D.C Housing Authority
Washington, District of Columbia
Last Updated
16 hours ago
Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
Application submission for vouchers (federally funded HCVP and locally funded LRSP) begins February 1, 2024. Requires completing a core application and a supplement (Federal or Local). Applications should be submitted as a single PDF. Preferences are given to persons with mobility impairments. 'R...
Public Housing Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
There is a waiting list for housing in the District of Columbia. Preference is given to persons with mobility impairments. 'Reaching the top of the waitlist depends on the available number of units and vouchers, when you applied, and any selection preferences you may have indicated on your applic...
Other Programs
6 programsThese 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.
The District of Columbia Housing Authority Emergency Rental Program waiting list is currently closed. There are no current plans to re-open the waiting list.
The Local Rent Supplement Program (LRSP) is a locally funded voucher program administered by DCHA. Its waiting list is implied to be closed to new applicants, consistent with other DCHA voucher programs. New applications are only accepted if an individual receives a direct notification. For those...
The Local Rent Supplement Program (LRSP) is a locally funded voucher program administered by DCHA. While application forms for LRSP exist, they are for those who have received a notification, and the general waiting list for vouchers is currently closed to new applicants, consistent with the Hous...
The waiting list for the Moderate Rehabilitation Program is currently closed to new applicants, aligning with the general DCHA waitlist status. Applicants already on the waiting list must keep their contact information and household details updated.
The waiting list for the Moderate Rehabilitation Program is currently closed to new applicants. This waitlist has been closed since at least 2013 due to the high volume of applicants. There is no scheduled time to re-open the waitlist.
The DCHA Emergency Rental Program waiting list is currently closed. There are no current plans to re-open the waiting list.
Status History
Official Application
Apply directly through the official D.C 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
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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 D.C Housing Authority
Check Current Status
Before applying, verify that the waiting list is currently open. Housing authorities only accept applications during designated open periods, which can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks. The status at the top of this page is updated nightly.
Gather Required Documents
Most PHAs require: government-issued photo ID for all adult household members, Social Security cards for all household members, birth certificates for minors, proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, benefit letters), and proof of current address. 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 D.C 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, keep your contact information updated with the PHA. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. Wait times vary from 6 months to over 5 years depending on demand. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.
Programs Offered at D.C Housing Authority
HCV Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8)
The Housing Choice Voucher program 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 your area. Vouchers are portable, meaning you can take them with you if you move to a different city or state.
Public Housing Public Housing
Public Housing units are owned and operated directly by the housing authority. Rent is set at 30% of your adjusted monthly income. Units range from apartments to townhomes and are maintained by the PHA. You may request a transfer to other Public Housing developments but cannot use this benefit at private rental properties.
Emergency Rental Program
This program provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. Contact D.C Housing Authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Local Rent Supplement Program
This program provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. Contact D.C Housing Authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Local Rent Supplement Program (LRSP)
This program provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. Contact D.C Housing Authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Moderate Rehabilitation
This program provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. Contact D.C Housing Authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Moderate Rehabilitation Program
This program provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. Contact D.C Housing Authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
PBV Project-Based Voucher
Project-Based Vouchers are attached to specific apartment complexes or units. 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 D.C Housing Authority free?
How long is the wait at D.C Housing Authority?
Can I apply to other housing authorities while on this waitlist?
How do I contact D.C Housing Authority?
D.C Housing Authority Income Limits
Income limits for programs at the D.C Housing Authority are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD HUD Metro FMR Area. For a household of four, the current limit for Section 8 eligibility (Very Low Income) is $81,950. 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 | $34,450 | $57,400 | $74,800 |
| 2 Persons | $39,350 | $65,600 | $85,450 |
| 3 Persons | $44,250 | $73,800 | $96,150 |
| 4 Persons | $49,150 | $81,950 | $106,800 |
| 5 Persons | $53,100 | $88,550 | $115,350 |
| 6 Persons | $57,050 | $95,100 | $123,900 |
| 7 Persons | $60,950 | $101,650 | $132,450 |
| 8 Persons | $64,900 | $108,200 | $141,000 |
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 D.C Housing Authority — including across state lines.