Last Updated
19 hours ago
About Housing Authority of Winnebago County
The Housing Authority of Winnebago County (HAWC), PHA Code WI213, is located in Oshkosh, Winnebago County, Wisconsin. It manages approximately 568 assisted housing units. These include 484 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), also known as Section 8 vouchers, and 84 Public Housing units.
Currently, the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) and Public Housing waitlists are open for applications. The Project-Based Voucher (PBV) program is presently closed. For a family of four, the Very Low Income limit in the Oshkosh-Neenah, WI MSA area is $51,800 annually.
Applicants should be aware that waitlist statuses can change; for example, the HCV program has recently changed between open and closed. It is always recommended that prospective applicants verify the current status of all programs directly with the Housing Authority of Winnebago County for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
The waiting list is significant with estimated wait times exceeding 2 years; applicants are selected through a lottery. There is a local preference for applicants who live or work within Winnebago County, WI.
Public Housing Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
Provides affordable, income-based rental housing for eligible families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities throughout Winnebago County. Application requires full name, date of birth, Social Security number, and income for all household members.
Other Programs
1 programThese 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.
Applications for 1-Bedroom Public Housing and 1 and 2-Bedroom Section 8 Project-Based Voucher units at Waite Rug Place were last accepted until August 1, 2019. Preferences included elderly, disabled, and veterans.
Status History
Official Application
Apply directly through the official Housing Authority of Winnebago County 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 Housing Authority of Winnebago County
Check Current Status
Housing Authority of Winnebago County currently has 2 open waiting lists (HCV, Public Housing). Application windows can close with little notice, so apply as soon as possible.
Gather Required Documents
For Section 8 voucher programs at Housing Authority of Winnebago County, 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 $51,800/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 Housing Authority of Winnebago County 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 Housing Authority of Winnebago County, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. Housing Authority of Winnebago County manages approximately 568 assisted housing units (484 Section 8, 84 Public Housing), and wait times depend on turnover and demand in Oshkosh. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.
Programs at Housing Authority of Winnebago County
HCV Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) open
The Housing Choice Voucher program at Housing Authority of Winnebago County 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 Oshkosh. This program serves approximately 484 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 Housing Authority of Winnebago County are owned and operated directly by the housing authority. Rent is set at 30% of your adjusted monthly income. Housing Authority of Winnebago County manages approximately 84 Public Housing units in Oshkosh. You may request a transfer to other Public Housing developments but cannot use this benefit at private rental properties.
PBV Project-Based Voucher closed
Project-Based Vouchers at Housing Authority of Winnebago County are attached to specific apartment complexes or units in Oshkosh. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is applying at Housing Authority of Winnebago County free?
How long is the wait at Housing Authority of Winnebago County?
Can I apply to other housing authorities while on this waitlist?
How do I contact Housing Authority of Winnebago County?
What are the income limits for Housing Authority of Winnebago County?
Housing Authority of Winnebago County Income Limits
Income limits for programs at the Housing Authority of Winnebago County are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for Oshkosh-Neenah, WI MSA. For a household of four, the current limit for Section 8 eligibility (Very Low Income) is $51,800. 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 | $21,800 | $36,300 | $58,050 |
| 2 Persons | $24,900 | $41,450 | $66,350 |
| 3 Persons | $28,000 | $46,650 | $74,650 |
| 4 Persons | $32,150 | $51,800 | $82,900 |
| 5 Persons | $37,650 | $55,950 | $89,550 |
| 6 Persons | $43,150 | $60,100 | $96,200 |
| 7 Persons | $48,650 | $64,250 | $102,800 |
| 8 Persons | $54,150 | $68,400 | $109,450 |
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 Housing Authority of Winnebago County — including across state lines.