Last Updated
22 hours ago
About Philadelphia Housing Authority
The Philadelphia Housing Authority (PHA) provides housing assistance in Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania. The PHA manages approximately 37,350 assisted housing units, which include 24,584 Housing Choice Vouchers and 12,766 Public Housing units.
PHA offers Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), and Public Housing programs. Currently, the Project-Based Voucher (PBV) program is open for applications. The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program is presently closed but is anticipated to open soon. The Public Housing program is also closed for new applications.
For a family of four, the Very Low Income limit is $59,700 per year, applicable to the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD metropolitan area. Applicants should verify current program availability and specific eligibility requirements with the housing authority.
Project-Based Voucher (PBV) Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
Applicants must search for available units and apply separately to each building, with waitlists typically shorter than PHA and Section 8 voucher programs.
Opening Soon
1 upcomingSection 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Waitlist
Current Status
Currently Closed — Opens Jan 1, 2027
Details
The PHA waitlist will likely not be opened again until 2027. The public will be notified through various media when it reopens.
Other Programs
1 programThese 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.
PHA closed its Public Housing Program wait lists on April 15, 2013. Senior-designated housing developments and special programs remain open.
Status History
Official Application
Apply directly through the official Philadelphia Housing Authority portal. Applications are free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.
Go to Official SiteWARNING: 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 Philadelphia Housing Authority
Check Current Status
Philadelphia Housing Authority currently has 1 open waiting list (PBV). Application windows can close with little notice, so apply as soon as possible.
Gather Required Documents
For Section 8 voucher programs at Philadelphia 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
Apply directly through the official Philadelphia Housing Authority portal. Applications are free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf. If applying online, take a screenshot of your confirmation page for your records.
After You Apply
Once accepted onto the waiting list at Philadelphia Housing Authority, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. Philadelphia Housing Authority manages approximately 37,350 assisted housing units (24,584 Section 8, 12,766 Public Housing), and wait times depend on turnover and demand in Philadelphia. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.
Programs at Philadelphia Housing Authority
PBV Project-Based Voucher open
Project-Based Vouchers at Philadelphia Housing Authority are attached to specific apartment complexes or units in Philadelphia. 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 Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia. This program serves approximately 24,584 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 Philadelphia Housing Authority are owned and operated directly by the housing authority. Rent is set at 30% of your adjusted monthly income. Philadelphia Housing Authority manages approximately 12,766 Public Housing units in Philadelphia. 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 Philadelphia Housing Authority free?
How long is the wait at Philadelphia Housing Authority?
Can I apply to other housing authorities while on this waitlist?
How do I contact Philadelphia Housing Authority?
What are the income limits for Philadelphia Housing Authority?
Philadelphia Housing Authority Income Limits
Income limits for programs at the Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia Housing Authority — including across state lines.