Section 8 Waiting Lists / Washington
Section 8 Waiting List in Washington: Open Lists & Status (2026)
In Washington, one of the 2 housing authorities we track says it is accepting Section 8 applications as of October 23, 2026: Seattle Housing Authority — "The opportunity to apply for a chance to receive a voucher is ongoing. Families and individuals may apply at any time. Applicants will be randomly selected from the voucher list whenever vouchers are available.".
One list is closed by the authority's own statement: KCHA.
Washington 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.
The authority says it is accepting Housing Choice Voucher applications. Read the wording — some openings are limited to one preference group.
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.
The authority says its Housing Choice Voucher waiting list is closed to new applicants.
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.
How to apply through each Washington authority
- Seattle Housing Authority — Open (ongoing lottery) Apply / read the opening notice · payment standards & contact
- KCHA — Closed Waiting-list page · payment standards & contact
Other Washington housing authorities: HUD PHA contact directory (choose Washington). 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 Washington?
As of October 23, 2026, Seattle Housing Authority says: "The opportunity to apply for a chance to receive a voucher is ongoing. Families and individuals may apply at any time. Applicants will be randomly selected from the voucher list whenever vouchers are available." The other tracked Washington authorities say their lists are closed or do not state a status. Confirm on the authority's page before applying.
How do I apply for Section 8 in Washington?
Apply directly to a housing authority whose list is open — each one takes its own applications, and this page tracks 2 of the Washington 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 Washington has one (see HUD's PHA directory).
How do I check my Section 8 status in Washington?
Use the applicant portal or phone number of the Washington 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 Washington use a Section 8 lottery?
Seattle Housing Authority: The opportunity to apply for a chance to receive a voucher is ongoing. Families and individuals may apply at any time. Applicants will be randomly selected from the voucher list whenever vouchers are available. KCHA: Closed; 2020 lottery list (2,500 chosen), 1,800 selected as of 2024-12-31. A lottery places applicants in a pool and draws at random; applying early gives no advantage.
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Washington on this site: rent limits · income limits