Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in San Antonio, Texas
There are 4 open waiting lists in the San Antonio area right now. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 2 housing authorities serving San Antonio, 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 San Antonio, 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 San Antonio, Texas
San Antonio, Texas is served by 2 housing authorities offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Right now, 4 waiting lists are accepting applications in the San Antonio area. There are also 20 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.
Housing programs available in San Antonio include Public Housing, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Mainstream. Of these, the following currently have open waitlists: Public Housing (2 open), PBV (1 open).
Latest Opening
Bexar County Housing Authority opened its Public Housing waitlist on Mar 1, 2026.
About Housing in San Antonio, Texas
San Antonio, Texas, is served by two primary housing authorities dedicated to providing affordable housing options: the San Antonio Housing Authority and the Bexar County Housing Authority. These agencies manage various programs designed to assist low-income individuals and families. Currently, there are 4 waiting lists open for applications, while 2 are closed. Across the area, approximately 24,721 assisted housing units are available through these programs and others supported by the state agency, the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA).
Prospective applicants should be aware of the specific program types offered. Open waiting lists include opportunities for Public Housing, Moderate Rehabilitation (Mod Rehab), and Project-Based Voucher (PBV) programs. Please note that waiting lists for the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) and Mainstream programs are currently closed. Income eligibility is a key factor; for a family of four, the very low-income limit for the San Antonio-New Braunfels area is $48,300 per year for Fiscal Year 2025.
It is important for those seeking assistance to apply to all open waiting lists for which they are eligible. Always ensure your application is complete and accurate, and promptly update your contact information with the housing authorities should it change, as this is critical for receiving notifications regarding your application status.
How to Apply for Section 8 in San Antonio
To apply for housing assistance in San Antonio, Texas, submit an application directly to one of the 2 housing authorities serving the San Antonio area (listed above). Right now, 4 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 $48,300/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 San Antonio include Public Housing, Mod Rehab, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Mainstream. 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).
San Antonio, Texas Section 8 Income Limits
To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in San Antonio, Texas, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the San Antonio-New Braunfels, TX HUD Metro FMR Area area. A family of four must earn less than $48,300 per year (Very Low Income) to be eligible for most programs. The area median family income is $98,300.
| Household Size | Extremely Low 30% AMI |
Very Low 50% AMI |
Low Income 80% AMI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $20,300 | $33,850 | $54,150 |
| 2 Persons | $23,200 | $38,650 | $61,850 |
| 3 Persons | $26,650 | $43,500 | $69,600 |
| 4 Persons | $32,150 | $48,300 | $77,300 |
| 5 Persons | $37,650 | $52,200 | $83,500 |
| 6 Persons | $43,150 | $56,050 | $89,700 |
| 7 Persons | $48,650 | $59,900 | $95,900 |
| 8 Persons | $54,150 | $63,800 | $102,050 |
How do income limits affect my eligibility?
Housing authorities in San Antonio 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 San Antonio and have active housing programs.