Dallas, TX

Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Dallas, Texas

There is 1 open waiting list in the Dallas area right now. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 2 housing authorities serving Dallas, 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 Dallas, 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.

2
Agencies
1
Open Now
8
Closed

Affordable Housing in Dallas, Texas

Dallas, Texas is served by 2 housing authorities offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Right now, 1 waiting list is accepting applications in the Dallas area. There are also 15 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.

Housing programs available in Dallas include Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Public Housing, RAD, Mainstream. Of these, the following currently have open waitlists: HCV (1 open).

Latest Opening

Housing Authority of the City of Dallas, Texa opened its HCV waitlist .

About Housing in Dallas, Texas

Seeking affordable housing assistance in Dallas, Texas involves understanding programs offered by two primary agencies: the Housing Authority of the City of Dallas, Texa, and the Dallas County Housing Assistance Program. These authorities collectively manage approximately 28,728 assisted housing units throughout the area.

Currently, out of multiple housing waitlists, only one is open. The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program has an active waitlist, offering tenant-based assistance. Other programs, such as Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Public Housing, Mainstream, RAD, and various Walker Settlement Voucher initiatives, currently have closed waiting lists. Income eligibility is a key factor; for a family of four in the Dallas HUD Metro FMR Area, the very low-income limit for FY2025 is $58,650 per year.

Applicants are encouraged to regularly check for updates and application periods directly with both the Housing Authority of the City of Dallas, Texa and the Dallas County Housing Assistance Program. The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) also serves as the state housing agency, providing further oversight and resources. Staying informed about eligibility requirements and application openings is crucial when seeking housing assistance in Dallas.

How to Apply for Section 8 in Dallas

To apply for housing assistance in Dallas, Texas, submit an application directly to one of the 2 housing authorities serving the Dallas area (listed above). 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 $58,650/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 Dallas include Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Emergency Housing Assistance (COVID-19 related), Other Tenant-Based (Walker Settlement Voucher), Walker Settlement Voucher, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Other Tenant-Based, Walker Settlement Voucher Other Tenant-Based, Public Housing, Emergency Rental Assistance, Mainstream, Family Self-Sufficiency, Family Self-Sufficiency Program, RAD. 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).

Dallas, Texas Section 8 Income Limits

To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Dallas, Texas, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the Dallas, TX HUD Metro FMR Area area. A family of four must earn less than $58,650 per year (Very Low Income) to be eligible for most programs. The area median family income is $117,300.

Household Size Extremely Low
30% AMI
Very Low
50% AMI
Low Income
80% AMI
1 Person $24,650 $41,100 $65,700
2 Persons $28,200 $46,950 $75,100
3 Persons $31,700 $52,800 $84,500
4 Persons $35,200 $58,650 $93,850
5 Persons $38,050 $63,350 $101,400
6 Persons $43,150 $68,050 $108,900
7 Persons $48,650 $72,750 $116,400
8 Persons $54,150 $77,450 $123,900
Source: HUD FY 2025 Income Limits Area Median Income: $117,300 Effective April 1, 2025
How do income limits affect my eligibility?

Housing authorities in Dallas 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there open Section 8 waiting lists in Dallas?
Yes — there are currently 1 open waiting list in Dallas, Texas. Click into any housing authority above marked "Open" for application details and official portal links.
Can I apply for Section 8 in Dallas if I don't live there?
In most cases, yes. While some PHAs give preference to local residents, there is no federal rule requiring you to live in a city to apply for its waiting list. Many applicants apply to housing authorities in multiple cities and states simultaneously to increase their chances of receiving assistance.
How long is the wait for Section 8 in Dallas?
Wait times vary depending on demand, funding, and your priority status. National averages range from 6 months to 5+ years. Dallas wait times depend on the specific housing authority and program type. Contact the PHA directly for current estimates, and consider applying to multiple PHAs to improve your chances.
All housing authorities in Texas