Utica, NY

Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Utica, New York

There are 3 open waiting lists in the Utica area right now. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 2 housing authorities serving Utica, 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 Utica, 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.

2
Agencies
3
Open Now
3
Closed

Affordable Housing in Utica, New York

Utica, New York is served by 2 housing authorities offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Right now, 3 waiting lists are accepting applications in the Utica area. There are also 15 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.

Housing programs available in Utica include Public Housing, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Mainstream, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), RAD. Of these, the following currently have open waitlists: Public Housing (2 open), HCV (1 open).

Latest Opening

City of Utica opened its Public Housing waitlist .

About Housing in Utica, New York

Affordable housing assistance in Utica, New York, is managed by several local agencies. The Utica Housing Authority, the City of Utica, and the Village of New Hartford collectively serve the area, overseeing approximately 3,027 assisted housing units. Currently, there are 3 open waiting lists available for new applications, while 4 are closed across various programs.

Programs presently accepting applications include Public Housing, with two open lists, and the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program, which has one open list. Other important programs, such as Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Mainstream housing, and RAD, along with specialized services like FUP (Family Unification Program) and Family Self-Sufficiency, are also offered in the area, though their waiting lists are currently closed.

Applicants should be aware of income qualifications. For instance, the Very Low Income limit for a family of four in the Utica-Rome, NY MSA area is $44,500 per year for FY2025. This provides an example, but it is essential to verify specific income and eligibility criteria directly with each housing authority. The NY State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) provides state-level oversight and resources for affordable housing initiatives.

How to Apply for Section 8 in Utica

To apply for housing assistance in Utica, New York, submit an application directly to one of the 2 housing authorities serving the Utica area (listed above). Right now, 3 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 $44,500/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 Utica include Public Housing, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Mainstream, RAD, FUP, Homeownership Program, Emergency Housing Vouchers, Family Self Sufficiency Program. 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).

Utica, New York Section 8 Income Limits

To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Utica, New York, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the Utica-Rome, NY MSA area. A family of four must earn less than $44,500 per year (Very Low Income) to be eligible for most programs. The area median family income is $89,000.

Household Size Extremely Low
30% AMI
Very Low
50% AMI
Low Income
80% AMI
1 Person $18,700 $31,150 $49,850
2 Persons $21,400 $35,600 $57,000
3 Persons $26,650 $40,050 $64,100
4 Persons $32,150 $44,500 $71,200
5 Persons $37,650 $48,100 $76,900
6 Persons $43,150 $51,650 $82,600
7 Persons $48,650 $55,200 $88,300
8 Persons $54,150 $58,750 $94,000
Source: HUD FY 2025 Income Limits Area Median Income: $89,000 Effective April 1, 2025
How do income limits affect my eligibility?

Housing authorities in Utica 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there open Section 8 waiting lists in Utica?
Yes — there are currently 3 open waiting lists in Utica, New York. Click into any housing authority above marked "Open" for application details and official portal links.
Can I apply for Section 8 in Utica if I don't live there?
In most cases, yes. While some PHAs give preference to local residents, there is no federal rule requiring you to live in a city to apply for its waiting list. Many applicants apply to housing authorities in multiple cities and states simultaneously to increase their chances of receiving assistance.
How long is the wait for Section 8 in Utica?
Wait times vary depending on demand, funding, and your priority status. National averages range from 6 months to 5+ years. Utica wait times depend on the specific housing authority and program type. Contact the PHA directly for current estimates, and consider applying to multiple PHAs to improve your chances.
All housing authorities in New York