Wisconsin Housing & Economic Development Authority
Madison, Wisconsin
Last Updated
19 hours ago
About Wisconsin Housing & Economic Development Authority
Wisconsin Housing & Economic Development Authority (WHEDA), located in Madison, Dane County, Wisconsin (PHA Code WI901), manages approximately 3,563 assisted housing units. All of these units are supported by Section 8 vouchers.
WHEDA currently has its Project-Based Voucher (PBV) and VASH programs open for new applications. The PBV program recently transitioned from a closed status to open, indicating new opportunities for applicants. The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program is presently closed. Information regarding Mainstream, Public Housing, and RAD programs is not specified.
For a family of four residing in the Madison, WI HUD Metro FMR Area, the Very Low Income limit is $64,900 per year. Prospective applicants should verify their income against this threshold and meet specific program requirements for eligibility.
Project-Based Voucher (PBV) Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
Applications are currently being accepted for Project-Based Voucher properties located in Hartford, Manitowoc, Chilton, and Oconto. These vouchers are not eligible for moves or portability and must be used at the leasing property.
Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) Waitlist
Status
open
Additional Notes
Exceptions to the HCV waiting list closure are made for Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) voucher referrals.
Other Programs
4 programsThese programs are administered by this housing authority but do not have active waitlist openings at this time. Statuses are verified nightly and subscribers will be notified when changes are detected.
The Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA), PHA code WI901, closed all Tenant-Based Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) waiting lists statewide effective April 8, 2025. No new applications are being accepted for the general HCV program.
Mainstream Vouchers provide rental assistance specifically for non-elderly persons with disabilities. The program helps individuals transition out of institutional settings or avoid institutionalization by subsidizing housing costs in the private market.
Public Housing provides affordable rental units owned and operated directly by the housing authority. Units range from single-family homes to high-rise apartments, with rent typically set at 30% of household income.
The Rental Assistance Demonstration program converts Public Housing units to project-based assistance, allowing housing authorities to leverage private funding for property rehabilitation while preserving long-term affordability for residents.
Status History
Official Application
Apply directly through the official Wisconsin Housing & Economic Development 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 Wisconsin Housing & Economic Development Authority
Check Current Status
Wisconsin Housing & Economic Development Authority currently has 2 open waiting lists (PBV, VASH). Application windows can close with little notice, so apply as soon as possible.
Gather Required Documents
For Section 8 voucher programs at Wisconsin Housing & Economic Development 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 $64,900/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 Wisconsin Housing & Economic Development 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 Wisconsin Housing & Economic Development Authority, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. Wisconsin Housing & Economic Development Authority manages approximately 3,563 assisted housing units (3,563 Section 8), and wait times depend on turnover and demand in Madison. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.
Programs at Wisconsin Housing & Economic Development Authority
PBV Project-Based Voucher open
Project-Based Vouchers at Wisconsin Housing & Economic Development Authority are attached to specific apartment complexes or units in Madison. Unlike the standard Housing Choice Voucher, PBV assistance stays with the property — not with you. However, after one year of occupancy, you may request a standard portable voucher. PBV waitlists often move faster because fewer applicants know about them.
VASH Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing open
The HUD-VASH program at Wisconsin Housing & Economic Development Authority combines Housing Choice Vouchers with VA supportive services for homeless veterans in Madison. Referrals are made through the local VA Medical Center — contact the VA to begin the application process.
HCV Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) closed
The Housing Choice Voucher program at Wisconsin Housing & Economic Development 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 Madison. This program serves approximately 3,563 households. Vouchers are portable — you can take them with you if you move to a different city or state.
Mainstream Mainstream Voucher closed
Mainstream Vouchers at Wisconsin Housing & Economic Development Authority are specifically designated for non-elderly individuals with disabilities. These vouchers work like standard HCVs but are reserved for this population and often have separate, shorter waitlists.
Public Housing Public Housing closed
Public Housing units at Wisconsin Housing & Economic Development Authority are owned and operated directly by the housing authority. Rent is set at 30% of your adjusted monthly income. You may request a transfer to other Public Housing developments but cannot use this benefit at private rental properties.
RAD Rental Assistance Demonstration closed
The Rental Assistance Demonstration program at Wisconsin Housing & Economic Development Authority converts Public Housing units to project-based assistance with long-term contracts. RAD units in Madison maintain the same resident protections as Public Housing while enabling capital improvements to the properties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is applying at Wisconsin Housing & Economic Development Authority free?
How long is the wait at Wisconsin Housing & Economic Development Authority?
Can I apply to other housing authorities while on this waitlist?
How do I contact Wisconsin Housing & Economic Development Authority?
What are the income limits for Wisconsin Housing & Economic Development Authority?
Wisconsin Housing & Economic Development Authority Income Limits
Income limits for programs at the Wisconsin Housing & Economic Development Authority are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for Madison, WI HUD Metro FMR Area. For a household of four, the current limit for Section 8 eligibility (Very Low Income) is $64,900. 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 | $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 |
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 Wisconsin Housing & Economic Development Authority — including across state lines.