Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in New Castle, Pennsylvania
All waiting lists in New Castle are currently closed. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 1 housing authority serving New Castle, 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 New Castle, 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 New Castle, Pennsylvania
New Castle, Pennsylvania is served by 1 housing authority offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Currently, all waitlists in New Castle are closed. Openings can happen with as little as 48 hours notice, so monitoring is critical. There are also 31 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.
Housing programs available in New Castle include Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Public Housing.
Open Lists Nearby
While no waitlists are open in New Castle right now, there are 31 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 New Castle, Pennsylvania
Affordable housing assistance in New Castle, Pennsylvania is primarily administered by the Housing Authority of the County of Lawrence. This authority manages key programs including the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program and Public Housing. Currently, both the HCV program and Public Housing waiting lists are closed in the area, with 0 open lists and 2 closed lists in total. There are approximately 1,310 assisted housing units available across the New Castle area.
To qualify for these housing programs, applicants must meet specific income guidelines. For a family of four, the Very Low Income limit in Lawrence County is set at $44,450 per year as of Fiscal Year 2025. The Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) also contributes to affordable housing efforts statewide.
Given that waiting lists are presently closed, prospective applicants should monitor the Housing Authority of the County of Lawrence directly for any announcements regarding future openings. It is advisable to have required documentation, such as income statements and family information, ready for when applications become available. Staying informed about program specifics is key to preparing for the application process.
Housing Authorities in New Castle
How to Apply for Section 8 in New Castle
To apply for housing assistance in New Castle, Pennsylvania, submit an application directly to Housing Authority of the County of Lawrence, 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 $44,450/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 New Castle include 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).
New Castle, Pennsylvania Section 8 Income Limits
To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in New Castle, Pennsylvania, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the Lawrence County, PA HUD Metro FMR Area area. A family of four must earn less than $44,450 per year (Very Low Income) to be eligible for most programs. The area median family income is $88,900.
| Household Size | Extremely Low 30% AMI |
Very Low 50% AMI |
Low Income 80% AMI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $18,700 | $31,150 | $49,800 |
| 2 Persons | $21,350 | $35,600 | $56,900 |
| 3 Persons | $26,650 | $40,050 | $64,000 |
| 4 Persons | $32,150 | $44,450 | $71,100 |
| 5 Persons | $37,650 | $48,050 | $76,800 |
| 6 Persons | $43,150 | $51,600 | $82,500 |
| 7 Persons | $48,650 | $55,150 | $88,200 |
| 8 Persons | $54,150 | $58,700 | $93,900 |
How do income limits affect my eligibility?
Housing authorities in New Castle 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 New Castle and have active housing programs.