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Seattle Housing Authority
Seattle, Washington
Last Updated
11 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.
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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. Applicants with a total household income of 30 percent or less of Area Median Income or who are homeless receive preference. Applicants with income above 50 percent of AMI are not eligible.
Other Programs Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
The Seattle Senior Housing Program (SSHP) is for people aged 62 or older or adults 18+ with disabilities, with priority for applicants 62+ and Seattle residents. Applicants can apply for up to two properties, and monthly 'Save My Spot' check-ins are required.
JobLink
Status
open
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
Career coaches provide support for education, job training, employment, and career advancement; inquiries can be made via email (joblink@seattlehousing.org) or phone (206-615-3366).
SSHP
Status
open
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
Seattle Senior Housing Program (SSHP) is listed as a program for which applications are accepted via the SHA Housing application instructions. Applicants age 62 or older may apply for these properties.
Public Housing Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
This application is for Seattle Housing Authority's low-income and senior housing program properties. Applicants can apply for up to two properties from the Low-Income Public Housing program. Applicants age 62 or older are not limited to senior housing properties.
Senior Housing Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
This application is for Seattle Housing Authority's low-income and senior housing program properties. Applicants can apply for up to two properties from the Seattle Senior Housing Program, if eligible. Applicants age 62 or older are not limited to these properties.
SSHP
Status
open
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
This program is primarily for individuals age 62 or older or adults 18+ with disabilities, with priority for applicants 62+ and Seattle residents. Applicants can apply for up to two properties. Monthly 'Save My Spot' check-ins are required.
Seattle Senior
Status
open
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
This program is reserved for individuals aged 62 or older and adults 18 or older with disabilities. Applicants may apply for up to two properties and must check in monthly via the Save My Spot system.
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.
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.
Project-Based Vouchers are tied to specific housing units rather than following the tenant. Landlords or developers partner with the housing authority to reserve units for eligible low-income families. Unlike tenant-based HCV vouchers, PBV assistance stays with the unit if the tenant moves.
The Rental Assistance Demonstration program converts Public Housing units to project-based assistance, allowing housing authorities to leverage private funding for property rehabilitation while preserving long-term affordability for residents.
Status History
Official Application
Apply directly through the official Seattle 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 Seattle Housing Authority
Check Current Status
Seattle Housing Authority currently has 8 open waiting lists (Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV), Other Programs, Public Housing, Senior Housing). 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 to apply.
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 Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) 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.
Other Other Programs open
The Other Programs 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.
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.
Senior 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.
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 (PBV) 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 (RAD) 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.