Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
There is 1 open waiting list in the Bethlehem area right now. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 1 housing authority serving Bethlehem, 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 Bethlehem, 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 Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania is served by 1 housing authority offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Right now, 1 waiting list is accepting applications in the Bethlehem area. There are also 38 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.
Housing programs available in Bethlehem include Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Public Housing.
Latest Opening
Bethlehem Housing Authority opened its FSS waitlist .
About Housing in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Affordable housing assistance in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, is primarily managed by the Bethlehem Housing Authority (BHA). The area offers approximately 1,988 assisted housing units designed to help low-income individuals and families find stable homes. Currently, the Bethlehem Housing Authority has one waiting list open for new applications, while two other waiting lists are presently closed.
For those seeking assistance, the open waiting list is for the Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) program, which helps participants increase their earned income and reduce reliance on welfare assistance. The waiting lists for the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program and Public Housing are currently closed. Eligibility for these programs is based on income; for example, a very low-income family of four in the Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA HUD Metro FMR Area must not exceed an annual income of $50,100 as of FY2025.
Prospective applicants should regularly check with the Bethlehem Housing Authority for updates on waitlist openings. Due to high demand, waitlists can open and close quickly. The Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) also serves as the state's housing finance agency and may offer additional resources or information on affordable housing opportunities throughout Pennsylvania.
Housing Authorities in Bethlehem
How to Apply for Section 8 in Bethlehem
To apply for housing assistance in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, submit an application directly to Bethlehem Housing Authority, the housing authority serving this area. Right now, 1 waiting list is 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 $50,100/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 Bethlehem include FSS, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Public Housing. 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).
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania Section 8 Income Limits
To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Bethlehem, 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 Bethlehem 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 Bethlehem and have active housing programs.