Seattle Housing Authority
Seattle, Washington
Last Updated
Less than an hour ago
About Seattle Housing Authority
Seattle Housing Authority (PHA Code WA001) serves residents in Seattle, King County, Washington. The authority manages approximately 18,806 assisted housing units. This includes 12,611 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV) and 6,195 Public Housing units, which provide rental assistance to eligible households.
Several housing programs are currently open for applications. These include the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program, Public Housing, the Seattle Senior Housing Program (SSHP), and other Senior Housing options. For eligibility, potential applicants should note that for a family of four, the Very Low Income limit is $78,550 per year within the Seattle-Bellevue, WA HUD Metro FMR Area.
Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
The opportunity to apply for a chance to receive a voucher is ongoing. Applicants are randomly selected from the voucher list when vouchers are available. Preference is given to applicants with a total household income of 30 percent or less of Area Median Income, who are homeless at the time of selection or have been in the prior 12 months. Applicants with income between 31-50% AMI are returned to the list until preferences are met. Applicants above 50% AMI are ineligible.
View original notice — seattlehousing.orgPublic Housing Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Online or Mail
Additional Notes
Applicants can apply to site-specific waiting lists for up to two properties; priority is given to those with income 30% or less of Area Median Income or who are homeless. Seattle Senior Housing Program is for people age 62 or older and adults 18 or older with disabilities. To remain active on the waitlist, applicants must check in monthly using the Save My Spot system.
Seattle Senior Housing Program Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
Reserved for people age 62 or older and adults 18 or older with disabilities. Applicants may apply to waitlists for up to two properties. Highest preference is for applicants aged 62+, income-eligible, and Seattle residents. Monthly check-in via the Save My Spot system is required.
Seattle Senior Housing Program (SSHP) Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
Eligibility requires the head of household, spouse, or adult family member to be 62 years or older or an adult with a disability, with priority for applicants 62+. Seattle residents receive priority. Applicants may apply for up to two properties in addition to other housing programs. Monthly check-ins via Save My Spot are required to remain active on the waitlist.
Senior Housing Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
Apply online, pick up an application in person, or request to have an application mailed to you. Buildings are primarily for seniors (62+) and adults with disabilities. Applicants already living in Seattle receive priority. Applicants may apply in addition to other housing programs. To remain act...
Status History
Official Application
Apply directly through the official Seattle Housing Authority portal. Applications are free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.
Go to Official SiteWARNING: 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 Seattle Housing Authority
Check Current Status
Seattle Housing Authority currently has 5 open waiting lists (HCV, Public Housing, Seattle Senior Housing Program, Seattle Senior Housing Program (SSHP), Senior Housing). Application windows can close with little notice, so apply as soon as possible.
Gather Required Documents
For Section 8 voucher programs at Seattle 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 $78,550/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
Apply directly through the official Seattle 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.
After You Apply
Once accepted onto the waiting list at Seattle Housing Authority, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. Seattle Housing Authority manages approximately 18,806 assisted housing units (12,611 Section 8, 6,195 Public Housing), and wait times depend on turnover and demand in Seattle. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.
Programs at Seattle Housing Authority
HCV Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) open
The Housing Choice Voucher program at Seattle 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 Seattle. This program serves approximately 12,611 households. Vouchers are portable — you can take them with you if you move to a different city or state.
Public Housing Public Housing open
Public Housing units at Seattle Housing Authority are owned and operated directly by the housing authority. Rent is set at 30% of your adjusted monthly income. Seattle Housing Authority manages approximately 6,195 Public Housing units in Seattle. You may request a transfer to other Public Housing developments but cannot use this benefit at private rental properties.
Seattle Senior Housing Program open
The Seattle Senior Housing Program program at Seattle Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Seattle. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Seattle Senior Housing Program (SSHP) open
The Seattle Senior Housing Program (SSHP) program at Seattle Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Seattle. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Senior Housing open
The Senior Housing program at Seattle Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Seattle. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is applying at Seattle Housing Authority free?
How long is the wait at Seattle Housing Authority?
Can I apply to other housing authorities while on this waitlist?
How do I contact Seattle Housing Authority?
What are the income limits for Seattle Housing Authority?
Seattle Housing Authority Income Limits
Income limits for programs at the Seattle Housing Authority are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for Seattle-Bellevue, WA HUD Metro FMR Area. For a household of four, the current limit for Section 8 eligibility (Very Low Income) is $78,550. 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 | $33,050 | $55,000 | $84,850 |
| 2 Persons | $37,750 | $62,850 | $96,950 |
| 3 Persons | $42,450 | $70,700 | $109,050 |
| 4 Persons | $47,150 | $78,550 | $121,150 |
| 5 Persons | $50,950 | $84,850 | $130,850 |
| 6 Persons | $54,700 | $91,150 | $140,550 |
| 7 Persons | $58,500 | $97,450 | $150,250 |
| 8 Persons | $62,250 | $103,700 | $159,950 |
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 Seattle Housing Authority — including across state lines.