Burlington, VT

Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Burlington, Vermont

There are 8 open waiting lists in the Burlington area right now. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 1 housing authority serving Burlington, Vermont 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 Burlington, 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.

1
Agencies
8
Open Now
3
Closed

Affordable Housing in Burlington, Vermont

Burlington, Vermont is served by 1 housing authority offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Right now, 8 waiting lists are accepting applications in the Burlington area. There are also 17 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.

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

Latest Opening

Burlington Housing Authority opened its other waitlist .

About Housing in Burlington, Vermont

Burlington, Vermont, provides various affordable housing options for its residents, with approximately 2,467 assisted housing units available in the area. The primary entity serving the city is the Burlington Housing Authority (BHA). Individuals seeking assistance should also be aware of the Vermont Housing Finance Agency (VHFA), the state's housing agency, which supports affordable housing initiatives statewide.

Currently, the Burlington Housing Authority manages several programs. There are 8 waiting lists open for applications, while 3 lists are presently closed. Open programs include Public Housing, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), and Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD). Other available open lists encompass the Non-Elderly Disabled (NED) program, Continuum of Care (CoC) grants, and various other rental assistance programs. Applicants should check the specific eligibility and application details for each program.

Eligibility for affordable housing programs often depends on income. For example, a family of four in the Burlington-South Burlington, VT MSA, is considered Very Low Income with an annual household income up to $64,900 for FY2025. Applicants are encouraged to gather all necessary documentation and contact the Burlington Housing Authority directly for detailed information on specific program requirements and application procedures.

How to Apply for Section 8 in Burlington

To apply for housing assistance in Burlington, Vermont, submit an application directly to Burlington Housing Authority, the housing authority serving this area. Right now, 8 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 $64,900/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 Burlington include Other Rental Assistance (CoC Grants), Other Rental Assistance Programs, Public Housing, RAD, other, CoC, NED, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), VASH, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Mainstream, Non-Elderly Disabled Program (NED), FUP, Other (CoC Grants), Continuum of Care (CoC). 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).

Burlington, Vermont Section 8 Income Limits

To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Burlington, Vermont, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the Burlington-South Burlington, VT MSA area. A family of four must earn less than $64,900 per year (Very Low Income) to be eligible for most programs. The area median family income is $130,400.

Household Size Extremely Low
30% AMI
Very Low
50% AMI
Low Income
80% AMI
1 Person $27,300 $45,450 $72,700
2 Persons $31,200 $51,950 $83,100
3 Persons $35,100 $58,450 $93,500
4 Persons $38,950 $64,900 $103,850
5 Persons $42,100 $70,100 $112,200
6 Persons $45,200 $75,300 $120,500
7 Persons $48,650 $80,500 $128,800
8 Persons $54,150 $85,700 $137,100
Source: HUD FY 2025 Income Limits Area Median Income: $130,400 Effective April 1, 2025
How do income limits affect my eligibility?

Housing authorities in Burlington 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 Burlington?
Yes — there are currently 8 open waiting lists in Burlington, Vermont. Click into any housing authority above marked "Open" for application details and official portal links.
Can I apply for Section 8 in Burlington 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 Burlington?
Wait times vary depending on demand, funding, and your priority status. National averages range from 6 months to 5+ years. Burlington 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 Vermont