Section 8 Waiting Lists / Pennsylvania

Section 8 Waiting List in Pennsylvania: Open Lists & Status (2026)

In Pennsylvania, none of the 1 housing authority we track says it is accepting Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher applications as of October 23, 2026.

One list is closed by the authority's own statement: Philadelphia Housing Authority.

Pennsylvania has other housing authorities we do not track; HUD's PHA contact directory lists all of them. Each row below quotes the authority and links the page it came from.

Status as published by the authority on October 23, 2026; confirm with the authority before applying. We do not estimate wait times or predict openings.

Open

The authority says it is accepting Housing Choice Voucher applications. Read the wording — some openings are limited to one preference group.

Open (ongoing lottery)

The authority accepts pre-applications at any time and draws applicants at random when vouchers are available. Applying puts you in the pool, not in a queue.

Closed

The authority says its Housing Choice Voucher waiting list is closed to new applicants.

Not stated

The authority's page did not state a status, or could not be read, on the date shown. Confirm with the authority before relying on anything.

Pennsylvania housing authorities we track

Status is the authority's own wording on the date shown. Each name links to its payment standards page on this site; each source links to the authority's page.

Housing authorityHCV waiting listWhat the authority saysCheckedSource
Philadelphia Housing Authority Closed The HCV waitlist is currently closed. PHA's Housing Choice Voucher waiting list lottery application period is now closed.
  • HCV: closed; lottery January 23 – February 5, 2023, 10,000 selected

PHA is inviting 2023 applicants as vouchers become available and will notify the public when the list reopens.

October 23, 2026 Philadelphia Housing Authority – Housing Choice Voucher

How to apply through each Pennsylvania authority

Other Pennsylvania housing authorities: HUD PHA contact directory (choose Pennsylvania). An authority must publish a notice before it opens its list (24 CFR 982.206). See also how to check your status and the waiting list guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Section 8 waiting list open in Pennsylvania?

Not at the 1 Pennsylvania authority we track, as of October 23, 2026. Philadelphia Housing Authority: "The HCV waitlist is currently closed. PHA's Housing Choice Voucher waiting list lottery application period is now closed." Pennsylvania has other authorities we do not track — check HUD's PHA directory.

How do I apply for Section 8 in Pennsylvania?

Apply directly to a housing authority whose list is open — each one takes its own applications, and this page tracks 1 of the Pennsylvania authorities. Each authority above links its own application or portal page. Under 24 CFR 982.206 an authority must give public notice before it opens its list, so sign up for its announcements. You can apply to more than one authority, including a state agency voucher program where Pennsylvania has one (see HUD's PHA directory).

How do I check my Section 8 status in Pennsylvania?

Use the applicant portal or phone number of the Pennsylvania authority you applied to; the links in the table above go to each one's own page. Authorities do not share lists, so check each one separately, and report any change of address or phone in writing — applicants who miss an update letter are removed.

Does Pennsylvania use a Section 8 lottery?

Philadelphia Housing Authority: The HCV waitlist is currently closed. PHA's Housing Choice Voucher waiting list lottery application period is now closed. Closed; lottery January 23 – February 5, 2023, 10,000 selected. A lottery places applicants in a pool and draws at random; applying early gives no advantage.

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Pennsylvania on this site: rent limits · income limits