Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
There is 1 open waiting list in the Philadelphia area right now. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 1 housing authority serving Philadelphia, 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 Philadelphia, 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 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, 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 Philadelphia area. There are also 55 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.
Housing programs available in Philadelphia include Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Public Housing. Of these, the following currently have open waitlists: PBV (1 open).
Latest Opening
Philadelphia Housing Authority opened its PBV waitlist .
About Housing in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is served by one primary housing authority, the Philadelphia Housing Authority (PHA), which administers various affordable housing programs. Currently, the Philadelphia area provides approximately 37,350 assisted housing units. For those seeking assistance, it is important to note that the PHA has 1 waiting list open for applications at this time, with 2 others currently closed. The open list is specifically for Project-Based Voucher (PBV) programs. Other programs, such as Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV) and Public Housing, have closed waiting lists.
Eligibility for these programs is typically based on income and family size. For Fiscal Year 2025, a family of four must meet a Very Low Income limit of $59,700 per year to qualify for assistance in the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington metropolitan area. Applicants should be prepared to provide accurate and complete documentation to verify income and household composition. In addition to local resources, the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) also plays a role in state-level affordable housing initiatives, offering further avenues for support. It is advisable to frequently check for updates on waiting list openings.
Housing Authorities in Philadelphia
How to Apply for Section 8 in Philadelphia
To apply for housing assistance in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, submit an application directly to Philadelphia 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 $59,700/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 Philadelphia include Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Public Housing, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV). 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).
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Section 8 Income Limits
To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD MSA area. A family of four must earn less than $59,700 per year (Very Low Income) to be eligible for most programs. The area median family income is $119,400.
| 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 |
How do income limits affect my eligibility?
Housing authorities in Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia and have active housing programs.