Seattle Housing Authority
Seattle, Washington
Last Updated
14 hours ago
Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
The opportunity to apply for a chance to receive a voucher is ongoing. Applicants will be randomly selected from the voucher list when available. Preferences are given to those with household income at or below 30% of Area Median Income, or who are homeless. Applicants with income between 31-50% AMI are returned to the list if not homeless. Income above 50% AMI is ineligible.
Public Housing Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
Priority is given to applicants with income of 30% or less of Area Median Income or who are homeless. Applicants are placed on site-specific waiting lists and must check in monthly via 'Save My Spot' to remain active.
Seattle Senior Housing Program Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
Buildings are primarily for seniors (62+) and adults with disabilities; applicants aged 62 or older and Seattle residents receive highest preference points.
Senior Housing Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
Apply online, pick up an application in person, or request to have an application mailed to you. Buildings are primarily for seniors (62+) and adults with disabilities. Applicants already living in Seattle receive priority. Applicants may apply in addition to other housing programs. To remain act...
Status History
Official Application
Apply directly through the official Seattle Housing Authority portal. Applications are free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.
Go to Official SiteWARNING: 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 Seattle Housing Authority
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.
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.
Submit Your Application
Apply directly through the official Seattle 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.
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 Seattle 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.
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.
Seattle Senior Housing Program
This program provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. Contact Seattle Housing Authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Senior Housing
This program provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. Contact Seattle Housing Authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is applying at Seattle Housing Authority free?
How long is the wait at Seattle Housing Authority?
Can I apply to other housing authorities while on this waitlist?
How do I contact Seattle Housing Authority?
Seattle Housing Authority Income Limits
Income limits for programs at the Seattle Housing Authority are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for Seattle-Bellevue, WA HUD Metro FMR Area. For a household of four, the current limit for Section 8 eligibility (Very Low Income) is $78,550. 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 | $33,050 | $55,000 | $84,850 |
| 2 Persons | $37,750 | $62,850 | $96,950 |
| 3 Persons | $42,450 | $70,700 | $109,050 |
| 4 Persons | $47,150 | $78,550 | $121,150 |
| 5 Persons | $50,950 | $84,850 | $130,850 |
| 6 Persons | $54,700 | $91,150 | $140,550 |
| 7 Persons | $58,500 | $97,450 | $150,250 |
| 8 Persons | $62,250 | $103,700 | $159,950 |
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 Seattle Housing Authority — including across state lines.