Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Lancaster, Pennsylvania
All waiting lists in Lancaster are currently closed. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 2 housing authorities serving Lancaster, 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 Lancaster, 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 Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Lancaster, Pennsylvania is served by 2 housing authorities offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Currently, all waitlists in Lancaster are closed. Openings can happen with as little as 48 hours notice, so monitoring is critical. There are also 40 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.
Housing programs available in Lancaster include Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Mainstream, Public Housing, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), RAD.
Open Lists Nearby
While no waitlists are open in Lancaster right now, there are 40 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 Lancaster, Pennsylvania
If you are seeking affordable housing assistance in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, you should be aware that the area is served by two primary housing authorities: The Housing Authority of the City of Lancaster and the Lancaster County Housing Authority. These agencies administer various programs designed to help individuals and families secure safe and affordable housing within the community.
Currently, all 10 affordable housing waiting lists in Lancaster are closed. While no lists are open at this time, the housing authorities typically offer a range of programs. These include Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Mainstream Vouchers, Public Housing, Non-Elderly Disabled (NED) Vouchers, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), and programs like RAD, Rental Housing Rehabilitation, Emergency Rental Assistance Program, and Moderate Rehabilitation. These programs collectively support approximately 2,593 assisted housing units in the area.
For reference, the Very Low Income limit for a family of four in the Lancaster, PA MSA area for FY2025 is $51,950 per year. When waitlists do open, prospective applicants are generally advised to apply as soon as possible and with both housing authorities if eligible, as openings can be infrequent. You can also explore resources from the state housing agency, the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA), for additional support. Regularly checking directly with The Housing Authority of the City of Lancaster and the Lancaster County Housing Authority for updates on waitlist openings is crucial.
Housing Authorities in Lancaster
Lancaster County Housing Authority
Lancaster, Pennsylvania · PA090
The Housing Authority of the City of Lancaster
Lancaster, Pennsylvania · PA036
How to Apply for Section 8 in Lancaster
To apply for housing assistance in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, submit an application directly to one of the 2 housing authorities serving the Lancaster area (listed above). 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 $51,950/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 Lancaster include Other, other, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Public Housing, NED, Emergency Rental Assistance Program, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Mainstream, Moderate Rehabilitation, Non-Elderly Disabled Vouchers (NED), Non-Elderly Disabled Vouchers, Rental Housing Rehabilitation, RAD. 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).
Lancaster, Pennsylvania Section 8 Income Limits
To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the Lancaster, PA MSA area. A family of four must earn less than $51,950 per year (Very Low Income) to be eligible for most programs. The area median family income is $103,900.
| Household Size | Extremely Low 30% AMI |
Very Low 50% AMI |
Low Income 80% AMI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $21,850 | $36,400 | $58,200 |
| 2 Persons | $24,950 | $41,600 | $66,500 |
| 3 Persons | $28,050 | $46,800 | $74,800 |
| 4 Persons | $32,150 | $51,950 | $83,100 |
| 5 Persons | $37,650 | $56,150 | $89,750 |
| 6 Persons | $43,150 | $60,300 | $96,400 |
| 7 Persons | $48,650 | $64,450 | $103,050 |
| 8 Persons | $54,150 | $68,600 | $109,700 |
How do income limits affect my eligibility?
Housing authorities in Lancaster 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 Lancaster and have active housing programs.