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Last Updated
5 hours ago
About Watertown Housing Authority
Watertown Housing Authority (WHA), located in Watertown, Jefferson County, New York, manages approximately 648 assisted housing units. The WHA offers housing assistance through various programs, including the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program and Public Housing. Waitlists for both the HCV program and Public Housing are currently open for new applications. The status of the Project-Based Voucher (PBV) program is unknown at this time.
For prospective applicants, an example income limit for a Very Low-Income family of four in the Watertown-Fort Drum, NY MSA area is $44,250 per year. Eligibility requirements and application procedures vary by program. Individuals seeking housing assistance should prepare to meet specific income and household criteria established by the WHA.
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Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
The current waitlist time for Section 8 is approximately 10-12 years. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and citizenship status.
Public Housing Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
The organization operates exclusively from a waiting list for all applications. All applicants will be placed on the waiting list and notified when a suitable unit becomes available. No option for immediate placement.
Other Programs
3 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 organization operates exclusively from a waiting list for all applications and does not have the option for immediate placement. All applicants will be placed on the waiting list and notified when a suitable unit becomes available.
No specific information found regarding the Mainstream waiting list status. The website mentions operating exclusively from a waiting list for all applications.
No specific information found regarding the RAD waiting list status. The website mentions operating exclusively from a waiting list for all applications.
Status History
Official Application
Apply directly through the official Watertown Housing Authority portal. Applications are free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.
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 Watertown Housing Authority
Check Current Status
Watertown Housing Authority currently has 2 open waiting lists (HCV, Public Housing). Application windows can close with little notice, so apply as soon as possible.
Gather Required Documents
For Section 8 voucher programs at Watertown Housing Authority, 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 $44,250/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.
Submit Your Application
Apply directly through the official Watertown Housing Authority portal. Applications are free — never pay to apply.
After You Apply
Once accepted onto the waiting list at Watertown Housing Authority, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. Watertown Housing Authority manages approximately 648 assisted housing units, and wait times depend on turnover and demand in Watertown. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.
Programs at Watertown Housing Authority
HCV Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) open
The Housing Choice Voucher program at Watertown Housing Authority 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 Watertown. Vouchers are portable — you can take them with you if you move to a different city or state.
Public Housing Public Housing open
Public Housing units at Watertown Housing Authority are owned and operated directly by the housing authority. Rent is set at 30% of your adjusted monthly income. Watertown Housing Authority manages approximately 648 Public Housing units in Watertown. You may request a transfer to other Public Housing developments but cannot use this benefit at private rental properties.
PBV Project-Based Voucher closed
Project-Based Vouchers at Watertown Housing Authority are attached to specific apartment complexes or units in Watertown. 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.
Mainstream Mainstream Voucher closed
Mainstream Vouchers at Watertown Housing Authority 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.
RAD Rental Assistance Demonstration closed
The Rental Assistance Demonstration program at Watertown Housing Authority converts Public Housing units to project-based assistance with long-term contracts. RAD units in Watertown maintain the same resident protections as Public Housing while enabling capital improvements to the properties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is applying at Watertown Housing Authority free?
How long is the wait at Watertown Housing Authority?
Can I apply to other housing authorities while on this waitlist?
How do I contact Watertown Housing Authority?
What are the income limits for Watertown Housing Authority?
Watertown Housing Authority Income Limits
Income limits for programs at the Watertown Housing Authority are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for Watertown-Fort Drum, NY MSA. For a household of four, the current limit for Section 8 eligibility (Very Low Income) is $44,250. 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 | $18,600 | $31,000 | $49,600 |
| 2 Persons | $21,250 | $35,400 | $56,650 |
| 3 Persons | $26,650 | $39,850 | $63,750 |
| 4 Persons | $32,150 | $44,250 | $70,800 |
| 5 Persons | $37,650 | $47,800 | $76,500 |
| 6 Persons | $43,150 | $51,350 | $82,150 |
| 7 Persons | $48,650 | $54,900 | $87,800 |
| 8 Persons | $54,150 | $58,450 | $93,500 |
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 Watertown Housing Authority — including across state lines.