Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
There are 2 open waiting lists in the Pittsburgh area right now. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 1 housing authority serving Pittsburgh, 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 Pittsburgh, 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 Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania is served by 1 housing authority offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Right now, 2 waiting lists are accepting applications in the Pittsburgh area. There are also 34 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.
Housing programs available in Pittsburgh include Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Public Housing, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Mainstream, RAD. Of these, the following currently have open waitlists: PBV (1 open), Public Housing (1 open).
Latest Opening
Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh opened its PBV waitlist .
About Housing in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
For individuals and families seeking affordable housing assistance in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the primary resource is the Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP). This authority manages a significant portion of the approximately 10,840 assisted housing units available in the area. Understanding the current status of waitlists and available programs is crucial for applicants.
Currently, the HACP has two open waitlists and one closed waitlist. Programs offered include Housing Choice Voucher (HCV), Mainstream, Project-Based Voucher (PBV), Public Housing, and Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD). As of the latest update, the PBV and Public Housing programs currently have open waitlists, while HCV, Mainstream, and RAD lists are closed. Income eligibility is a key factor; for instance, a family of four must generally earn no more than $53,650 per year to qualify as Very Low Income in the Pittsburgh, PA HUD Metro FMR Area for FY2025.
Applicants are advised to regularly check for updates directly from the Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh for the most accurate information on waitlist openings and application procedures. While the HACP is the main local provider, the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) also plays a role in state-level affordable housing initiatives.
Housing Authorities in Pittsburgh
How to Apply for Section 8 in Pittsburgh
To apply for housing assistance in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, submit an application directly to Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh, the housing authority serving this area. Right now, 2 waiting lists are 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 $53,650/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 Pittsburgh include Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Public Housing, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), RAD, Mainstream. 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).
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Section 8 Income Limits
To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the Pittsburgh, PA HUD Metro FMR Area area. A family of four must earn less than $53,650 per year (Very Low Income) to be eligible for most programs. The area median family income is $107,300.
| Household Size | Extremely Low 30% AMI |
Very Low 50% AMI |
Low Income 80% AMI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $22,550 | $37,600 | $60,100 |
| 2 Persons | $25,800 | $42,950 | $68,700 |
| 3 Persons | $29,000 | $48,300 | $77,300 |
| 4 Persons | $32,200 | $53,650 | $85,850 |
| 5 Persons | $37,650 | $57,950 | $92,750 |
| 6 Persons | $43,150 | $62,250 | $99,600 |
| 7 Persons | $48,650 | $66,550 | $106,500 |
| 8 Persons | $54,150 | $70,850 | $113,350 |
How do income limits affect my eligibility?
Housing authorities in Pittsburgh 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 Pittsburgh and have active housing programs.