamanca (15 mi), Housing Authority of the County of Mckean (19 mi), County of Potter Housing Authority (30 mi). Applying to multiple PHAs in New York and neighboring states is strongly recommended to increase your chances. Browse all housing authorities in New York.
How do I contact Olean Housing Authority?
You can reach Olean Housing Authority by phone at (716) 372-8262. Their office is located at 132 N Union St Ste 118, Olean, NY 14760. You can also email them at akivari@oleanhousing.org. Office hours may vary — call ahead to confirm.
What are the income limits for Olean Housing Authority?
Income limits for Olean Housing Authority are set by HUD based on the Area Median Income for Cattaraugus County, NY (currently $77,200). For a family of four, the Very Low Income limit (50% AMI) is $44,250. Most Section 8 and Public Housing programs require your household income to be at or below this level. See the full income limits table below.

Olean Housing Authority Income Limits

Income limits for programs at the Olean Housing Authority are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for Cattaraugus County, NY. For a household of four, the current limit for Section 8 eligibility (Very Low Income) is $44,250. 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 $18,600 $31,000 $49,600
2 Persons $21,250 $35,400 $56,650
3 Persons $26,650 $39,850 $63,750
4 Persons $32,150 $44,250 $70,800
5 Persons $37,650 $47,800 $76,500
6 Persons $43,150 $51,350 $82,150
7 Persons $48,650 $54,900 $87,800
8 Persons $54,150 $58,450 $93,500
Source: HUD FY 2025 Income Limits Area Median Income: $77,200 Effective April 1, 2025
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.