Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Fort Smith, Arkansas
There is 1 open waiting list in the Fort Smith area right now. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 1 housing authority serving Fort Smith, Arkansas 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 Fort Smith, 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 Fort Smith, Arkansas
Fort Smith, Arkansas is served by 1 housing authority offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Right now, 1 waiting list is accepting applications in the Fort Smith area. There are also 18 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.
Housing programs available in Fort Smith include Public Housing, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV). Of these, the following currently have open waitlists: Public Housing (1 open).
Latest Opening
The Housing Authority of the City of Fort Smi opened its Public Housing waitlist .
Housing Authorities in Fort Smith
How to Apply for Section 8 in Fort Smith
To apply for Section 8 or Public Housing assistance in Fort Smith, Arkansas, you need to submit an application directly to one of the housing authorities listed above during an open enrollment period. 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. Having these ready before a waitlist opens can be the difference between getting on the list and missing the window.
Most housing authorities in the Fort Smith area accept online applications through their official portal. 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). Wait times in Arkansas typically range from 6 months to 5+ years depending on demand.
Fort Smith, Arkansas Section 8 Income Limits
To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Fort Smith, Arkansas, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the Fort Smith, AR-OK MSA area. A family of four must earn less than $36,300 per year (Very Low Income) to be eligible for most programs. The area median family income is $80,600.
| Household Size | Extremely Low 30% AMI |
Very Low 50% AMI |
Low Income 80% AMI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $15,650 | $25,450 | $40,700 |
| 2 Persons | $21,150 | $29,050 | $46,500 |
| 3 Persons | $26,650 | $32,700 | $52,300 |
| 4 Persons | $32,150 | $36,300 | $58,100 |
| 5 Persons | $37,650 | $39,250 | $62,750 |
| 6 Persons | $42,150 | $42,150 | $67,400 |
| 7 Persons | $45,050 | $45,050 | $72,050 |
| 8 Persons | $47,950 | $47,950 | $76,700 |
How do income limits affect my eligibility?
Housing authorities in Fort Smith 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 Fort Smith and have active housing programs.