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About City of Utica

The City of Utica, located in Utica, Oneida County, New York, manages approximately 1,292 assisted housing units. These units are primarily facilitated through Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers.

Currently, the waitlist for the Public Housing program is open to new applicants. However, the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) and Project-Based Voucher (PBV) programs are presently closed. Waitlist statuses can change, and the Public Housing program has recently fluctuated between open and closed.

For a very low-income family of four in the Utica-Rome, NY MSA area, the current income limit is $44,500 per year. Applicants should verify current program availability and specific eligibility requirements directly.

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Other Programs Waitlist

811 PRA

Status

open

How to Apply

In-person or Mail

Accepting applications — no deadline
Open until further notice
Open Now

Additional Notes

This program offers housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities.

Public Housing Waitlist

Status

open

How to Apply

Multiple

Accepting applications — no deadline
Open until further notice
Open Now

Additional Notes

The Public Housing waitlist for the City of Utica (PHA NY443) is currently accepting applications for families and senior households. Declining two invitations may result in the application being purged from the waitlist. Eligibility requires income within federal limits and is limited to US citizens and specified non-citizens.

Other Programs

8 programs

These 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.

Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV)
Closed

The City of Utica Section 8 Program moves to a new remote application process. To check your application status, upload proof of identification/address to complete the application process (must wait 72 hours post application submission to receive Assistance Connect Login Information), or make requests of the City of Utica Section 8 Program. The waiting list can be a timely process as many families have previously applied for the program.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
Mainstream Voucher
Closed

This program provides rental assistance specifically for non-elderly persons with disabilities.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
Project-Based Voucher (PBV)
Closed

Project-Based Vouchers are typically offered to families already on the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) waiting list. Since the HCV waitlist for the City of Utica (PHA NY443) is closed, new direct applications for PBV are not currently being accepted.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD)
Closed

The Rental Assistance Demonstration program converts Public Housing units to project-based assistance, allowing housing authorities to leverage private funding for property rehabilitation while preserving long-term affordability for residents.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
Emergency Housing Voucher (EHV)
Pending

Emergency Housing Vouchers assist households who are homeless, at risk of homelessness, or fleeing domestic violence, human trafficking, or similar situations. Referrals typically come through a local Continuum of Care rather than an open waiting list.

No active waitlist information currently available. This program is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when openings are detected.
Emergency Housing Voucher (EHV) — Emergency Housing Vouchers
Pending

The City of Utica Section 8 Program administers Emergency Housing Vouchers, but no current waiting list information is available.

No active waitlist information currently available. This program is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when openings are detected.
Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS)
Pending

Family Self-Sufficiency is a voluntary program for existing voucher and public housing participants. As earned income rises, the resulting increase in rent is placed into an escrow account the family can claim on completing the program.

No active waitlist information currently available. This program is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when openings are detected.
Family Unification Program (FUP)
Pending

The Family Unification Program provides housing vouchers to families involved with the child welfare system where lack of housing is a primary factor in separation or placement of children, and to youth aging out of foster care.

No active waitlist information currently available. This program is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when openings are detected.
Homeownership & Homebuyer Assistance
Pending

Homeownership and homebuyer programs help income-eligible households purchase a home through down payment assistance, below-market sale prices, or buyer education. Some housing authorities also let voucher holders apply their subsidy toward a mortgage.

No active waitlist information currently available. This program is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when openings are detected.

Status History

RAD Closed Aug 11, 2026
Mainstream Closed May 4, 2026
Public Housing Opened Apr 3, 2026
Public Housing Closed Mar 31, 2026
Public Housing Opened Mar 18, 2026
PBV Closed Feb 25, 2026
Public Housing Closed Feb 21, 2026
HCV Closed Feb 21, 2026
PBV unknown Feb 19, 2026
HCV Opened Feb 19, 2026
HCV Closed Feb 18, 2026

Official Application

Apply directly through the official City of Utica portal. Applications are free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.

WARNING: DO NOT PAY ANYONE TO APPLY FOR HOUSING

Contact Information

Address 1 Kennedy Plz
City Utica, NY 13502
PHA Code NY443
Section 8 Units 1,292

Important Notices

  • Waiting lists can close without notice once a specific number of applications is reached.

  • Ensure your contact information is always up to date with the PHA to avoid being removed from the list.

How to Apply at City of Utica

1

Check Current Status

City of Utica currently has 2 open waiting lists (Other Programs, Public Housing). Application windows can close with little notice, so apply as soon as possible.

2

Gather Required Documents

For Section 8 voucher programs at City of Utica, you will typically need: government-issued photo ID for all adult household members, Social Security cards for all members, birth certificates for minors, proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, benefit letters), and proof of current address. For a family of four, income must be below $44,500/year to qualify in this area. Having these ready before the waitlist opens can make the difference between getting on the list and missing the window.

3

Submit Your Application

Apply directly through the official City of Utica portal. Applications are free — never pay to apply.

4

After You Apply

Once accepted onto the waiting list at City of Utica, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. City of Utica manages approximately 1,292 assisted housing units (1,292 Section 8), and wait times depend on turnover and demand in Utica. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.

Programs at City of Utica

Other Other Programs open

The Other Programs program at City of Utica provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Utica. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

Public Housing Public Housing open

Public Housing units at City of Utica are owned and operated directly by the housing authority. Rent is set at 30% of your adjusted monthly income. You may request a transfer to other Public Housing developments but cannot use this benefit at private rental properties.

HCV Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) closed

The Housing Choice Voucher program at City of Utica 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 Utica. This program serves approximately 1,292 households. Vouchers are portable — you can take them with you if you move to a different city or state.

Mainstream Mainstream Voucher closed

Mainstream Vouchers at City of Utica are specifically designated for non-elderly individuals with disabilities. These vouchers work like standard HCVs but are reserved for this population and often have separate, shorter waitlists.

PBV Project-Based Voucher (PBV) closed

Project-Based Vouchers at City of Utica are attached to specific apartment complexes or units in Utica. 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.

RAD Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) closed

The Rental Assistance Demonstration program at City of Utica converts Public Housing units to project-based assistance with long-term contracts. RAD units in Utica maintain the same resident protections as Public Housing while enabling capital improvements to the properties.

EHV Emergency Housing Voucher (EHV) closed

The Emergency Housing Voucher (EHV) program at City of Utica provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Utica. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

FSS Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) closed

The Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) program at City of Utica provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Utica. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

FUP Family Unification Program (FUP) closed

The Family Unification Program (FUP) program at City of Utica provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Utica. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

Homeownership Homeownership & Homebuyer Assistance closed

The Homeownership & Homebuyer Assistance program at City of Utica provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Utica. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is applying at City of Utica free?
Yes. Applying for any federally-funded housing assistance program is always free. City of Utica administers 10 programs (Other Programs, Public Housing, Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV), Mainstream Voucher, Project-Based Voucher (PBV), Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD), Emergency Housing Voucher (EHV), Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS), Family Unification Program (FUP), Homeownership & Homebuyer Assistance) — none of which charge an application fee. If any website or person asks you to pay money to apply, it is a scam. Always apply directly through the housing authority's official portal or in person at their office at 1 Kennedy Plz, Utica, NY.
How long is the wait at City of Utica?
Wait times at City of Utica depend on demand in Utica, funding levels, and your priority status. With approximately 1,292 assisted housing units, turnover determines how quickly the list moves. The most recent status change we tracked was on August 11, 2026 when the Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) list changed from "unknown" to "closed." Families with children, elderly applicants, and disabled individuals may receive priority placement. Contact City of Utica directly for current estimated wait times.
Can I apply to other housing authorities while on this waitlist?
Yes. There is no limit to the number of housing authority waiting lists you can join simultaneously. There are 8 other housing authorities within 100 miles of City of Utica, including Utica Housing Authority (1 mi), Village of New Hartford (2 mi), Ilion Housing Authority (12 mi). Applying to multiple PHAs in New York and neighboring states is strongly recommended to increase your chances. Browse all housing authorities in New York.
How do I contact City of Utica?
You can reach City of Utica by phone at (315) 792-0199. Their office is located at 1 Kennedy Plz, Utica, NY 13502. You can also email them at swah@cityofutica.com. Office hours may vary — call ahead to confirm.
What are the income limits for City of Utica?
Income limits for City of Utica are set by HUD based on the Area Median Income for Utica-Rome, NY MSA (currently $89,000). For a family of four, the Very Low Income limit (50% AMI) is $44,500. Most Section 8 and Public Housing programs require your household income to be at or below this level. See the full income limits table below.

City of Utica Income Limits

Income limits for programs at the City of Utica are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for Utica-Rome, NY MSA. For a household of four, the current limit for Section 8 eligibility (Very Low Income) is $44,500. 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 $18,700 $31,150 $49,850
2 Persons $21,400 $35,600 $57,000
3 Persons $26,650 $40,050 $64,100
4 Persons $32,150 $44,500 $71,200
5 Persons $37,650 $48,100 $76,900
6 Persons $43,150 $51,650 $82,600
7 Persons $48,650 $55,200 $88,300
8 Persons $54,150 $58,750 $94,000
Source: HUD FY 2025 Income Limits Area Median Income: $89,000 Effective April 1, 2025
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.