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Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania
There is 1 open waiting list in the Wilkes Barre area right now. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 1 housing authority serving Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania 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 Wilkes Barre, 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 Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania
Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania 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 Wilkes Barre area. There are also 29 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.
Housing programs available in Wilkes Barre include Public Housing, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV). Of these, the following currently have open waitlists: Public Housing (1 open).
Latest Opening
Wilkes Barre Housing Authority opened its Public Housing waitlist on Jul 1, 2026.
About Housing in Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania
In Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania, affordable housing assistance is primarily managed by the Wilkes Barre Housing Authority. This authority offers crucial programs designed to help low-income residents secure stable housing, including the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program and Public Housing. Currently, both the HCV program waitlist and the Public Housing waitlist served by the Wilkes Barre Housing Authority are closed, meaning no new applications are being accepted at this time. There are approximately 1,860 assisted housing units in the wider Wilkes-Barre area.
Eligibility for these programs is determined by income limits set by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). For instance, a family of four in the Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA metropolitan area is generally considered Very Low Income if their annual household income is at or below $41,850 for Fiscal Year 2025. When waitlists eventually reopen, prospective applicants will need to meet these income criteria. The Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) is the state's housing agency and can offer additional resources and information regarding housing initiatives across Pennsylvania.
Given that waitlists are currently closed, individuals seeking housing assistance in Wilkes Barre are encouraged to regularly check with the Wilkes Barre Housing Authority for updates on when applications might be accepted again. It is vital to monitor their official announcements directly, as openings can be unpredictable.
Housing Authorities in Wilkes Barre
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How to Apply for Section 8 in Wilkes Barre
To apply for housing assistance in Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania, submit an application directly to Wilkes Barre Housing Authority, 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 $41,850/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 Wilkes Barre include Public Housing, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV). 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).
Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania Section 8 Income Limits
To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA MSA area. A family of four must earn less than $41,850 per year (Very Low Income) to be eligible for most programs. The area median family income is $83,500.
| Household Size | Extremely Low 30% AMI |
Very Low 50% AMI |
Low Income 80% AMI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $17,600 | $29,300 | $46,900 |
| 2 Persons | $21,150 | $33,500 | $53,600 |
| 3 Persons | $26,650 | $37,700 | $60,300 |
| 4 Persons | $32,150 | $41,850 | $66,950 |
| 5 Persons | $37,650 | $45,200 | $72,350 |
| 6 Persons | $43,150 | $48,550 | $77,700 |
| 7 Persons | $48,650 | $51,900 | $83,050 |
| 8 Persons | $54,150 | $55,250 | $88,400 |
How do income limits affect my eligibility?
Housing authorities in Wilkes Barre 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 Wilkes Barre and have active housing programs.