Bethlehem Housing Authority

Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

Last Updated

23 hours ago

About Bethlehem Housing Authority

Bethlehem Housing Authority (PHA Code: PA011) is situated in Bethlehem, Northampton County, Pennsylvania. This authority oversees approximately 1,988 assisted housing units, which include 513 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV) and 1,475 Public Housing units.

The Authority manages several housing assistance programs. Currently, only the Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) program is open and accepting applications. Both the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) and Public Housing programs are presently closed to new applicants, with recent activity showing both waitlists changed from open to closed.

For a family of four, the Very Low Income limit for the Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA HUD Metro FMR Area is $50,100 per year. Individuals interested in applying for assistance should be aware that only the FSS program has an open waitlist at this time.

FSS Waitlist

Status

open

Accepting applications — no deadline
Open until further notice
Open Now

Additional Notes

The FSS (Family Self-Sufficiency) Program waiting list is currently open; further details are available on the Bethlehem Housing Authority website.

Other Programs

2 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 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) waiting list is currently closed. Information regarding future openings is not available on this page.

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

The Public Housing waiting list is currently closed. Information regarding future openings is not available on this page.

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

Status History

Public Housing Closed Feb 25, 2026
HCV Closed Feb 25, 2026
HCV Opened Feb 24, 2026
Public Housing Opened Feb 23, 2026

Official Application

Contact Bethlehem Housing Authority directly at (610) 865-8357 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 645 Main St
City Bethlehem, PA 18018
PHA Code PA011
Section 8 Units 513
Public Housing Units 1,475

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 Bethlehem Housing Authority

1

Check Current Status

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

2

Gather Required Documents

For Section 8 voucher programs at Bethlehem 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 $50,100/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 Bethlehem Housing Authority directly at (610) 865-8357 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 Bethlehem Housing Authority, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. Bethlehem Housing Authority manages approximately 1,988 assisted housing units (513 Section 8, 1,475 Public Housing), and wait times depend on turnover and demand in Bethlehem. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.

Programs at Bethlehem Housing Authority

FSS open

The FSS program at Bethlehem Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Bethlehem. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

HCV Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) closed

The Housing Choice Voucher program at Bethlehem 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 Bethlehem. This program serves approximately 513 households. Vouchers are portable — you can take them with you if you move to a different city or state.

Public Housing Public Housing closed

Public Housing units at Bethlehem Housing Authority are owned and operated directly by the housing authority. Rent is set at 30% of your adjusted monthly income. Bethlehem Housing Authority manages approximately 1,475 Public Housing units in Bethlehem. You may request a transfer to other Public Housing developments but cannot use this benefit at private rental properties.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is applying at Bethlehem Housing Authority free?
Yes. Applying for any federally-funded housing assistance program is always free. Bethlehem Housing Authority administers 3 programs (FSS, HCV, Public Housing) — 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 645 Main St, Bethlehem, PA.
How long is the wait at Bethlehem Housing Authority?
Wait times at Bethlehem Housing Authority depend on demand in Bethlehem, funding levels, and your priority status. With approximately 1,988 assisted housing units, turnover determines how quickly the list moves. The most recent status change we tracked was on February 25, 2026 when the Public Housing list changed from "open" to "closed." Families with children, elderly applicants, and disabled individuals may receive priority placement. Contact Bethlehem 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 Bethlehem Housing Authority, including Allentown Housing Authority (6 mi), Lehigh County Housing Authority (9 mi), Northampton County Housing Authority (9 mi). Applying to multiple PHAs in Pennsylvania and neighboring states is strongly recommended to increase your chances. Browse all housing authorities in Pennsylvania.
How do I contact Bethlehem Housing Authority?
You can reach Bethlehem Housing Authority by phone at (610) 865-8357. Their office is located at 645 Main St, Bethlehem, PA 18018. You can also email them at jritter@betha.com. Office hours may vary — call ahead to confirm.
What are the income limits for Bethlehem Housing Authority?
Income limits for Bethlehem Housing Authority are set by HUD based on the Area Median Income for Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA HUD Metro FMR Area (currently $100,200). For a family of four, the Very Low Income limit (50% AMI) is $50,100. 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.

Bethlehem Housing Authority Income Limits

Income limits for programs at the Bethlehem Housing Authority are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA HUD Metro FMR Area. For a household of four, the current limit for Section 8 eligibility (Very Low Income) is $50,100. 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 $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
Source: HUD FY 2025 Income Limits Area Median Income: $100,200 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.