Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Madison, Wisconsin
There are 11 open waiting lists in the Madison area right now. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 3 housing authorities serving Madison, Wisconsin 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 Madison, 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 Madison, Wisconsin
Madison, Wisconsin is served by 3 housing authorities offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Right now, 11 waiting lists are accepting applications in the Madison area. There are also 26 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.
Housing programs available in Madison include Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Mainstream, Public Housing, VASH, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), RAD. Of these, the following currently have open waitlists: PBV (2 open), Mainstream (1 open), Public Housing (1 open), VASH (1 open).
Latest Opening
Madison Community Development Authority opened its PBV waitlist on Apr 10, 2023.
About Housing in Madison, Wisconsin
Madison, Wisconsin offers various affordable housing options managed by three primary authorities: the Wisconsin Housing & Economic Development Authority (WHEDA), which also serves as the state housing agency, the Madison Community Development Authority, and the Dane County Housing Authority. Currently, there are 11 open waiting lists for housing assistance in the area, with 9 others closed.
The range of programs available includes Public Housing (with 1 open list), Project-Based Voucher (PBV) programs (2 open lists), and Mainstream vouchers (1 open list). Veterans seeking assistance may find the VASH program helpful (1 open list). Additionally, various property-specific affordable housing options are available, such as Valley View Apartments and other income-restricted properties, each with open lists. Understanding income requirements is crucial; for example, a family of four in the Madison, WI HUD Metro FMR Area is considered Very Low Income with an annual income up to $64,900 (FY2025). The region provides approximately 7,892 assisted housing units.
To navigate these options, potential applicants should regularly check the individual housing authority websites for the most up-to-date information on eligibility and application procedures, as waiting lists can close without much notice.
Housing Authorities in Madison
Dane County Housing Authority
Madison, Wisconsin · WI214
Madison Community Development Authority
Madison, Wisconsin · WI003
Wisconsin Housing & Economic Development Authority
Madison, Wisconsin · WI901
How to Apply for Section 8 in Madison
To apply for housing assistance in Madison, Wisconsin, submit an application directly to one of the 3 housing authorities serving the Madison area (listed above). Right now, 11 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 Madison include Affordable Housing, Other (Subsidized Housing - Property Specific), Affordable Housing (Valley View Apartments), Affordable Housing - Valley View Apartments, Public Housing, Income Restricted Housing, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Other, Mainstream, VASH, FUP, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), other, RAD. 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).
Madison, Wisconsin Section 8 Income Limits
To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Madison, Wisconsin, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the Madison, WI HUD Metro FMR Area 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 $129,800.
| 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 |
How do income limits affect my eligibility?
Housing authorities in Madison 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 Madison and have active housing programs.