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Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Benwood, West Virginia
All waiting lists in Benwood are currently closed. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 1 housing authority serving Benwood, West Virginia 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 Benwood, 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 Benwood, West Virginia
Benwood, West Virginia is served by 1 housing authority offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Currently, all waitlists in Benwood are closed. Openings can happen with as little as 48 hours notice, so monitoring is critical. There are also 38 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.
Housing programs available in Benwood include Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Public Housing.
Open Lists Nearby
While no waitlists are open in Benwood right now, there are 38 open lists within 50 miles. Most housing authorities accept applications from non-residents, so applying in neighboring cities is a practical strategy. Scroll down to "Nearby Cities" below for options.
About Housing in Benwood, West Virginia
Affordable housing assistance in Benwood, West Virginia is primarily administered by the Housing Authority of Benwood and McMechen. This authority provides support through two main programs: the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program and Public Housing. Currently, both the HCV program waitlist and the Public Housing waitlist are closed to new applications. There are currently no open waitlists for either program.
Across the Benwood area, there are approximately 182 assisted housing units available. Eligibility for these programs depends on household income. For example, a family of four seeking assistance must meet the Very Low Income limit, which is set at $41,050 per year for the Wheeling, WV-OH MSA as of FY2025. These income limits are subject to change annually and vary based on family size and specific program criteria.
The state housing agency for West Virginia is the West Virginia Housing Development Fund. Individuals seeking affordable housing options in Benwood are encouraged to directly contact the Housing Authority of Benwood and McMechen for the most current information regarding waitlist statuses and application procedures. Regularly checking for updates is advised, as waitlist openings can occur periodically.
Housing Authorities in Benwood
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How to Apply for Section 8 in Benwood
To apply for housing assistance in Benwood, West Virginia, submit an application directly to Housing Authority of Benwood and McMechen, the housing authority serving this area. All waitlists are currently closed, but openings happen with as little as 48 hours 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 $41,050/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 Benwood include Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Public Housing. 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).
Benwood, West Virginia Section 8 Income Limits
To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Benwood, West Virginia, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the Wheeling, WV-OH MSA area. A family of four must earn less than $41,050 per year (Very Low Income) to be eligible for most programs. The area median family income is $82,100.
| Household Size | Extremely Low 30% AMI |
Very Low 50% AMI |
Low Income 80% AMI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $17,300 | $28,750 | $46,000 |
| 2 Persons | $21,150 | $32,850 | $52,600 |
| 3 Persons | $26,650 | $36,950 | $59,150 |
| 4 Persons | $32,150 | $41,050 | $65,700 |
| 5 Persons | $37,650 | $44,350 | $71,000 |
| 6 Persons | $43,150 | $47,650 | $76,250 |
| 7 Persons | $48,650 | $50,950 | $81,500 |
| 8 Persons | $54,150 | $54,200 | $86,750 |
How do income limits affect my eligibility?
Housing authorities in Benwood 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 Benwood and have active housing programs.