Last Updated
20 hours ago
About Merrill Housing Authority
Merrill Housing Authority (PHA Code: WI017) provides affordable housing assistance for residents in Merrill, Lincoln County, Wisconsin. They administer several key programs: the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), and Public Housing.
Currently, the waiting lists for the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), and Public Housing are all open for new applications. Eligibility for these programs is income-based for the Lincoln County, WI area. For instance, a family of four must meet the Very Low Income limit, which is $47,500 per year. Applicants are encouraged to contact Merrill Housing Authority directly for information on how to apply and for specific eligibility details.
Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
The voucher programs department is accepting pre-applications. Eligibility requires the head of household to be over 18 and meet WHEDA Income Limits.
Project-Based Voucher (PBV) Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
Project-Based Voucher programs include Jenny Towers (for elderly age 62+ or disabled), Park Place (for individuals age 18+ or disabled), Stonebridge (for individuals age 18+ or disabled), Westgate (for individuals age 18+), Duplexes (for individuals age 18+), and Ranch Homes (for individuals age 18+). In-house tenants on the unit transfer waiting list receive preference.
Public Housing Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
The waiting list is currently open for families and senior/disabled households. No specific preferences were noted for the general public housing waiting list.
Status History
Official Application
Apply directly through the official Merrill 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
-
Waiting lists can close without notice once a specific number of applications is reached.
-
Ensure your contact information is always up to date with the PHA to avoid being removed from the list.
How to Apply at Merrill Housing Authority
Check Current Status
Merrill Housing Authority currently has 3 open waiting lists (HCV, PBV, Public Housing). Application windows can close with little notice, so apply as soon as possible.
Gather Required Documents
For Section 8 voucher programs at Merrill 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 $47,500/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 Merrill 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 Merrill Housing Authority, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. Wait times vary from 6 months to over 5 years depending on local demand and funding. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.
Programs at Merrill Housing Authority
HCV Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) open
The Housing Choice Voucher program at Merrill 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 Merrill. Vouchers are portable — you can take them with you if you move to a different city or state.
PBV Project-Based Voucher open
Project-Based Vouchers at Merrill Housing Authority are attached to specific apartment complexes or units in Merrill. 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.
Public Housing Public Housing open
Public Housing units at Merrill Housing 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is applying at Merrill Housing Authority free?
How long is the wait at Merrill Housing Authority?
Can I apply to other housing authorities while on this waitlist?
How do I contact Merrill Housing Authority?
What are the income limits for Merrill Housing Authority?
Merrill Housing Authority Income Limits
Income limits for programs at the Merrill Housing Authority are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for Lincoln County, WI. For a household of four, the current limit for Section 8 eligibility (Very Low Income) is $47,500. 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 | $19,950 | $33,250 | $53,200 |
| 2 Persons | $22,800 | $38,000 | $60,800 |
| 3 Persons | $26,650 | $42,750 | $68,400 |
| 4 Persons | $32,150 | $47,500 | $76,000 |
| 5 Persons | $37,650 | $51,300 | $82,100 |
| 6 Persons | $43,150 | $55,100 | $88,200 |
| 7 Persons | $48,650 | $58,900 | $94,250 |
| 8 Persons | $54,150 | $62,700 | $100,350 |
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 Merrill Housing Authority — including across state lines.