Last Updated
11 hours ago
Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Online or In-person
Additional Notes
Applications are accepted continuously. Local preference for living or working in Washington County (20 points); elderly or disabled (5 points); currently employed (5 points). Assistance may be denied for violent crimes or illegal drug charges. Must be 18+ or a legal adult. Homeless and terminally ill individuals are eligible for a separate waitlist.
Mainstream Voucher Waitlist
Status
open
Open Date
Apr 1, 2023
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
The Housing Authority of Washington County is opening the Housing Choice Voucher wait list specifically and only for non-elderly (at least 18 years old and not yet 62 years old) persons with disabilities who are transitioning out of institutional or other segregated settings, at serious risk of i...
Project-Based Voucher (PBV) Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
This is a project-based waiting list specifically for senior and disabled applicants.
Public Housing Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
Applications are processed and added to the waitlist based on the submission date. Applicants will receive an acknowledgement letter with approximate wait time. Mandatory documents include Birth Certificates, Social Security Cards, and Photo IDs. Background checks are performed.
Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Referral
Additional Notes
This program is in conjunction with Section 8 HCV and is specifically for veterans. The Veterans' Association refers eligible veterans to HHA for housing assistance. Background checks are conducted, but eligibility for the VASH program may still be possible even with certain criminal records or o...
Status History
Official Application
Apply directly through the official Hagerstown 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 Hagerstown 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 Hagerstown 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 Hagerstown 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.
Mainstream
This program provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. Contact Hagerstown 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.
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.
VASH
This program provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. Contact Hagerstown Housing Authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is applying at Hagerstown Housing Authority free?
How long is the wait at Hagerstown Housing Authority?
Can I apply to other housing authorities while on this waitlist?
How do I contact Hagerstown Housing Authority?
Hagerstown Housing Authority Income Limits
Income limits for programs at the Hagerstown Housing Authority are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for Hagerstown, MD HUD Metro FMR Area. For a household of four, the current limit for Section 8 eligibility (Very Low Income) is $46,850. 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 | $19,700 | $32,800 | $52,500 |
| 2 Persons | $22,500 | $37,500 | $60,000 |
| 3 Persons | $26,650 | $42,200 | $67,500 |
| 4 Persons | $32,150 | $46,850 | $74,950 |
| 5 Persons | $37,650 | $50,600 | $80,950 |
| 6 Persons | $43,150 | $54,350 | $86,950 |
| 7 Persons | $48,650 | $58,100 | $92,950 |
| 8 Persons | $54,150 | $61,850 | $98,950 |
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 Hagerstown Housing Authority — including across state lines.