Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Elsa, Texas
All waiting lists in Elsa are currently closed. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 1 housing authority serving Elsa, 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 Elsa, 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 Elsa, Texas
Elsa, Texas is served by 1 housing authority offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Currently, all waitlists in Elsa are closed. Openings can happen with as little as 48 hours notice, so monitoring is critical. There are also 26 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.
Housing programs available in Elsa include Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Public Housing.
Open Lists Nearby
While no waitlists are open in Elsa right now, there are 26 open lists within 50 miles. Most housing authorities accept applications from non-residents, so applying in neighboring cities is a practical strategy. Scroll down to "Nearby Cities" below for options.
About Housing in Elsa, Texas
Affordable housing assistance in Elsa, Texas is primarily administered by the Elsa Housing Authority. Prospective applicants should be aware that currently, no waiting lists are open for new applications, with one waiting list reported as closed. The programs available through the Elsa Housing Authority include the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program and Public Housing. Both of these programs currently have no open waiting lists for new applicants.
For families seeking assistance, an understanding of income limits is crucial. For a family of four, the Very Low Income limit for the McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX MSA area is $39,700 per year, based on FY2025 data. Across the Elsa area, there are approximately 255 assisted housing units available to help meet housing needs. The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) serves as the state housing agency.
Given the current status, individuals interested in applying for housing assistance are strongly encouraged to regularly monitor the Elsa Housing Authority for any announcements regarding future waiting list openings. Direct communication with the housing authority is the most reliable method to stay informed about application opportunities and specific program requirements.
Housing Authorities in Elsa
How to Apply for Section 8 in Elsa
To apply for housing assistance in Elsa, Texas, submit an application directly to Elsa Housing Authority, the housing authority serving this area. All waitlists are currently closed, but openings happen with as little as 48 hours 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 $39,700/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 Elsa include 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).
Elsa, Texas Section 8 Income Limits
To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Elsa, Texas, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX MSA area. A family of four must earn less than $39,700 per year (Very Low Income) to be eligible for most programs. The area median family income is $63,300.
| Household Size | Extremely Low 30% AMI |
Very Low 50% AMI |
Low Income 80% AMI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $16,700 | $27,800 | $44,450 |
| 2 Persons | $21,150 | $31,800 | $50,800 |
| 3 Persons | $26,650 | $35,750 | $57,150 |
| 4 Persons | $32,150 | $39,700 | $63,500 |
| 5 Persons | $37,650 | $42,900 | $68,600 |
| 6 Persons | $43,150 | $46,100 | $73,700 |
| 7 Persons | $48,650 | $49,250 | $78,750 |
| 8 Persons | $52,450 | $52,450 | $83,850 |
How do income limits affect my eligibility?
Housing authorities in Elsa 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 Elsa and have active housing programs.