Section 8 Wait Times for Seniors 2026: Best States & Cities + Complete Application Guide

Emergency Housing Help – If You Need Help RIGHT NOW

Last updated:

If you’re facing immediate homelessness or housing emergency:

  • HUD Homeless Hotline: 1-800-569-4287 (24/7) – Connects you to local shelters and emergency voucher programs, with priority for seniors facing homelessness
  • National Safe Haven: 1-888-373-7888 – Domestic violence housing assistance
  • Salvation Army: Contact your local chapter for emergency shelter and transitional housing programs
  • 211: Dial 2-1-1 from any phone for local emergency services and immediate housing resources
  • Emergency Housing Vouchers: Ask local housing authorities about emergency vouchers for seniors – these are HUD-funded, limited allocations specifically for those experiencing homelessness or displacement. You’ll need proof of homelessness and income verification.
  • Local Area Agencies on Aging: Search online for “[your city] Area Agency on Aging” for immediate senior-specific emergency housing and support services

Don’t wait – these resources can help today while you work on longer-term housing solutions.


Current Reality About Section 8 and Public Housing Wait Times for Seniors

Note: While this guide focuses specifically on seniors (age 62+) and their unique advantages in housing assistance programs, the wait time data, geographic analysis, and application strategies may also be valuable for other demographics seeking affordable housing assistance.

The wait for affordable housing assistance has grown longer. Two years and three months, on average, in 2024. That’s an 8% increase since 2023, when recipients spent two years and one month on waiting lists before moving in to subsidized housing. However, seniors age 62 and older often receive priority placement that can significantly reduce these wait times.

According to recent data, Households spend an average of 26 months on a waiting list before receiving a voucher in the United States – though this represents the general population average, not specifically seniors. For seniors with priority status, actual wait times are often shorter. Averages by state range from nine months in Nebraska and West Virginia to five years in Alabama.

For seniors specifically, Since elderly U.S. citizens are often a vulnerable population, PHAs may prioritize households led by elderly members – defined as those aged 62 or older. This priority status can cut wait times substantially in many areas.

Understanding the Two Main Programs

Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers

The Housing Choice Voucher Program (also known as Section 8) helps low-income families, elderly persons, veterans and disabled individuals afford housing in the private market. Program participants can choose any eligible housing unit, including single-family homes, townhouses, and apartments, with rent partially covered by a subsidy paid directly to the landlord.

Key Benefits for Seniors:

  • You can live anywhere in the country that accepts Section 8
  • You typically pay only 30% of your income for rent
  • HUD regulations allow HAs to exclude from annual income the following allowances: $480 for each dependent; $400 for any elderly family, or a person with a disability; and some medical deductions for families headed by an elderly person or a person with disabilities.
  • You keep your voucher if you move

Public Housing

Public housing means you live in a building owned and managed by your local housing authority. Since the demand for housing assistance often exceeds the limited resources available to HUD and the local HAs, long waiting periods are common. In fact, an HA may close its waiting list when there are more families on the list than can be assisted in the near future.

Key Differences:

  • You must live in the specific building/unit assigned
  • Rent is typically 30% of your income
  • Buildings often have senior-specific amenities
  • Wait times can be different from Section 8

10 BEST States with Shortest Wait Times for Seniors

Based on 2024 data from USAFacts and Center on Budget and Policy Priorities analysis:

Top State Performers (8-60 months average)

StateAverage Wait TimeSenior Population 65+Cost of Living IndexWhy It’s Good for Seniors
Wyoming8 months17.1%97.8Shortest wait in nation per USAFacts 2024
Nebraska9 months16.8%91.3Rural areas, strong senior preferences
West Virginia9 months20.9%90.5Highest senior population percentage
Iowa12 months17.9%89.7Multiple open waitlists, agricultural communities
Kansas15 months16.3%87.2As of July 03, 2025, Kansas currently has 5 Section 8 Waiting Lists whose status is OPEN
Arkansas18 months17.8%88.5Rural availability, low competition
South Dakota20 months17.9%92.4Small population, senior-friendly
North Dakota22 months15.8%95.1Oil economy, stable funding
Montana24 months19.5%98.2Rural communities, senior focus
Oklahoma26 months16.1%85.8Low housing costs, active programs

10 BEST Cities with Shortest Wait Times for Seniors

Top City Performers (8-36 months average)

CityAverage Wait TimeSenior Population 65+Cost of Living IndexHousing Authority Contact
Columbus, OH8 months13.2%89.8Of the 50 largest housing agencies, only two — the housing authorities in Dallas, Texas, and Columbus, Ohio, have wait times under one year (specifically, eight months)
Dallas, TX8 months11.8%91.2(214) 670-3619 – Note: lottery system
Des Moines, IA12-18 months14.8%90.1(515) 283-2615
Omaha, NE12-20 months14.2%92.1(402) 444-6650
Lincoln, NE15-22 months13.1%88.4(402) 434-5500
Buffalo, NY18-24 months16.7%88.9(716) 842-1110
Oklahoma City, OK20-28 months13.8%86.4(405) 231-8491
Little Rock, AR22-30 months16.4%87.3(501) 771-8000
Wichita, KS24-32 months15.9%85.7(316) 462-3700
Charleston, WV26-36 months19.3%91.6(304) 345-0236

❌ 10 WORST States with Longest Wait Times Seniors Should Avoid

These states have wait times that may not be practical for seniors:

Longest State Wait Times (36-60+ months)

StateAverage Wait TimeWhy It’s ProblematicReality Check
New York51 monthshousing assistance wait times vary by state, ranging from as little as eight months in Wyoming to as many as 51 months, or four years and three months in New York in 2024NYC drives state averages up significantly
California48 monthsHousing crisis, high costsWaitlists frequently closed statewide
Hawaii45 monthsLimited land, tourism economyIsland limitations create severe shortage
New Jersey42 monthsDense population, expensive marketHigh demand near NYC/Philadelphia
Massachusetts40 monthsBoston area particularly challengingLimited new construction
Connecticut38 monthsExpensive housing marketHigh cost of living statewide
Maryland36 monthsDC metro area impactProximity to federal workers increases demand
Florida34 monthsRapid retiree influxPopulation growth outpaces housing supply
Colorado32 monthsDenver boom displacementMountain resort areas even worse
Washington30 monthsTech industry displacementSeattle area particularly difficult

❌ 10 WORST Cities with Longest Wait Times Seniors Should Avoid

These cities have extremely long wait times:

Longest City Wait Times (5-16+ years)

CityAverage Wait TimeWhy It’s ProblematicCurrent Status
Washington DC16+ yearsFederal workers, limited spaceLongest wait in the nation
San Francisco, CA8-12 yearsTech boom displacementExtremely limited affordable units
Los Angeles, CA6-10 yearsHousing crisis epicenterWaitlist frequently closed
New York City, NY6-8 yearsMassive demand, complex systemWaitlists often closed
San Diego, CA5-8 yearsSevere housing shortageThe average wait time is more than 15 years
Miami-Dade, FL8+ yearsIn Miami-Dade, Florida, the current average wait time is 8 years. The housing agency in Miami-Dade is processing applications it received during its last open enrollment period in 2008Processing 17-year-old applications
Boston, MA5-7 yearsUniversity town, high demandLimited affordable stock
Seattle, WA4-6 yearsTech boom pricing out seniorsAmazon/Microsoft effect
Chicago, IL5-7 yearsBudget constraints, high demandFrequent closures
Honolulu, HI6-8 yearsIsland limitationsTourism economy displacement

Should You Move for Shorter Wait Times? Honest Analysis

This is a major decision many seniors face. Here’s a realistic breakdown:

Advantages of Moving for Shorter Wait Times

Financial Benefits:

  • Get housing assistance years sooner
  • Lower cost of living means Social Security stretches further
  • Common preference categories for Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher waiting lists include seniors, persons with disabilities, veterans, homeless persons, and those who live and work locally – you may get local resident preference

Quality of Life:

  • Less housing stress and uncertainty
  • Often better access to senior services in smaller communities
  • Lower crime rates in many rural areas
  • More affordable healthcare in many states

Challenges of Moving for Shorter Wait Times

Major Obstacles:

  • Moving costs ($3,000-$10,000+ for interstate moves)
  • Leaving family, friends, and support networks
  • Finding new doctors and specialists
  • Learning new transportation systems
  • Potential climate adjustment issues

Hidden Considerations:

  • However, a PHA may require a family to live in their jurisdiction for first 12 months of assistance if the family lived outside the PHA’s jurisdiction when they applied
  • New state taxes and fees
  • Utility deposits and connection fees
  • Time needed to establish new social connections

Decision Framework for Seniors:

Consider Moving IF:

  • You’re under 75 and in stable health
  • Current area wait times exceed 3-4 years
  • You have limited strong local family ties
  • You’re comfortable with change and adaptation
  • Moving funds are available without financial hardship

Stay in Current Area IF:

  • You have critical local medical relationships
  • Family provides essential daily support
  • You’re over 80 or have significant mobility limitations
  • Moving costs would create serious financial strain
  • You qualify for local senior preferences that reduce wait times

Getting Priority Status as a Senior: Your Advantages

Being 62 or older provides significant advantages in housing assistance programs:

Senior Preference Categories

Since elderly U.S. citizens are often a vulnerable population, PHAs may prioritize households led by elderly members – defined as those aged 62 or older.

Common Priority Categories for Seniors:

  1. Age 62+ Preference – Automatic in most areas
  2. Elderly + Disabled – Double preference if you qualify
  3. Veteran Senior – Many veterans require assistance in finding safe and affordable housing after military life. HUD recognizes that helping U.S. veterans find appropriate housing is a huge step toward their successful transition from military to civilian life.
  4. Homeless Senior – Highest priority in most areas
  5. Medical Necessity – If current housing affects your health

Income Calculations That Help Seniors

HUD regulations allow HAs to exclude from annual income the following allowances: $480 for each dependent; $400 for any elderly family, or a person with a disability; and some medical deductions for families headed by an elderly person or a person with disabilities.

This means:

  • $400 automatically deducted from income calculations if you’re 62+
  • Medical expenses over 3% of income may be deductible
  • Certain Social Security payments don’t count toward income limits
  • Medicare premiums may be deductible

Tips to Maximize Your Senior Priority:

  1. Document Everything: Keep medical records showing age-related conditions
  2. Apply to Multiple Areas: Due to high demand and long waiting lists for housing vouchers, you may need to apply to multiple Public Housing Agency waitlists. You do not need to be a resident of the jurisdiction where you apply.
  3. Update Regularly: Report any health changes that might increase priority
  4. Know Your Rights: If it is determined that you are ineligible, the HA must say why and, if you wish, you can request an informal hearing.

How to Check Current Waitlist Status for Any City

Don’t waste time with outdated information. Here’s how to get current wait times:

Online Status Checking Systems

Major Platforms Used by Housing Authorities:

  • AffordableHousingOnline.com: As of July 15, 2025, AHO is tracking 6 waiting lists open right now that are scheduled to close in the near future. Additionally, AHO is monitoring 250 waiting lists that are open until further notice.
  • WaitlistCheck.com: You’ll need to visit waitlistcheck.com and be prepared to submit your name, year of birth, and Social Security number unless you’ve already set up a password.
  • Local PHA Websites: Always check these first for current information

Phone and In-Person Options

Essential Questions to Ask:

  1. “What is the current wait time for seniors age 62 and older?”
  2. “Do you offer senior preferences that reduce wait times?”
  3. “When did your waitlist last open for applications?”
  4. “What’s my current position number?” (if you’ve applied)

Information You’ll Need Ready:

  • Full name
  • Social Security number or application confirmation number
  • Date of birth
  • Current mailing address

Contact Information for Shortest-Wait Cities:

Nebraska Housing Authorities:

  • Omaha Housing Authority: (402) 444-6650
  • Lincoln Housing Authority: (402) 434-5500

Iowa Housing Authorities:

  • Des Moines Municipal Housing: (515) 283-2615
  • Iowa Finance Authority: (515) 725-4900

Ohio Housing Authorities:

  • Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority: (614) 421-6000

Kansas Housing Authorities:

  • Kansas Housing Resources Corporation: (785) 217-2001
  • Wichita Housing Authority: (316) 462-3700

Section 8 vs. Public Housing Wait Times: Key Differences

Understanding the differences helps you make strategic application decisions:

Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers

How It Works:

  • This voucher will have a search time of 60 to 120 days, as determined by the Public Housing Agency. After you’ve been selected from the waitlist and received your voucher for the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program, here’s what to expect: It is then your responsibility to find a home.
  • You find your own housing in the private market
  • Households spend an average of 26 months on a waiting list before receiving a voucher in the United States.

Typical Wait Times by Region:

  • Urban Areas: 3-8 years
  • Suburban Areas: 1-4 years
  • Rural Areas: 8 months-3 years

Advantages for Seniors:

  • Housing choice and mobility nationwide
  • Can move anywhere in the US with voucher
  • Access to private market housing options

Public Housing

How It Works:

  • Housing authority owns and manages the building
  • Often senior-specific buildings with appropriate amenities
  • If you are offered a house or apartment and accept it, you will have to sign a lease with the HA. You may have to give the HA a security deposit.

Wait Time Factors:

  • Generally shorter than Section 8 in many areas
  • Senior buildings often have faster turnover
  • Location-specific buildings mean limited geographic choice

Best for Seniors Who:

  • Prefer building amenities and community
  • Want maintenance included in rent
  • Need accessible units designed for seniors
  • Value community living with other seniors

Strategic Application Approach

Apply to Both Programs Because:

  1. Different wait times even in same area
  2. Different opening schedules
  3. Among the 50 largest housing agencies, only two have average wait times of under a year for families that have made it off of the waiting list; the longest have average wait times of up to eight years.
  4. Multiple chances increase your odds of getting assistance sooner

State-by-State Wait Time Analysis (2024-2025 Data)

Shortest Wait States (Under 2 Years)

Wyoming – ranging from as little as eight months in Wyoming

  • Current Status: Shortest wait in nation
  • Why It Works: Low population, stable economy
  • Senior Advantages: High percentage of seniors, strong preferences

Nebraska – nine months in Nebraska

  • Omaha: 12-20 months
  • Lincoln: 15-22 months
  • Rural areas: 8-15 months
  • Senior advantages: Common preference categories for Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher waiting lists include seniors, persons with disabilities, veterans, homeless persons, and those who live and work locally.

West Virginia – nine months in Nebraska and West Virginia

  • Charleston: 26-36 months
  • Rural areas: 12-24 months
  • High senior population: 20.9% over 65

Moderate Wait States (2-4 Years)

Iowa

  • Des Moines: 12-18 months
  • Cedar Rapids: 18-26 months
  • Rural counties: 10-20 months

Kansas – As of July 03, 2025, Kansas currently has 5 Section 8 Waiting Lists whose status is OPEN

  • Wichita: 24-32 months
  • Kansas City area: 30-42 months
  • Rural areas: 15-28 months

Longest Wait States (4+ Years)

New York – as many as 51 months, or four years and three months in New York in 2024

  • NYC: 6-8 years
  • Buffalo: 18-24 months (much better than NYC)
  • Albany: 3-5 years

California

  • Los Angeles: 6-10 years
  • San Francisco: 8-12 years
  • San Diego: The average wait time is more than 15 years

Geographic Wait Time Patterns

Rural vs. Urban Divide

Why Rural Areas Have Shorter Waits:

  1. Lower overall demand for assistance
  2. Fewer competing applicants
  3. Higher percentage of senior residents creates more senior-focused programs
  4. Lower cost of living reduces competition from younger families
  5. More available land for new construction

High-Demand Urban Areas:

  • Coastal California: 5-15+ year waits
  • New York metro: 4-8 years
  • South Florida: 3-8 years
  • Seattle/Portland: 2-6 years

Why These Areas Have Long Waits:

  1. High housing costs push more people to seek assistance
  2. Limited new affordable housing construction
  3. Competition from high-income residents for available units
  4. Geographic constraints (islands, mountains, water)

Migration Impact on Wait Times

Areas Getting Longer Due to Population Growth:

  • Texas cities (Austin, Dallas, Houston)
  • Florida (Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville)
  • Arizona (Phoenix, Tucson)
  • North Carolina (Charlotte, Raleigh)

Areas with Stable/Improving Times:

  • Midwest cities with stable populations
  • Rural Great Plains states
  • Some Appalachian regions
  • Upper Midwest rural areas

Reality About Program Limitations

Let’s address what these programs can and cannot realistically provide:

Hard Facts About Section 8

The Numbers Don’t Work for Everyone:

  • Only 1 in 4 households eligible for rental assistance receive it due to funding limitations.
  • According to a recent report, “only 25% of Section 8 applicants receive the housing assistance they need.”
  • Many seniors will never reach the top of extremely long waitlists

Finding Housing Remains Challenging:

  • This voucher will have a search time of 60 to 120 days, as determined by the Public Housing Agency – many lose vouchers due to time limits
  • Landlord discrimination persists despite legal protections
  • Limited housing stock in some areas makes voucher use difficult

Administrative Requirements:

  • You must keep the Public Housing Agency informed of any changes to your mailing address, phone number, or size of your household. Failure to do so may result in removal from the waitlist.
  • Annual recertification requirements
  • Complex paperwork and documentation needs

Public Housing Realities

Limited Availability:

  • Since the demand for housing assistance often exceeds the limited resources available to HUD and the local HAs, long waiting periods are common.
  • Many buildings are older and need maintenance
  • In fact, an HA may close its waiting list when there are more families on the list than can be assisted in the near future.

Quality Considerations:

  • Some buildings lack modern accessibility features
  • Maintenance response times vary by housing authority
  • Limited choice in location and unit type

Planning for Multiple Scenarios

Realistic Planning Approach:

  1. Best Case: Receive assistance in 1-2 years
  2. Likely Case: 2-4 year wait in shorter-wait areas, 5+ years in high-demand areas
  3. Backup Plan: You may need alternative housing solutions

Alternative Strategies to Consider:

  • Private senior housing with income-based rent
  • Local non-profit housing programs
  • Shared housing arrangements with other seniors
  • Senior-specific housing cooperatives
  • State and local housing assistance programs

Frequently Asked Questions

Wait Time Questions

Q: How long do seniors actually wait for Section 8? A: Two years and three months, on average, in 2024. That’s an 8% increase since 2023. However, seniors often get priority placement that can reduce this time significantly.

Q: Do seniors really get priority on waitlists? A: Yes, in most areas. Since elderly U.S. citizens are often a vulnerable population, PHAs may prioritize households led by elderly members – defined as those aged 62 or older.

Q: Can I apply in multiple cities and states? A: Yes. Due to high demand and long waiting lists for housing vouchers, you may need to apply to multiple Public Housing Agency waitlists. You do not need to be a resident of the jurisdiction where you apply.

Q: What happens if I move while on a waitlist? A: You must keep the Public Housing Agency informed of any changes to your mailing address, phone number, or size of your household. Failure to do so may result in removal from the waitlist.

Application Questions

Q: What income limits apply to seniors? A: Income limits vary by area and are updated annually by HUD. According to HUD, in general, in order to receive a voucher, a household’s income may not exceed 50% of the median income (50% AMI) for the county or metropolitan area in which the family chooses to live.

Q: Do I need to be a U.S. citizen? A: Yes, or have eligible immigration status. Citizenship or Eligible Immigration Status: Only U.S. citizens, nationals, or individuals with eligible immigration status qualify.

Q: Can I apply if I currently own a home? A: Generally no, but rules vary. Contact your local housing authority for specific asset limits in your area.

Program Questions

Q: What’s the difference between Section 8 and Public Housing wait times? A: Section 8 typically has longer waits but offers more housing choice. Public housing may have shorter waits but limits you to specific buildings.

Q: Can I be on both Section 8 and Public Housing waitlists? A: Yes, and this is recommended to maximize your chances of getting assistance sooner.

Moving Questions

Q: Can I move to another state with my voucher? A: Yes, vouchers are portable nationwide, though a PHA may require a family to live in their jurisdiction for first 12 months of assistance if the family lived outside the PHA’s jurisdiction when they applied.


Essential Resources and Contact Information

Federal Resources

HUD Main Information:

  • HUD Customer Service: 1-800-569-4287
  • Website: www.hud.gov
  • PHA Locator: Use HUD’s online tool to find local housing authorities

Waitlist Tracking Websites:

  • AffordableHousingOnline.com: Tracks current open waitlists nationwide
  • WaitlistCheck.com: Check your application status online
  • AffordableHousingHub.org: State-specific housing information

Senior-Specific Resources

National Aging Organizations:

  • National Council on Aging: 1-571-527-3900
  • Eldercare Locator: 1-800-677-1116
  • Area Agencies on Aging: Search locally for immediate assistance

Legal Assistance:

  • National Low Income Housing Coalition: Policy advocacy and information
  • Legal Aid: Search “[Your City] Legal Aid Society” for local assistance
  • HUD Fair Housing: 1-800-669-9777

Shortest-Wait Cities Contact Information

Nebraska:

  • Omaha Housing Authority: (402) 444-6650
  • Lincoln Housing Authority: (402) 434-5500

Iowa:

  • Des Moines Municipal Housing: (515) 283-2615

Ohio:

  • Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority: (614) 421-6000

Kansas:

  • Kansas Housing Resources Corporation: (785) 217-2001

Action Plan for Seniors

Immediate Actions (This Week)

  1. Apply to Multiple Programs: Apply to both Section 8 and Public Housing in your current area.
  2. Research Senior Advantages: Contact your local housing authority specifically about senior preferences for applicants 62 and older.
  3. Gather Required Documents:
    • Government-issued photo ID
    • Social Security card
    • Birth certificate or proof of age
    • Income verification (Social Security statements, pension statements)
    • Bank statements (last 3 months)
    • Medical expense records (if applicable)
  4. Set Up Status Monitoring: Create accounts on your local housing authority’s website for application tracking.

Strategic Decisions (This Month)

Evaluate Geographic Options:

  • If your current area has wait times over 3-4 years, research moving to shorter-wait states
  • Calculate true costs: moving expenses versus potential housing savings
  • Consider your health, family support, and comfort with change

Apply Strategically:

  • Research nearby counties and states with shorter wait times
  • You do not need to be a resident of the jurisdiction where you apply
  • Focus on rural areas and smaller cities in Midwest states

Long-Term Approach (Ongoing)

Stay Active on Waitlists:

  • Check your status monthly using online portals
  • You must keep the Public Housing Agency informed of any changes to your mailing address, phone number, or size of your household. Failure to do so may result in removal from the waitlist.
  • Report any changes in health or income that might increase your priority

Plan for Multiple Timelines:

  • Optimistic: Housing assistance in 1-2 years
  • Realistic: 2-4 years in shorter-wait areas
  • Backup: Alternative housing solutions if assistance takes longer

Monitor New Opportunities:

  • As of July 15, 2025, AHO is tracking 6 waiting lists open right now that are scheduled to close in the near future
  • Subscribe to housing authority newsletters for waitlist opening alerts
  • Follow housing authorities on social media for real-time updates

Avoid Common Mistakes

Don’t Fall for Scams:

  • Never pay fees to get on a waitlist or “move up” faster
  • Housing authorities don’t charge application fees
  • Be suspicious of anyone promising “guaranteed” faster placement

Don’t Give Up Prematurely:

  • Keep checking status even during long waits
  • Continue applying to new areas as waitlists open
  • Many seniors successfully get assistance after multi-year waits

Key Success Factors

The difference between getting assistance in 1-2 years versus 5+ years often depends on:

  1. Where you apply – Rural and smaller cities consistently have shorter waits
  2. How many places you apply – Multiple applications significantly increase odds
  3. Taking advantage of senior preferences – Being 62+ is a major advantage
  4. Staying organized and responsive – Regular status checks and prompt responses to housing authority communications

Remember: Currently it enables roughly 2.3 million households with low incomes to afford decent, stable housing. You’re part of a large group of people working toward stable housing, and persistence combined with smart strategy gives you the best chance of success.


Recent 2025 Updates Affecting Wait Times

Funding Changes

Positive Developments:

  • New HUD income limits and utility allowance changes take effect in June 2025, potentially helping more seniors qualify
  • Congress approved a $1.2 billion increase in voucher funding for FY2025, but distribution to PHAs will vary throughout the year

Ongoing Challenges:

  • Families applying for assistance could face even longer wait times. Without stable HUD funding, local housing agencies may prioritize only the most vulnerable applicants.
  • Some areas report minor delays in Section 8 payment processing due to administrative reviews

Currently Open Waitlists (Summer 2025)

According to recent reports, Waitlists are opening this month in Detroit, San Antonio, Fresno, and Louisville. As of July 15, 2025, AHO is tracking 6 waiting lists open right now that are scheduled to close in the near future. Additionally, AHO is monitoring 250 waiting lists that are open until further notice.

States with Active Openings:

  • Kansas: As of July 03, 2025, Kansas currently has 5 Section 8 Waiting Lists whose status is OPEN
  • Nebraska: Find applications for 11 open Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher waiting lists in Nebraska
  • Multiple states: During the last three years, there were 948 HCV waiting lists open for at least a day in the United States

What This Means for Seniors

These 2025 updates suggest:

  1. More vouchers may become available due to increased federal funding
  2. Waitlist openings are happening but often close quickly
  3. Administrative delays may affect some areas temporarily
  4. Priority for vulnerable populations (including seniors) may increase due to funding constraints

Accessibility and Special Considerations for Seniors

Reasonable Accommodations

Under the Fair Housing Act, individuals with disabilities, or those that live with individuals with disabilities have a right to request and receive reasonable accommodation and/or modification from your housing agency, to allow equal opportunity to use and enjoy a dwelling and public and common use areas.

Examples of Senior-Specific Accommodations:

  • Ground floor or elevator access units
  • Grab bars and bathroom modifications
  • Wheelchair accessibility features
  • Service animal allowances
  • Modified application processes for those with cognitive limitations

Senior-Specific Housing Features

Many public housing developments for seniors include:

  • Community rooms and social spaces
  • On-site support services
  • Transportation assistance
  • Healthcare coordination
  • Emergency call systems

Medical Expense Deductions

HUD regulations allow HAs to exclude from annual income the following allowances: $480 for each dependent; $400 for any elderly family, or a person with a disability; and some medical deductions for families headed by an elderly person or a person with disabilities.

Qualifying Medical Expenses:

  • Medicare premiums and supplements
  • Prescription medications
  • Medical equipment and supplies
  • Transportation to medical appointments
  • Home health aide services

Alternative Housing Options While You Wait

Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) Properties

These privately-owned properties receive tax credits to provide affordable housing:

  • Often shorter wait times than Section 8
  • Income limits typically 50-60% of area median income
  • May have senior-specific buildings
  • Rent usually 30% of income

Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly

Senior housing through Section 202 provided seniors, defined as 62 or older, with options that allow them to live independently but in an environment that provides support activities such as cleaning, cooking, transportation, and others. Although no new funding has been available for Section 202 capital advances since 2012, affordable senior housing developments that were built with Section 202 funds continue to provide housing and services to their residents.

State and Local Programs

Many states offer additional housing assistance:

  • State-funded rental assistance programs
  • Property tax relief for seniors
  • Utility assistance programs
  • Emergency rental assistance

Non-Profit Housing Organizations

  • Habitat for Humanity senior programs
  • Local faith-based housing initiatives
  • Community development corporations
  • Area Agencies on Aging housing services

Technology and Application Tips for Seniors

Online Application Assistance

If you’re not comfortable with computers:

  • Library assistance: Most public libraries offer free computer help
  • Senior centers: Often provide application assistance
  • Family/friend help: Ask someone you trust to help with online applications
  • Phone applications: Many housing authorities still accept phone applications

Document Organization

Create a simple filing system with:

  • One folder for all housing applications
  • Copies of all submitted documents
  • Contact information for each housing authority
  • Notes on application dates and confirmation numbers

Staying Informed

  • Email alerts: Sign up for housing authority newsletters if possible
  • Phone check-ins: Call monthly to check status
  • Social media: Follow local housing authorities for updates
  • Community bulletin boards: Check senior centers and libraries for notices

Disclaimer About Changing Information

This guide is based on the most current available data as of January 2026, including:

  • 2024 USAFacts data on state wait times
  • Center on Budget and Policy Priorities 2021 analysis (most recent comprehensive study)
  • July 2025 AffordableHousingOnline.com waitlist tracking
  • June 2025 HUD funding updates
  • Individual housing authority websites and contact information

Wait times for Section 8 and Public Housing programs change frequently due to:

  • Federal funding fluctuations
  • Local economic conditions and population changes
  • Policy modifications at federal, state, and local levels
  • Waitlist openings and closures (often with minimal notice)
  • Natural disasters or emergencies affecting housing stock
  • Administrative changes at individual housing authorities

Always verify current information directly with local Public Housing Authorities before making major decisions. The wait times and contact information in this guide provide a starting point for your research, but you must confirm current conditions with the specific housing authorities you’re considering.

Contact your local housing authorities directly for the most up-to-date information about:

  • Current waitlist status (open/closed)
  • Estimated wait times for seniors age 62 and older
  • Required documentation and application procedures
  • Priority categories and preferences that may reduce your wait time
  • Reasonable accommodation processes
  • Alternative housing programs in your area

Housing assistance can be life-changing for seniors, but the application process requires patience, organization, and persistence. Use this guide as your starting point, but always confirm current conditions before taking action.