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About McAllen Housing Authority
The McAllen Housing Authority (PHA Code TX028), located in McAllen, Hidalgo County, Texas, oversees approximately 1,586 assisted housing units. These include 1,384 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) units and 202 Public Housing units, providing crucial support for eligible low-income individuals and families in the region.
Currently, all waiting lists for both the Housing Choice Voucher and Public Housing programs managed by the McAllen Housing Authority are closed. The authority is not accepting new applications at this time. For reference, the very low income limit for a family of four in the McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX MSA area is $39,700 per year.
Other Programs
2 programsThese programs are administered by this housing authority but do not have active waitlist openings at this time. Statuses are verified nightly and subscribers will be notified when changes are detected.
Local preferences may apply for families with children, elderly, and disabled individuals; applications are free.
Eligibility is based on annual gross income, family type (elderly, disabled, or family), and U.S. citizenship or eligible immigration status; the McAllen Housing Commission operates 89 public housing units.
Status History
Official Application
Contact McAllen Housing Authority directly at (956) 686-3951 to request an application. Applications are always free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.
Contact the housing authority directly for application information.
WARNING: DO NOT PAY ANYONE TO APPLY FOR HOUSING
Contact Information
Important Notices
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Waiting lists can close without notice once a specific number of applications is reached.
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Ensure your contact information is always up to date with the PHA to avoid being removed from the list.
How to Apply at McAllen Housing Authority
Check Current Status
All 2 waiting lists at McAllen Housing Authority are currently closed. Lists typically open with short notice — sometimes as little as 48 hours. The status at the top of this page is updated nightly.
Gather Required Documents
For Section 8 voucher programs at McAllen 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.
Submit Your Application
Contact McAllen Housing Authority directly at (956) 686-3951 to request an application. Applications are always free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.
After You Apply
Once accepted onto the waiting list at McAllen Housing Authority, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. McAllen Housing Authority manages approximately 1,586 assisted housing units (1,384 Section 8, 202 Public Housing), and wait times depend on turnover and demand in McAllen. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.
Programs at McAllen Housing Authority
HCV Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) closed
The Housing Choice Voucher program at McAllen 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 McAllen. This program serves approximately 1,384 households. Vouchers are portable — you can take them with you if you move to a different city or state.
Public Housing Public Housing closed
Public Housing units at McAllen Housing Authority are owned and operated directly by the housing authority. Rent is set at 30% of your adjusted monthly income. McAllen Housing Authority manages approximately 202 Public Housing units in McAllen. You may request a transfer to other Public Housing developments but cannot use this benefit at private rental properties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is applying at McAllen Housing Authority free?
How long is the wait at McAllen Housing Authority?
Can I apply to other housing authorities while on this waitlist?
How do I contact McAllen Housing Authority?
What are the income limits for McAllen Housing Authority?
McAllen Housing Authority Income Limits
Income limits for programs at the McAllen Housing Authority are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, 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 |
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.
Nearby Housing Authorities
Applying to multiple housing authorities increases your chances of receiving assistance. These PHAs are closest to McAllen Housing Authority — including across state lines.