Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Allentown, Pennsylvania
All waiting lists in Allentown are currently closed. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 1 housing authority serving Allentown, Pennsylvania 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 Allentown, 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 Allentown, Pennsylvania
Allentown, Pennsylvania is served by 1 housing authority offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Currently, all waitlists in Allentown are closed. Openings can happen with as little as 48 hours notice, so monitoring is critical. There are also 37 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.
Housing programs available in Allentown include Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Public Housing.
Open Lists Nearby
While no waitlists are open in Allentown right now, there are 37 open lists within 50 miles. Most housing authorities accept applications from non-residents, so applying in neighboring cities is a practical strategy. Scroll down to "Nearby Cities" below for options.
About Housing in Allentown, Pennsylvania
Affordable housing assistance in Allentown, Pennsylvania is primarily administered by the Allentown Housing Authority (AHA). This agency manages programs designed to help income-eligible residents find stable housing. Currently, the Allentown Housing Authority has 0 waiting lists open for new applications. Two lists are presently closed, encompassing both the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program and the Public Housing program. Across the Allentown area, approximately 2,768 assisted housing units are available to support qualifying individuals and families.
Since both the HCV and Public Housing waiting lists are currently closed, new applications for these specific programs through the Allentown Housing Authority are not being accepted at this time. It is important for prospective applicants to regularly check for updates, as waitlist openings can occur periodically. Eligibility for these programs is based on income. For instance, a family of four must generally have a gross annual income at or below $50,100 to qualify as Very Low Income in the Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA HUD Metro FMR Area for Fiscal Year 2025. Income limits vary based on family size and program, so always verify the current figures. The Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) also serves as the state housing agency, offering various housing resources and information.
Housing Authorities in Allentown
How to Apply for Section 8 in Allentown
To apply for housing assistance in Allentown, Pennsylvania, submit an application directly to Allentown Housing Authority, the housing authority serving this area. All waitlists are currently closed, but openings happen with as little as 48 hours 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 $50,100/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 Allentown include Public Housing, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV). 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).
Allentown, Pennsylvania Section 8 Income Limits
To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Allentown, Pennsylvania, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA HUD Metro FMR Area area. A family of four must earn less than $50,100 per year (Very Low Income) to be eligible for most programs. The area median family income is $100,200.
| Household Size | Extremely Low 30% AMI |
Very Low 50% AMI |
Low Income 80% AMI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $21,050 | $35,100 | $56,150 |
| 2 Persons | $24,050 | $40,100 | $64,150 |
| 3 Persons | $27,050 | $45,100 | $72,150 |
| 4 Persons | $32,150 | $50,100 | $80,150 |
| 5 Persons | $37,650 | $54,150 | $86,600 |
| 6 Persons | $43,150 | $58,150 | $93,000 |
| 7 Persons | $48,650 | $62,150 | $99,400 |
| 8 Persons | $54,150 | $66,150 | $105,800 |
How do income limits affect my eligibility?
Housing authorities in Allentown 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 Allentown and have active housing programs.