Section 8 Housing Waiting Lists Opening in Early May 2026
- Author: Aubrey Sipes
- Posted: 2026-05-05
Several housing authorities across the United States will open their Section 8 waiting lists during the first week of May 2026.
This is a great opportunity for people looking for rental assistance. Below is a breakdown of when and where these waiting lists will open.
What is Section 8?
Section 8 is a government program that helps low-income families, seniors, and people with disabilities afford housing. The program provides vouchers that cover part of your rent. There are two main types:
- Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV): You can use these to rent a home of your choice that accepts vouchers.
- Project-Based Vouchers (PBV): These are tied to specific apartment buildings or housing developments.
Waiting List Openings: May 4–8, 2026
Sunday, May 4, 2026
| Location | Program Type | How to Apply |
|---|---|---|
| Marion, Ohio (Marion Metropolitan Housing Authority) | HCV & PBV | Online at marionmha.org |
| Baltimore County, Maryland | HCV & PBV | Online |
| Loudoun County, Virginia | HCV | Online |
| Virginia (Statewide) – Virginia Housing Development Authority | PBV | Online |
| Somerville, New Jersey | HCV | Online |
Monday, May 5, 2026
| Location | Program Type | How to Apply |
|---|---|---|
| Vacaville, California | PBV | Online |
Vacaville is located in Northern California, between Sacramento and the San Francisco Bay Area.
Tuesday, May 6, 2026
| Location | Program Type | How to Apply |
|---|---|---|
| Suffolk, Virginia (Suffolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority) | PBV | Online |
Suffolk is part of the Hampton Roads region in Virginia.
Wednesday, May 7, 2026
| Location | Program Type | How to Apply |
|---|---|---|
| Larimer County, Colorado | PBV | Online |
This includes the Fort Collins area in Northern Colorado.
Thursday, May 8, 2026
| Location | Program Type | How to Apply |
|---|---|---|
| Harlingen, Texas | PBV | Online |
| Chandler, Arizona | PBV | Online |
Harlingen is located in the Rio Grande Valley of South Texas. Chandler is in the Phoenix metro area.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Section 8 waiting list?
A Section 8 waiting list is a list that housing authorities use to track who is waiting for a housing voucher. When spots become available, people on the list are selected to receive assistance.
Each housing authority handles their list differently:
- Lottery system: Names are picked randomly.
- First-come, first-served: People who apply first are helped first.
Getting on a waiting list is usually the first step toward receiving a voucher.
How long does it take to get a voucher after joining the waiting list?
The wait time varies depending on:
- The size of the waiting list
- How many vouchers are available
- Your location
In some areas, you may receive help quickly. In larger cities with long waiting lists, it could take several months or even longer.
Before you receive your voucher, the housing authority will verify that you still qualify. They will check your income and household size to make sure you get the right amount of assistance.
Once approved, you can start looking for a home that accepts Section 8 vouchers.
Final Tips
- Apply early: Many waiting lists close quickly once they reach capacity.
- Apply online: All of these openings accept online applications.
- Check eligibility: Make sure you meet the income and household requirements before applying.
Good luck with your application!
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Read more: TANF Cash Assistance in May 2026: When Can You Claim
