Finding affordable housing in Pennsylvania is a growing challenge for many families across the state. The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program helps low-income families, older adults, and people with disabilities afford safe, decent housing in the private rental market. If you qualify, the program covers a portion of your rent while you pay roughly 30% of your adjusted gross income toward housing costs. This guide walks you through the full process of applying for Section 8 in Pennsylvania, from checking your eligibility to finding a rental unit with your voucher.
Not sure which benefits you qualify for? Use our free eligibility screener to check your eligibility for Section 8 and other assistance programs in minutes. You can also visit our Pennsylvania Benefits Overview for a full list of programs available in the state.
How Section 8 Works in Pennsylvania
The Housing Choice Voucher program is funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and administered at the local level. Pennsylvania has approximately 90 public housing authorities (PHAs) that each manage their own Section 8 programs. There is no single statewide waiting list. Instead, each housing authority maintains its own list and application process.
When you receive a voucher, the housing authority sets a "payment standard" based on the size of the unit and Fair Market Rents in your area. You pay approximately 30% of your adjusted gross income toward rent, and the housing authority pays the landlord the difference, up to the payment standard.
You can use your voucher at any rental property where the landlord agrees to participate in the program. This gives you the freedom to choose where you live, whether that is in a city like Philadelphia or Pittsburgh, a suburban community, or a rural area.
Section 8 Income Limits in Pennsylvania
To qualify for Section 8 in Pennsylvania, your household income must fall below specific thresholds set by HUD. These limits are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for your county and vary across the state.
There are two key income categories:
- Very Low Income (50% AMI): The general eligibility cutoff for the program
- Extremely Low Income (30% AMI): Applicants in this category receive priority on the waiting list
Because income limits differ by county and metro area, you need to check the specific limits for your location. Below are approximate income limits for some of Pennsylvania's major metro areas. These figures are updated annually by HUD, so always verify current numbers on the HUD Income Limits page.
Approximate Section 8 Income Limits (50% AMI) by Household Size
| Household Size | Philadelphia Metro (approximate) | Pittsburgh Metro (approximate) | Rural PA (approximate) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $33,000 to $37,000 | $30,000 to $34,000 | $22,000 to $28,000 |
| 2 Persons | $37,000 to $42,000 | $34,000 to $39,000 | $25,000 to $32,000 |
| 3 Persons | $42,000 to $48,000 | $38,000 to $44,000 | $28,000 to $36,000 |
| 4 Persons | $47,000 to $53,000 | $43,000 to $49,000 | $31,000 to $40,000 |
| 5 Persons | $50,000 to $57,000 | $46,000 to $53,000 | $34,000 to $43,000 |
| 6 Persons | $54,000 to $61,000 | $50,000 to $57,000 | $36,000 to $46,000 |
Note: These are approximate ranges based on recent HUD data. Exact limits depend on your specific county and metro area and are updated each year. Use the HUD Income Limits tool to find precise numbers for your area.
By law, housing authorities must provide at least 75% of their vouchers to applicants whose income falls at or below 30% of AMI (extremely low income). This means the majority of vouchers go to the lowest-income households.
Eligibility Requirements
Beyond income, you must meet several additional requirements to qualify for Section 8 in Pennsylvania:
- Citizenship or immigration status: You must be a U.S. citizen or have eligible immigration status. At least one household member must have eligible status.
- Background check: Housing authorities conduct criminal background screening. Certain criminal convictions, particularly those related to drug manufacturing or sex offenses, may disqualify applicants.
- Rental history: A history of evictions or owing money to a previous housing authority may affect your eligibility.
- Family composition: The program serves families, single individuals, older adults, and people with disabilities. "Family" is defined broadly and can include a single person.
Housing authorities may also set local preferences that affect your position on the waiting list. Common preferences in Pennsylvania include:
- Elderly applicants (age 62 and older)
- People with disabilities
- Families experiencing homelessness
- Veterans
- Residents of the local jurisdiction
- Working families or those enrolled in education or job training
- Victims of domestic violence
Step-by-Step: How to Apply for Section 8 in Pennsylvania
Step 1: Determine Which Housing Authority Serves Your Area
Pennsylvania has roughly 90 housing authorities. Each one serves a specific geographic area. Start by identifying which PHA covers your location. Some of the largest include:
- Philadelphia Housing Authority
- Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP)
- Allegheny County Housing Authority
- Harrisburg Housing Authority
- Delaware County Housing Authority
- Reading Housing Authority
- Allentown Housing Authority
- Scranton Housing Authority
- Montgomery County Housing Authority
- Bethlehem Housing Authority
If you are unsure which authority covers your area, visit the HUD PHA Contact Directory or call HUD's general information line at 1-800-955-2232.
Step 2: Check If the Waiting List Is Open
Section 8 waiting lists in Pennsylvania open and close periodically. You can only apply when the waiting list is open in your area. Here is a general overview of how waiting lists work at some major Pennsylvania housing authorities:
| Housing Authority | Typical Wait Time |
|---|---|
| Philadelphia Housing Authority | 3 to 5+ years |
| Housing Authority of Pittsburgh (HACP) | 2 to 4+ years |
| Allegheny County Housing Authority | 2 to 4 years |
| Harrisburg Housing Authority | 1 to 3 years |
| Delaware County Housing Authority | 2 to 4 years |
| Smaller/rural housing authorities | Several months to 2 years |
Wait times are estimates and vary based on funding, turnover, and demand. Always verify current waiting list status directly with the housing authority.
Tip: Apply to multiple housing authorities to improve your chances. You are not limited to applying in just one area.
Step 3: Submit Your Application
Once you confirm that a waiting list is open, submit your application. The process varies by housing authority:
- Philadelphia Housing Authority: Applications are typically submitted online through their website at pha.phila.gov. They periodically open and close their waiting list.
- Housing Authority of Pittsburgh (HACP): Apply online at hacp.org when the waiting list is open.
- Other housing authorities: Visit the specific PHA's website or call their office for instructions. Some accept online applications, while others require paper or in-person submissions.
Many housing authorities now offer online application portals, but some smaller authorities still use paper applications that you can pick up at their office or request by mail.
Step 4: Gather Required Documents
Have the following documents ready when you apply or when you are called for your eligibility interview:
- Government-issued photo ID for all adult household members
- Social Security cards for all household members
- Birth certificates for all household members
- Proof of income (pay stubs, benefit letters, tax returns) for the past 12 months
- Proof of current address (lease, utility bill, or official mail)
- Bank statements for checking and savings accounts
- Documentation of any disability (if applicable)
- Landlord contact information and rental history
- Documentation of veteran status (if applicable)
Step 5: Wait for Your Name to Be Called
After your application is accepted, you are placed on a waiting list. Wait times in Pennsylvania vary significantly depending on the area:
- Philadelphia and Pittsburgh metro areas: Often 3 or more years
- Mid-size cities like Harrisburg, Reading, or Allentown: Typically 1 to 3 years
- Smaller cities and rural areas: Several months to about 2 years
During this time, keep your contact information updated with every housing authority where you applied. If they cannot reach you, you may lose your spot on the list.
Step 6: Attend the Eligibility Interview
When your name comes up on the waiting list, the housing authority will contact you for an eligibility interview. During this interview, you will:
- Verify your identity and household composition
- Provide updated income and employment documentation
- Complete any additional paperwork
- Learn about program rules and your responsibilities as a voucher holder
- Ask questions about using your voucher
Step 7: Receive Your Voucher and Find Housing
Once approved, you receive a voucher and typically have 60 to 120 days to find a rental unit that meets program requirements. The unit must:
- Pass a Housing Quality Standards (HQS) inspection
- Have a rent within the payment standard for your area
- Have a landlord willing to participate in the program
The housing authority may provide a list of landlords who accept vouchers, or you can search for housing on your own. Websites like GoSection8.com and AffordableHousing.com list voucher-friendly rentals.
Major Pennsylvania Housing Authority Contact Information
| Housing Authority | Phone | Address |
|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia Housing Authority | (215) 684-4000 | 2013 Ridge Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19121 |
| Housing Authority of Pittsburgh (HACP) | (412) 456-5000 | 200 Ross Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15219 |
| Allegheny County Housing Authority | (412) 402-2400 | 301 Chartiers Avenue, McKees Rocks, PA 15136 |
| Harrisburg Housing Authority | (717) 232-6781 | 351 Chestnut Street, Harrisburg, PA 17101 |
| Delaware County Housing Authority | (610) 876-2521 | 1855 Constitution Avenue, Woodlyn, PA 19094 |
| Allentown Housing Authority | (610) 439-8671 | 1339 Allen Street, Allentown, PA 18102 |
| Scranton Housing Authority | (570) 348-1482 | 400 Adams Avenue, Scranton, PA 18510 |
| Reading Housing Authority | (610) 372-4597 | 400 Hancock Boulevard, Reading, PA 19611 |
Tips for a Successful Section 8 Application
- Apply to multiple housing authorities. You can be on more than one waiting list at a time. Apply everywhere you would be willing to live.
- Apply as soon as waiting lists open. Lists can close within days or even hours in high-demand areas. Check housing authority websites regularly or call to ask about upcoming openings.
- Keep your information current. Update your address and phone number immediately if they change. Missed correspondence can result in removal from the list.
- Respond quickly. When the housing authority contacts you, respond within the deadline. Missing a deadline usually means starting over.
- Gather documents early. Having your paperwork ready speeds up the process once your name is called.
- Consider smaller communities. Waiting lists in rural areas and smaller cities tend to be shorter than in Philadelphia or Pittsburgh.
- Look into other programs while you wait. Pennsylvania offers other housing assistance programs that may help in the meantime.
Other Housing Assistance in Pennsylvania
While waiting for Section 8, consider these additional resources:
- Public Housing: Managed by local housing authorities, public housing units sometimes have shorter wait times than the voucher program. Contact your local PHA to inquire.
- LIHEAP (Energy Assistance): Pennsylvania's Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program helps with heating bills. Apply through COMPASS or your local County Assistance Office. Income limit is 150% of the federal poverty level.
- Emergency Rental Assistance: Contact your county or local community action agency for emergency rental help. The Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) at phfa.org can direct you to resources.
- Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) Properties: Privately owned apartments with reduced rents for income-eligible tenants. Search for available units through the National Housing Locator.
- Homeless Assistance Programs: Pennsylvania funds emergency shelter and transitional housing through county human services agencies. Dial 211 for local referrals.
- SNAP and Other Benefits: If you are struggling financially, you may qualify for food assistance, Medicaid, and other programs through COMPASS.
Check your eligibility for all Pennsylvania assistance programs with our free screening tool.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Section 8 waiting list in Pennsylvania?
Wait times depend on your location and demand. In Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, waits of 3 to 5 or more years are common. In mid-size cities, expect 1 to 3 years. In smaller or rural areas, waits may range from several months to about 2 years. Applying to multiple housing authorities can help reduce your overall wait.
Can I apply for Section 8 online in Pennsylvania?
Application methods vary by housing authority. Many larger authorities, including the Philadelphia Housing Authority and HACP in Pittsburgh, accept online applications when their waiting lists are open. Smaller housing authorities may require paper applications or in-person visits. Check with your local PHA for their specific process.
What happens if I miss a deadline from the housing authority?
If the housing authority contacts you and you do not respond by the deadline, you will likely be removed from the waiting list. You would then need to reapply when the list opens again. Always keep your contact information up to date with every housing authority where you have applied.
Can I transfer my Section 8 voucher to another state?
Yes. The Housing Choice Voucher program includes "portability," which allows you to use your voucher in a different jurisdiction or even a different state, as long as the receiving housing authority accepts portable vouchers. There may be a waiting period before you can port your voucher, so check with your PHA about their portability policies.
Do I have to live in Pennsylvania to apply for Section 8 in Pennsylvania?
Policies vary by housing authority. Some require you to be a current resident of their service area, while others accept applications from anyone regardless of where they currently live. Check with the specific housing authority for their residency requirements.
What if my income changes while I am on the waiting list?
You should report significant changes in income or household composition to the housing authority. If your income increases above the eligibility limit, you may be removed from the list. If your income decreases, you may qualify for higher priority.
Can I choose where to live with a Section 8 voucher?
Yes. One of the main advantages of the Housing Choice Voucher program is that you can rent any unit in the private market, as long as the landlord participates in the program and the unit passes a Housing Quality Standards inspection. You are not limited to specific housing developments.
What is the difference between Section 8 and public housing?
Section 8 (Housing Choice Voucher) allows you to rent from a private landlord, giving you more flexibility in where you live. Public housing is government-owned housing where you rent directly from the housing authority in a specific development. Both programs serve low-income households, and you can apply for both at the same time.
Are there income limits for Section 8 in Pennsylvania?
Yes. You must have a household income at or below 50% of the Area Median Income for your area. Income limits vary by county and household size. At least 75% of vouchers must go to households at or below 30% of AMI (extremely low income). Check the HUD Income Limits page for your specific area's thresholds.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Program details, income limits, and waiting list statuses change regularly. Always verify current information directly with your local housing authority or HUD. Last updated March 2026.
