Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Waitlist

Status

open

How to Apply

Multiple

Accepting applications — no deadline
Open until further notice
Open Now

Additional Notes

Most applicants will be placed on a waiting list. The wait for assistance can be five years or longer.

NED Waitlist

Status

open

How to Apply

Multiple

Apply Now — Official Portal

Additional Notes

The Non-Elderly Disabled (NED) Program assists single, disabled individuals under age 62 or families in which the head of household or spouse is disabled and under age 62. Applications are likely processed through the general preliminary application.

Other Rental Assistance (CoC Grants) Waitlist

Status

open

How to Apply

Multiple

Apply Now — Official Portal

Additional Notes

Continuum of Care (CoC) grants provide rental assistance for participants who are receiving non-federally funded social services. Applications can be picked up in person at BHA offices or printed from the link for the preliminary application.

Project-Based Voucher (PBV) Waitlist

Status

open

How to Apply

Multiple

Additional Notes

Rental assistance is attached to specific apartments. Families apply to BHA for assistance and to the management agent for the unit.

Public Housing Waitlist

Status

open

How to Apply

Multiple

Apply Now — Official Portal

Additional Notes

The Burlington Housing Authority manages assisted housing developments, and the preliminary application is used to be placed on appropriate waiting lists. The wait for a property can be two to four years.

Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) Waitlist

Status

open

How to Apply

Multiple

Apply Now — Official Portal

Additional Notes

Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) properties are among the BHA-owned PBV properties. For some RAD properties, preference is given to elderly individuals (62+) or people living with disabilities. There are also Family Development RAD properties for individuals and families. Specific RAD proper...

Other Programs

3 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.

Family Unification Program (FUP)
Pending

The Family Unification Program (FUP) promotes family unification by providing rental assistance to families where the lack of adequate housing is a primary factor in the separation, or threat of separation, of children from their families. Families must be referred to BHA, primarily through the D...

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

Mainstream Vouchers provide rental assistance specifically for non-elderly persons with disabilities. The program helps individuals transition out of institutional settings or avoid institutionalization by subsidizing housing costs in the private market.

No active waitlist information currently available. This program is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when openings are detected.
Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH)
Pending

Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) vouchers are available to veterans when referred to BHA through the Veterans Administration (VA). These vouchers also ensure supportive services are provided by the VA in addition to rental assistance.

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

Status History

Public Housing Opened Feb 18, 2026
RAD Opened Feb 18, 2026
HCV Opened Feb 18, 2026

Official Application

Apply directly through the official Burlington Housing Authority portal. Applications are free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.

Go to Official Site

WARNING: DO NOT PAY ANYONE TO APPLY FOR HOUSING

Contact Information

Address 65 Main St
City Burlington, VT 05401
PHA Code VT001
Section 8 Units 2,467

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 Burlington Housing Authority

1

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.

2

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.

3

Submit Your Application

Apply directly through the official Burlington Housing Authority portal. Applications are free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf. If applying online, take a screenshot of your confirmation page for your records.

4

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 Burlington Housing Authority

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.

NED

This program provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. Contact Burlington Housing Authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

Other Rental Assistance (CoC Grants)

This program provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. Contact Burlington Housing Authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

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.

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.

RAD

This program provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. Contact Burlington Housing Authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

FUP

This program provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. Contact Burlington Housing Authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

Mainstream

This program provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. Contact Burlington Housing Authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

VASH

This program provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. Contact Burlington Housing Authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is applying at Burlington Housing Authority free?
Yes. Applying for any federally-funded housing assistance program is always free. If any website or person asks you to pay money to apply for Section 8 or Public Housing, it is a scam. Always apply directly through the housing authority's official portal or in person at their office.
How long is the wait at Burlington Housing Authority?
Wait times vary significantly depending on demand, funding, and your priority status. National averages range from 6 months to 5+ years. Families with children, elderly applicants, and disabled individuals may receive priority placement. Contact Burlington Housing Authority 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. Applying to multiple PHAs in your state and neighboring states is strongly recommended to increase your chances of receiving assistance sooner. Browse other housing authorities in Vermont.
How do I contact Burlington Housing Authority?
You can reach Burlington Housing Authority by phone at (802) 864-0538. Their office is located at 65 Main St, Burlington, VT 05401. Office hours may vary — call ahead to confirm.

Burlington Housing Authority Income Limits

Income limits for programs at the Burlington Housing Authority are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for Burlington-South Burlington, VT MSA. For a household of four, the current limit for Section 8 eligibility (Very Low Income) is $64,900. 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 $27,300 $45,450 $72,700
2 Persons $31,200 $51,950 $83,100
3 Persons $35,100 $58,450 $93,500
4 Persons $38,950 $64,900 $103,850
5 Persons $42,100 $70,100 $112,200
6 Persons $45,200 $75,300 $120,500
7 Persons $48,650 $80,500 $128,800
8 Persons $54,150 $85,700 $137,100
Source: HUD FY 2025 Income Limits Area Median Income: $130,400 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.