Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Amherst, New York
There is 1 open waiting list in the Amherst area right now. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 1 housing authority serving Amherst, New York 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 Amherst, 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 Amherst, New York
Amherst, New York 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 Amherst area. There are also 12 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.
Housing programs available in Amherst include Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Mainstream, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Public Housing, RAD.
Latest Opening
Town of Amherst opened its Housing Rehabilitation Program waitlist .
For individuals and families seeking affordable housing assistance in Amherst, New York, the primary local agency serving the area is the Town of Amherst Housing Authority. Currently, there is one open waiting list for housing programs in Amherst, with two waiting lists presently closed.
A range of programs are available, though most are currently closed to new applications. These include the First-Time Homebuyer Program, the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program, the Mainstream program, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Public Housing, and the Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) program. The **Housing Rehabilitation Program** is currently accepting applications, providing an opportunity for residents to seek assistance.
The Amherst area, part of the Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY MSA, has approximately 5,696 assisted housing units. To qualify for very low-income assistance, a family of four in FY2025 must have an income at or below $50,500 per year. It is important to verify current income limits and eligibility criteria directly with the Town of Amherst Housing Authority for specific program requirements. New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) is the state housing agency overseeing many of these initiatives.
How to Apply for Section 8 in Amherst
To apply for housing assistance in Amherst, New York, submit an application directly to Town of Amherst, the housing authority serving this area. 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 $50,500/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 Amherst include Housing Rehabilitation Program, First-Time Homebuyer Program, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Mainstream, other, Public Housing, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), RAD. 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).
Amherst, New York Section 8 Income Limits
To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Amherst, New York, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY MSA area. A family of four must earn less than $50,500 per year (Very Low Income) to be eligible for most programs. The area median family income is $101,000.
| Household Size | Extremely Low 30% AMI |
Very Low 50% AMI |
Low Income 80% AMI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $21,250 | $35,350 | $56,600 |
| 2 Persons | $24,250 | $40,400 | $64,650 |
| 3 Persons | $27,300 | $45,450 | $72,750 |
| 4 Persons | $32,150 | $50,500 | $80,800 |
| 5 Persons | $37,650 | $54,550 | $87,300 |
| 6 Persons | $43,150 | $58,600 | $93,750 |
| 7 Persons | $48,650 | $62,650 | $100,200 |
| 8 Persons | $54,150 | $66,700 | $106,700 |
How do income limits affect my eligibility?
Housing authorities in Amherst 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 Amherst and have active housing programs.