Seattle Housing Authority
Seattle, Washington
Last Updated
18 hours ago
About Seattle Housing Authority
Seattle Housing Authority (PHA Code WA001) serves residents in Seattle, King County, Washington. The authority manages approximately 18,806 assisted housing units. This includes 12,611 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV) and 6,195 Public Housing units, which provide rental assistance to eligible households.
Several housing programs are currently open for applications. These include the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program, Public Housing, the Seattle Senior Housing Program (SSHP), and other Senior Housing options. For eligibility, potential applicants should note that for a family of four, the Very Low Income limit is $78,550 per year within the Seattle-Bellevue, WA HUD Metro FMR Area.
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 whenever vouchers are available. Preference is given to households with incomes at 30% or less of AMI, those who are homeless, or have been homeless in the prior 12 months. Applicants with incomes above 50% of AMI are not eligible.
View original notice — seattlehousing.orgPublic Housing Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
Applicants can apply for up to two properties from the Low-Income Public Housing program. Applicants age 62 or older are not limited to these properties and may apply for other housing programs.
View original notice — seattlehousing.orgSeattle Senior Housing Program Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Online or Mail
Additional Notes
Applicants aged 62 or older can apply for up to two Seattle Senior Housing Program properties, in addition to Low-Income Housing program properties. Priority is given to applicants with income 30% or less of Area Median Income or those who are homeless. Monthly check-ins via 'Save My Spot' are required to remain active on waitlists.
Seattle Senior Housing Program (SSHP) Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
Eligibility requires the head of household, spouse, or adult family member to be 62 years or older or an adult with a disability, with priority for applicants 62+. Seattle residents receive priority. Applicants may apply for up to two properties in addition to other housing programs. Monthly check-ins via Save My Spot are required to remain active on the waitlist.
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...
Senior Housing Program Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Online, Mail (download application)
Additional Notes
Buildings are reserved for people age 62 or older and adults 18 or older with disabilities.
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.
No current specific waitlist information found for a distinct Mainstream program.
No current specific waitlist information found for a distinct PBV program.
No current specific waitlist information found for a distinct RAD program.
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
Seattle Housing Authority currently has 6 open waiting lists (HCV, Public Housing, Seattle Senior Housing Program, Seattle Senior Housing Program (SSHP), Senior Housing, Senior Housing Program). Application windows can close with little notice, so apply as soon as possible.
Gather Required Documents
For Section 8 voucher programs at Seattle 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 $78,550/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 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 at Seattle Housing Authority, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. Seattle Housing Authority manages approximately 18,806 assisted housing units (12,611 Section 8, 6,195 Public Housing), and wait times depend on turnover and demand in Seattle. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.
Programs at Seattle Housing Authority
HCV Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) open
The Housing Choice Voucher program at Seattle 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 Seattle. This program serves approximately 12,611 households. 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 Seattle Housing Authority are owned and operated directly by the housing authority. Rent is set at 30% of your adjusted monthly income. Seattle Housing Authority manages approximately 6,195 Public Housing units in Seattle. You may request a transfer to other Public Housing developments but cannot use this benefit at private rental properties.
Seattle Senior Housing Program open
The Seattle Senior Housing Program program at Seattle Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Seattle. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Seattle Senior Housing Program (SSHP) open
The Seattle Senior Housing Program (SSHP) program at Seattle Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Seattle. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Senior Housing open
The Senior Housing program at Seattle Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Seattle. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Senior Housing Program open
The Senior Housing Program program at Seattle Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Seattle. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Mainstream Mainstream Voucher closed
Mainstream Vouchers at Seattle 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.
PBV Project-Based Voucher closed
Project-Based Vouchers at Seattle Housing Authority are attached to specific apartment complexes or units in Seattle. 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 closed
The Rental Assistance Demonstration program at Seattle Housing Authority converts Public Housing units to project-based assistance with long-term contracts. RAD units in Seattle maintain the same resident protections as Public Housing while enabling capital improvements to the properties.
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?
What are the income limits for 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.