Chester Housing Authority
Chester, Pennsylvania
Last Updated
19 hours ago
About Chester Housing Authority
The Chester Housing Authority (PHA Code: PA007) serves Chester, Delaware County, Pennsylvania. It manages approximately 2,460 assisted housing units, which include 1,659 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV) and 801 Public Housing units.
Currently, the Chester Housing Authority is accepting applications for its Family Unification Program (FUP), Mainstream Program, and Project-Based Voucher (PBV) program waitlists. The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) and Public Housing waitlists are presently closed to new applications. The status of all programs is subject to change.
Prospective applicants should note the Very Low Income limit for a family of four is $59,700 per year, applicable to the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD MSA area. Regularly verifying the current status of each program's waitlist directly with the authority is advisable.
Family Unification Program (FUP) Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Referral
Additional Notes
The Family Unification Program is currently open, but applications are accepted by referral only, with no in-person or online applications.
Mainstream Voucher Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Referral
Additional Notes
The Mainstream Voucher program is currently open, but applications are accepted by referral only, with no in-person or online applications.
Project-Based Voucher (PBV) Waitlist
Status
open
Additional Notes
The wait list is open for Project Based Vouchers. Project Based Vouchers are applied for at the specific site or at our main Housing Authority office in West Chester.
Other Programs
3 programsThese 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.
The Housing Choice Voucher program waiting list has been closed for several years due to high utilization and a sufficient number of applicants.
The Chester Housing Authority's community-wide Public Housing Waiting List remains closed.
No active waitlist information currently available for the Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) program.
Status History
Deadline: Nov 30, 2024
Official Application
Contact Chester Housing Authority directly at (610) 904-1111 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
Important Notices
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Waiting lists can close without notice once a specific number of applications is reached.
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Ensure your contact information is always up to date with the PHA to avoid being removed from the list.
How to Apply at Chester Housing Authority
Check Current Status
Chester Housing Authority currently has 3 open waiting lists (FUP, Mainstream, PBV). Application windows can close with little notice, so apply as soon as possible.
Gather Required Documents
For Section 8 voucher programs at Chester 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 $59,700/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.
Submit Your Application
Contact Chester Housing Authority directly at (610) 904-1111 to request an application. Applications are always free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.
After You Apply
Once accepted onto the waiting list at Chester Housing Authority, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. Chester Housing Authority manages approximately 2,460 assisted housing units (1,659 Section 8, 801 Public Housing), and wait times depend on turnover and demand in Chester. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.
Programs at Chester Housing Authority
FUP open
The FUP program at Chester Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Chester. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Mainstream Mainstream Voucher open
Mainstream Vouchers at Chester 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 open
Project-Based Vouchers at Chester Housing Authority are attached to specific apartment complexes or units in Chester. 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.
HCV Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) closed
The Housing Choice Voucher program at Chester 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 Chester. This program serves approximately 1,659 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 Chester Housing Authority are owned and operated directly by the housing authority. Rent is set at 30% of your adjusted monthly income. Chester Housing Authority manages approximately 801 Public Housing units in Chester. You may request a transfer to other Public Housing developments but cannot use this benefit at private rental properties.
RAD Rental Assistance Demonstration closed
The Rental Assistance Demonstration program at Chester Housing Authority converts Public Housing units to project-based assistance with long-term contracts. RAD units in Chester maintain the same resident protections as Public Housing while enabling capital improvements to the properties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is applying at Chester Housing Authority free?
How long is the wait at Chester Housing Authority?
Can I apply to other housing authorities while on this waitlist?
How do I contact Chester Housing Authority?
What are the income limits for Chester Housing Authority?
Chester Housing Authority Income Limits
Income limits for programs at the Chester Housing Authority are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD MSA. For a household of four, the current limit for Section 8 eligibility (Very Low Income) is $59,700. 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 | $25,100 | $41,800 | $66,850 |
| 2 Persons | $28,650 | $47,800 | $76,400 |
| 3 Persons | $32,250 | $53,750 | $85,950 |
| 4 Persons | $35,800 | $59,700 | $95,500 |
| 5 Persons | $38,700 | $64,500 | $103,150 |
| 6 Persons | $43,150 | $69,300 | $110,800 |
| 7 Persons | $48,650 | $74,050 | $118,450 |
| 8 Persons | $54,150 | $78,850 | $126,100 |
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.
Nearby Housing Authorities
Applying to multiple housing authorities increases your chances of receiving assistance. These PHAs are closest to Chester Housing Authority — including across state lines.