Harlingen Housing Authority

Harlingen, Texas

Last Updated

18 hours ago

About Harlingen Housing Authority

The Harlingen Housing Authority (PHA Code: TX065) is situated in Harlingen, Cameron County, Texas. This agency manages approximately 1,328 assisted housing units, which comprise 498 Public Housing units and 830 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV).

The waitlist for the Public Housing program is currently open for new applications. For applicants, the very low-income limit for a family of four in the Brownsville-Harlingen, TX MSA area is $39,700 per year.

While the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) and Project-Based Voucher (PBV) program waitlists are presently closed, both are expected to open soon. Interested applicants should observe official announcements for updates on these programs.

Public Housing Waitlist

Status

open

How to Apply

Online

Accepting applications — no deadline
Open until further notice
Open Now
Apply Now — Official Portal

Additional Notes

Eligibility is for low-income families and individuals based on income, family status (elderly, disabled, or family), and U.S. citizenship or eligible immigration status; HUD sets lower (80% AMI) and very low (50% AMI) income limits.

Opening Soon

2 upcoming

Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Waitlist

Opens in 1 day
Opening: Thursday, April 9, 2026
1
Days
17
Hrs
16
Min
Current Status

Currently Closed — Opens Apr 9, 2026

Application Window

Apr 9, 2026 – Apr 9, 2026

Details

The waiting list will open on Thursday, April 9, 2026. Only 20 online applications are accepted every 2nd Thursday of each month starting at 8:00 a.m. Eligibility is for low-income families, seniors, and persons with disabilities; 75% of vouchers are for incomes not exceeding 30% of the area median income. Applications are available online at https://harlingen.housingmanager.com, with paper applications for elderly and disabled individuals.

You'll be notified when this waitlist opens. Get your documents ready now.

Project-Based Voucher (PBV) Waitlist

Opens in 1 day
Opening: Thursday, April 9, 2026
1
Days
17
Hrs
16
Min
Current Status

Currently Closed — Opens Apr 9, 2026

Application Window

Apr 9, 2026 – Apr 9, 2026

Details

The waiting list will open on Thursday, April 9, 2026, along with the HCV waiting list. Assistance is tied to specific units, and tenants do not choose their unit; only 20 online applications are accepted monthly on the 2nd Thursday at 8:00 a.m. for the combined HCV/PBV opening. Applications are available online at https://harlingen.housingmanager.com.

You'll be notified when this waitlist opens. Get your documents ready now.

Status History

PBV Opening Soon Mar 24, 2026
HCV Opening Soon Mar 15, 2026
PBV Closed Feb 19, 2026

Official Application

Apply directly through the official Harlingen Housing Authority portal. Applications are free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.

Go to Official Site

WARNING: DO NOT PAY ANYONE TO APPLY FOR HOUSING

Contact Information

Address 219 E Jackson St
City Harlingen, TX 78550
PHA Code TX065
Section 8 Units 830
Public Housing Units 498

Important Notices

  • Waiting lists can close without notice once a specific number of applications is reached.

  • Ensure your contact information is always up to date with the PHA to avoid being removed from the list.

How to Apply at Harlingen Housing Authority

1

Check Current Status

Harlingen Housing Authority currently has 1 open waiting list (Public Housing). Application windows can close with little notice, so apply as soon as possible.

2

Gather Required Documents

For Section 8 voucher programs at Harlingen 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 $39,700/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.

3

Submit Your Application

Apply directly through the official Harlingen 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.

4

After You Apply

Once accepted onto the waiting list at Harlingen Housing Authority, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. Harlingen Housing Authority manages approximately 1,328 assisted housing units (830 Section 8, 498 Public Housing), and wait times depend on turnover and demand in Harlingen. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.

Programs at Harlingen Housing Authority

Public Housing Public Housing open

Public Housing units at Harlingen Housing Authority are owned and operated directly by the housing authority. Rent is set at 30% of your adjusted monthly income. Harlingen Housing Authority manages approximately 498 Public Housing units in Harlingen. You may request a transfer to other Public Housing developments but cannot use this benefit at private rental properties.

HCV Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) closed

The Housing Choice Voucher program at Harlingen 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 Harlingen. This program serves approximately 830 households. Vouchers are portable — you can take them with you if you move to a different city or state.

PBV Project-Based Voucher closed

Project-Based Vouchers at Harlingen Housing Authority are attached to specific apartment complexes or units in Harlingen. 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is applying at Harlingen Housing Authority free?
Yes. Applying for any federally-funded housing assistance program is always free. Harlingen Housing Authority administers 3 programs (Public Housing, HCV, PBV) — none of which charge an application fee. If any website or person asks you to pay money to apply, it is a scam. Always apply directly through the housing authority's official portal or in person at their office at 219 E Jackson St, Harlingen, TX.
How long is the wait at Harlingen Housing Authority?
Wait times at Harlingen Housing Authority depend on demand in Harlingen, funding levels, and your priority status. With approximately 1,328 assisted housing units, turnover determines how quickly the list moves. The most recent status change we tracked was on March 24, 2026 when the PBV list changed from "closed" to "opening_soon." Families with children, elderly applicants, and disabled individuals may receive priority placement. Contact Harlingen Housing Authority directly for current estimated wait times.
Can I apply to other housing authorities while on this waitlist?
Yes. There is no limit to the number of housing authority waiting lists you can join simultaneously. There are 8 other housing authorities within 100 miles of Harlingen Housing Authority, including San Benito Housing Authority (6 mi), Mercedes Housing Authority (14 mi), Los Fresnos Housing Authority (16 mi). Applying to multiple PHAs in Texas and neighboring states is strongly recommended to increase your chances. Browse all housing authorities in Texas.
How do I contact Harlingen Housing Authority?
You can reach Harlingen Housing Authority by phone at (956) 423-2521. Their office is located at 219 E Jackson St, Harlingen, TX 78550. You can also email them at hbenavides@harlingen-ha.com. Office hours may vary — call ahead to confirm.
What are the income limits for Harlingen Housing Authority?
Income limits for Harlingen Housing Authority are set by HUD based on the Area Median Income for Brownsville-Harlingen, TX MSA (currently $66,500). For a family of four, the Very Low Income limit (50% AMI) is $39,700. Most Section 8 and Public Housing programs require your household income to be at or below this level. See the full income limits table below.

Harlingen Housing Authority Income Limits

Income limits for programs at the Harlingen Housing Authority are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for Brownsville-Harlingen, TX MSA. For a household of four, the current limit for Section 8 eligibility (Very Low Income) is $39,700. 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 $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
Source: HUD FY 2025 Income Limits Area Median Income: $66,500 Effective April 1, 2025
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.