What Low Income Housing Options Exist in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania offers several paths to affordable housing if your income is below the state median. The largest is Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers, which lets you rent from a private landlord and pay a portion of the rent while the program covers the rest. The state also runs Public Housing through local housing authorities in most counties — these are apartments owned and managed directly by the authority. A third option is Project-Based Rental information, where affordable units are tied to specific buildings rather than following you to a new place. Pennsylvania also has state-funded programs like the Keystone Rental information Program for people in temporary hardship, and Housing Opportunities Commission (HOC) programs in some regions.

Which program makes sense depends on your income level, family size, and whether you need housing now or can wait for a waitlist. Section 8 and Public Housing have the longest waitlists — sometimes years — but the lowest out-of-pocket rent. Project-Based programs often have shorter waits because fewer people know about them. Temporary information programs like Keystone move faster but are meant for crisis situations, not permanent housing.

Key Takeaways

  • Pennsylvania's main programs are Section 8 vouchers, Public Housing through local authorities, and Project-Based Rental information, each with different waitlist lengths and how much rent you pay.
  • Income limits vary by program and by county — a household that qualifies in Philadelphia may not may have access to in a rural county, so you must check your specific area.
  • Section 8 and Public Housing waitlists are often closed or years long, but you can still contact your local housing authority to ask when they reopen.
  • Temporary programs like Keystone Rental information move faster but require proof of recent hardship and are not meant for permanent housing.
  • Your local housing authority is the starting point for almost all programs — find yours through the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency website or by searching "[your county] housing authority".

Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers in Pennsylvania

Section 8 is the largest federal rental information program in the state. You receive a voucher that lets you rent any apartment from a willing landlord, and the program pays the difference between 30 percent of your income and the fair market rent for your area. You choose the apartment and the landlord — the program does not assign you to a building. This flexibility is why Section 8 is popular, but it also means you have to find a landlord willing to accept the voucher, which can be harder in tight rental markets.

Income limits for Section 8 in Pennsylvania depend on your county and household size. A single person in Philadelphia might have a limit around $28,000 to $32,000 per year, while a family of four could be around $45,000 to $55,000. These numbers shift yearly and vary significantly between urban and rural counties. Your local housing authority publishes the exact limit for your area — call them directly rather than guessing.

Waitlists for Section 8 are long in most Pennsylvania counties. Philadelphia's waitlist has been closed for years. Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, and many smaller authorities also have closed or multi-year waitlists. Some rural counties move faster. Contact your local authority to ask if they are currently taking applications and, if not, when they expect to reopen. Many authorities keep a waiting list even when closed and will contact you when space opens.

Public Housing Managed by Local Authorities

Public Housing is apartment buildings owned and operated by your local housing authority. Unlike Section 8, you do not choose a private landlord — you rent directly from the authority. The rent is typically lower than Section 8 because it is set at 30 percent of your income, with no market-rate ceiling. The trade-off is less choice: you live in authority-owned buildings, which may be older or in less desirable neighborhoods, and you follow the authority's lease terms.

Income limits for Public Housing are similar to Section 8 but sometimes slightly lower. You must also pass a background check and meet lease requirements — the authority can deny you for criminal history, prior evictions, or lease violations at other properties. Income limits and background policies vary by authority, so ask your local housing authority for their specific rules.

Public Housing waitlists are also long in most of Pennsylvania, often longer than Section 8 because fewer units exist. Some authorities have closed their waitlists entirely. Like Section 8, your best move is to contact your local authority directly and ask about their current status and when they expect to reopen.

Project-Based Rental information and Other Programs

Project-Based Rental information is federal money attached to specific apartment buildings rather than to you as a voucher holder. If you rent one of these units, the program pays part of your rent directly to the landlord. The advantage is shorter waitlists — these programs are less well-known, so fewer people explore. The disadvantage is that if you move, you lose the information; you cannot take it with you like a Section 8 voucher.

Pennsylvania also runs the Keystone Rental information Program, which is state-funded temporary help for people facing eviction or homelessness due to a recent job loss, illness, or other hardship. Keystone moves faster than Section 8 or Public Housing — sometimes weeks instead of months — but it is not permanent housing information. You must show the hardship was recent and that you cannot pay rent right now. Keystone pays your landlord directly and covers back rent as well as future rent, usually for three to six months.

Some regions also have Housing Opportunities Commission (HOC) programs, which combine rental information with supportive services for people with disabilities or chronic homelessness. These are smaller, specialized programs, but they may move faster if you meet their criteria. Ask your local housing authority whether HOC programs operate in your area.

Income Limits and Household Composition Rules

All Pennsylvania housing programs use Area Median Income (AMI) to set income limits. Most programs serve households at or below 50 percent of AMI, though some serve up to 80 percent. A household at 50 percent AMI in Philadelphia is different from one in a rural county — the state publishes income limits by county and household size every year.

Income includes wages, Social Security, disability benefits, child support, and unemployment. It does not include one-time payments like tax refunds or insurance settlements. If you are self-employed, the program will look at your tax returns for the past two years. If your income is seasonal, they average it across the year.

Household composition matters because income limits rise with family size. A single person has a lower limit than a couple, who have a lower limit than a family of four. The program counts anyone living with you as part of your household, including children, parents, and unrelated roommates. If someone moves in or out, you must report it — your rent or voucher amount may change.

How to Find Your Local Housing Authority and explore

Your local housing authority is the gateway to Section 8, Public Housing, and information about other programs. Find it by searching "[your county name] housing authority" or by visiting the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) website, which lists all authorities by county. Call them first — do not assume you know whether their waitlist is open or what their income limits are.

When you contact them, ask: (1) Is the waitlist open for Section 8 or Public Housing? (2) If closed, when do they expect to reopen? (3) What is the income limit for my household size? (4) What documents do I need to bring? (5) Are there other programs I might be faster for, like Project-Based information or Keystone?

If you are in when ready housing crisis — facing eviction or homelessness — mention that when you call. The authority may be able to refer you to emergency information or move you up a waitlist. If the authority's waitlist is closed, ask whether they keep a waiting list for when it reopens, or whether you should contact them again at a specific time.

Documents You Will Need

Most programs require similar paperwork. Bring proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer), proof of identity (driver's license or state ID), proof of residency (utility bill or lease), and Social Security numbers for everyone in your household. If you receive benefits, bring the award letter. If you are self-employed, bring two years of tax returns.

You will also need to pass a background check, so the authority will ask for permission to check your criminal history and prior evictions. Some programs also require a physical address — if you are homeless, ask the authority how they handle applications from people without a current address. Many will accept a shelter address or a mailing address temporarily.

Bring originals or certified copies if possible. Some authorities accept photocopies, but it varies. Call ahead and ask what form they prefer. If you do not have a document — for example, if you have no ID — ask the authority what alternatives they accept.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if my local housing authority's waitlist is closed?

Call them every few months to ask when they expect to reopen. Many authorities keep a waiting list even when closed and will contact you when space opens. Some also have seasonal openings — they may reopen briefly in spring or fall. Ask if you can get on the list now so you are first in line when they reopen.

Can I be denied Section 8 or Public Housing because of my criminal history?

Yes, but not automatically. Authorities have discretion and must consider how long ago the offense was, what it was, and whether you have rehabilitated. Violent crimes and drug dealing are harder to overcome than older misdemeanors. Ask your local authority what their policy is before you explore, so you know whether it is worth your time.

What happens if my income goes up after I get Section 8?

Your rent will increase — the program recalculates it at 30 percent of your new income. You do not lose the voucher, but you will pay more. Some people stay in Section 8 even as their income rises because it is still cheaper than market rent. Others move out once their income is high enough to afford regular rent.

Is there housing information if I am not a U.S. citizen?

It depends on your immigration status. Section 8 and Public Housing require you to be a U.S. citizen or have a green card. Some state programs like Keystone may serve non-citizens, but rules vary. Ask your local housing authority or a legal aid organization about your specific situation.

How long does it take to get approved once I explore?

For Section 8 and Public Housing, you are usually on a waitlist first — approval comes when your name reaches the top, which can be months or years. Once you are selected, the approval process itself takes two to four weeks. Keystone and other temporary programs move faster — sometimes two to four weeks total. Ask your authority for their typical timeline.