Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Arlington, Virginia
All waiting lists in Arlington are currently closed. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 1 housing authority serving Arlington, Virginia 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 Arlington, 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 Arlington, Virginia
Arlington, Virginia is served by 1 housing authority offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Currently, all waitlists in Arlington are closed. Openings can happen with as little as 48 hours notice, so monitoring is critical. There are also 36 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.
Housing programs available in Arlington include Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Mainstream, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Public Housing, RAD, VASH.
Open Lists Nearby
While no waitlists are open in Arlington right now, there are 36 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 Arlington, Virginia
For individuals and families seeking affordable housing assistance in Arlington, Virginia, services are primarily provided by the Arlington County Department of Human Services. Currently, all five waiting lists managed by this authority are closed and are not accepting new applications.
Arlington offers a range of programs to support residents in finding stable housing. These include the Family Unification Program (FUP), Housing Choice Voucher (HCV), Mainstream vouchers, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Public Housing, Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD), and the Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) program. Across the area, there are approximately 1,827 assisted housing units available. Eligibility for very low income assistance, such as for a family of four, typically requires an annual household income not exceeding $81,950, based on the FY2025 income limits for the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD HUD Metro FMR Area. Virginia Housing Development Authority (VHDA) also serves as the statewide housing agency.
Given that waitlists are presently closed, it is advisable for prospective applicants to regularly monitor the Arlington County Department of Human Services for any announcements regarding future opening periods. Keeping informed about potential application opportunities is an important step in the process.
How to Apply for Section 8 in Arlington
To apply for housing assistance in Arlington, Virginia, submit an application directly to Arlington County Department of Human Services, 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 $81,950/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 Arlington include Other, Public Housing, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Mainstream, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), FUP, Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing Program, VASH, RAD, PSH, other. 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).
Arlington, Virginia Section 8 Income Limits
To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Arlington, Virginia, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD HUD Metro FMR Area area. A family of four must earn less than $81,950 per year (Very Low Income) to be eligible for most programs. The area median family income is $163,900.
| Household Size | Extremely Low 30% AMI |
Very Low 50% AMI |
Low Income 80% AMI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $34,450 | $57,400 | $74,800 |
| 2 Persons | $39,350 | $65,600 | $85,450 |
| 3 Persons | $44,250 | $73,800 | $96,150 |
| 4 Persons | $49,150 | $81,950 | $106,800 |
| 5 Persons | $53,100 | $88,550 | $115,350 |
| 6 Persons | $57,050 | $95,100 | $123,900 |
| 7 Persons | $60,950 | $101,650 | $132,450 |
| 8 Persons | $64,900 | $108,200 | $141,000 |
How do income limits affect my eligibility?
Housing authorities in Arlington 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 Arlington and have active housing programs.