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Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Birmingham, Alabama
There is 1 open waiting list in the Birmingham area right now. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 2 housing authorities serving Birmingham, Alabama 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 Birmingham, 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 Birmingham, Alabama
Birmingham, Alabama is served by 2 housing authorities offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Right now, 1 waiting list is accepting applications in the Birmingham area. There are also 30 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.
Housing programs available in Birmingham include Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Mainstream, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Public Housing, VASH, RAD.
Latest Opening
Housing Authority of the Birmingham District opened its Homeownership waitlist .
About Housing in Birmingham, Alabama
Affordable housing assistance in Birmingham, Alabama, is primarily administered by two key agencies: the Housing Authority of the Birmingham District (HABD) and the Jefferson County Housing Authority (JCHA). As of now, all 14 housing waitlists administered by these authorities are closed to new applicants, with no open lists available.
These authorities offer various programs designed to provide housing assistance. Program types include Public Housing, Mainstream, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Single Room Occupancy (SRO) Programs, Senior Housing, VASH, Other, and RAD initiatives. The Birmingham-Hoover, AL HUD Metro FMR Area reports approximately 13,614 assisted housing units. For a family of four, the very low income limit for FY2025 is $47,950 annually.
Given the current closed status of all waitlists, prospective applicants should monitor the Housing Authority of the Birmingham District and Jefferson County Housing Authority directly for any future announcements regarding list openings. It is advisable to prepare necessary documentation in advance. The Alabama Housing Finance Authority (AHFA) also plays a role in state-level housing initiatives.
Housing Authorities in Birmingham
Housing Authority of the Birmingham District
Birmingham, Alabama · AL001
Jefferson County Housing Authority
Birmingham, Alabama · AL086
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How to Apply for Section 8 in Birmingham
To apply for housing assistance in Birmingham, Alabama, submit an application directly to one of the 2 housing authorities serving the Birmingham area (listed above). Right now, 1 waiting list is 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 $47,950/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 Birmingham include Homeownership, Mainstream, SRO, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), VASH, SRO (Single Room Occupancy) Program, RAD, Public Housing, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Senior Housing, Other, SRO Program, other, Other (MIMR), MIMR, PBRA, Tax Credit, Mod Rehab. 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).
Birmingham, Alabama Section 8 Income Limits
To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Birmingham, Alabama, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the Birmingham-Hoover, AL HUD Metro FMR Area area. A family of four must earn less than $47,950 per year (Very Low Income) to be eligible for most programs. The area median family income is $95,900.
| Household Size | Extremely Low 30% AMI |
Very Low 50% AMI |
Low Income 80% AMI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $20,150 | $33,600 | $53,700 |
| 2 Persons | $23,000 | $38,400 | $61,400 |
| 3 Persons | $26,650 | $43,200 | $69,050 |
| 4 Persons | $32,150 | $47,950 | $76,700 |
| 5 Persons | $37,650 | $51,800 | $82,850 |
| 6 Persons | $43,150 | $55,650 | $89,000 |
| 7 Persons | $48,650 | $59,500 | $95,150 |
| 8 Persons | $54,150 | $63,300 | $101,250 |
How do income limits affect my eligibility?
Housing authorities in Birmingham 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 Birmingham and have active housing programs.