Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Amarillo, Texas
There are 3 open waiting lists in the Amarillo area right now. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 2 housing authorities serving Amarillo, Texas 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 Amarillo, 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 Amarillo, Texas
Amarillo, Texas is served by 2 housing authorities offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Right now, 3 waiting lists are accepting applications in the Amarillo area. There are also 2 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.
Housing programs available in Amarillo include Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Public Housing, Mainstream, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), RAD. Of these, the following currently have open waitlists: HCV (2 open), Public Housing (1 open).
Latest Opening
City of Amarillo opened its HCV waitlist on Aug 6, 2025.
About Housing in Amarillo, Texas
Amarillo, Texas offers various affordable housing options for eligible residents, served primarily by two housing authorities: Panhandle Community Services and the City of Amarillo. These agencies collectively manage approximately 3,922 assisted housing units in the area.
Currently, three housing waitlists are open in Amarillo. Specifically, both housing authorities have open waitlists for the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program (two lists open), and the City of Amarillo also has one open waitlist for its Public Housing program. One other specific waitlist is currently closed. Programs like Mainstream, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD), and Tenant-Based Rental Assistance (TBRA) may also be available in the area but currently have closed waitlists. Applicants should contact the individual housing authorities directly for the most current information, as waitlist statuses can change.
To be eligible, income limits apply. For Fiscal Year 2025, a family of four in the Amarillo, TX HUD Metro FMR Area is considered Very Low Income if their annual income is $47,850 or less. Understanding these requirements and applying promptly when waitlists open are crucial steps. The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) also provides state-level housing resources. Staying informed and keeping contact details updated with the housing authorities is advised.
How to Apply for Section 8 in Amarillo
To apply for housing assistance in Amarillo, Texas, submit an application directly to one of the 2 housing authorities serving the Amarillo area (listed above). Right now, 3 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 $47,850/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 Amarillo include Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Public Housing, TBRA, Mainstream, RAD, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV). 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).
Amarillo, Texas Section 8 Income Limits
To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Amarillo, Texas, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the Amarillo, TX HUD Metro FMR Area area. A family of four must earn less than $47,850 per year (Very Low Income) to be eligible for most programs. The area median family income is $99,500.
| Household Size | Extremely Low 30% AMI |
Very Low 50% AMI |
Low Income 80% AMI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $20,100 | $33,500 | $53,600 |
| 2 Persons | $23,000 | $38,300 | $61,250 |
| 3 Persons | $26,650 | $43,100 | $68,900 |
| 4 Persons | $32,150 | $47,850 | $76,550 |
| 5 Persons | $37,650 | $51,700 | $82,700 |
| 6 Persons | $43,150 | $55,550 | $88,800 |
| 7 Persons | $48,650 | $59,350 | $94,950 |
| 8 Persons | $54,150 | $63,200 | $101,050 |
How do income limits affect my eligibility?
Housing authorities in Amarillo 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 Amarillo and have active housing programs.