Last Updated
11 hours ago
Project-Based Voucher (PBV) Waitlist
Status
open
Open Date
Feb 17, 2023
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
This waitlist for Mill Street Square Apartments is open until all Project-Based Voucher units are filled. Applications are paper-only, obtained in-person at designated locations (not PHA offices), and processed in order of receipt; preference is given to families with grandparents raising grandchildren who live, work, or have a job offer in Paterson.
Other Programs
2 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 Housing Choice Voucher waiting list had a very brief opening on February 23, 2026, and is now closed. An earlier opening in August 2020 used a computer-randomized lottery to select 1000 applicants; all applications were electronic.
Public Housing provides affordable rental units owned and operated directly by the housing authority. Units range from single-family homes to high-rise apartments, with rent typically set at 30% of household income.
Status History
Official Application
Contact Paterson Housing Authority directly at (973) 345-5650 to request an application. Applications are always free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.
Contact the housing authority directly for application information.
WARNING: 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 Paterson 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
Contact Paterson Housing Authority directly at (973) 345-5650 to request an application. Applications are always free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.
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 Paterson Housing Authority
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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is applying at Paterson Housing Authority free?
How long is the wait at Paterson Housing Authority?
Can I apply to other housing authorities while on this waitlist?
How do I contact Paterson Housing Authority?
Paterson Housing Authority Income Limits
Income limits for programs at the Paterson Housing Authority are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for Bergen-Passaic, NJ HUD Metro FMR Area. For a household of four, the current limit for Section 8 eligibility (Very Low Income) is $68,550. 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 | $28,850 | $48,000 | $72,950 |
| 2 Persons | $32,950 | $54,850 | $83,400 |
| 3 Persons | $37,050 | $61,700 | $93,800 |
| 4 Persons | $41,150 | $68,550 | $104,200 |
| 5 Persons | $44,450 | $74,050 | $112,550 |
| 6 Persons | $47,750 | $79,550 | $120,900 |
| 7 Persons | $51,050 | $85,050 | $129,250 |
| 8 Persons | $54,350 | $90,500 | $137,550 |
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 Paterson Housing Authority — including across state lines.