What the Bucks County Housing Authority does

The Bucks County Housing Authority (BCHA) is a public agency that runs housing programs for low-income households in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. It does not build or own most of the housing itself. Instead, it issues vouchers that let you rent from private landlords, and it pays part of your rent directly to them. The Authority also manages some public housing units and administers other county and federal housing programs.

The main program most people encounter is the Housing Choice Voucher Program, formerly called Section 8. You receive a voucher that covers a portion of your rent — typically 30 percent of your income — and you find your own apartment from a landlord willing to accept the voucher. BCHA pays the landlord the difference between what you pay and the fair market rent for that unit.

BCHA is located in Bristol, Pennsylvania, and you can reach them by phone or visit in person to ask about programs, check on an process status, or report a maintenance issue if you live in public housing. They maintain a waiting list for vouchers, and that list is often closed because demand exceeds available vouchers.

Key Takeaways

  • BCHA's main program is the Housing Choice Voucher, which pays part of your rent to a private landlord if your income is low enough and you are on the waiting list.
  • The voucher waiting list is frequently closed, and when it opens, it fills quickly — you must explore during the open period to get on the list.
  • You must meet income limits (usually 50 percent of the area median income or below) and pass a background check to receive a voucher.
  • Once you have a voucher, you search for an apartment yourself; BCHA does not assign housing but inspects the unit and approves the lease.
  • BCHA also manages public housing units and emergency information programs, though availability and rules vary by program.

Income limits and who can explore

To be considered for BCHA programs, your household income must fall below a set threshold. For the Housing Choice Voucher Program, the limit is usually 50 percent of the area median income for Bucks County. That dollar amount changes each year and depends on household size. A single person's limit is lower than a family of four's limit.

You can contact BCHA directly to learn the current income limits for your household size. They will ask how many people live with you and what your gross monthly income is. Income includes wages, Social Security, child support, unemployment benefits, and other regular payments — not one-time money or tax refunds.

You must also pass a background check. BCHA will look at your rental history, criminal record, and credit. A past eviction or criminal conviction does not automatically disqualify you, but BCHA considers the nature and timing of the issue. If you have questions about your background, ask BCHA before you explore so you understand what they will see.

How to get on the waiting list

The first step is to find out whether BCHA is accepting new applications. Because demand is high, the waiting list opens and closes. You can call BCHA or check their website to see the current status. When the list is open, you can explore in person at their office in Bristol or sometimes by mail or online, depending on how they are accepting applications at that moment.

Bring or submit proof of income (recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a benefits letter), proof of identity (driver's license or passport), and proof of residency in Bucks County (utility bill or lease). If you are explore as a family, bring documents for all household members. BCHA will give you a form to fill out with your household information, income, and the size of unit you need.

Once your process is submitted and approved, you go on the waiting list. The list is long — wait times can be several months to several years depending on how many vouchers become available. BCHA will contact you when a voucher is ready. You then have a set time (usually 60 days) to find an apartment and have BCHA inspect it before the voucher is activated.

What happens after you receive a voucher

When BCHA gives you a voucher, you become responsible for finding an apartment. The landlord must accept the voucher program, and the rent cannot exceed the fair market rent that BCHA sets for that area and unit size. Fair market rent varies by neighborhood and bedroom count. A one-bedroom in one part of the county may have a different limit than a one-bedroom elsewhere.

Once you find an apartment and the landlord agrees to rent to you, BCHA inspects the unit to make sure it meets housing quality standards. The inspection checks for things like working plumbing, heat, electrical outlets, and no lead paint hazards. If the unit fails, the landlord must fix the problems before you can move in. If the unit passes, BCHA and the landlord sign a lease addendum, and you move in.

You pay your portion of the rent (usually 30 percent of your income, with a minimum amount set by BCHA) directly to the landlord each month. BCHA pays the rest to the landlord. If your income changes, you must report it to BCHA, and your rent share may go up or down. BCHA recertifies your income annually.

Public housing and other BCHA programs

In addition to vouchers, BCHA owns and manages some public housing units in Bucks County. These are apartments or townhouses that BCHA owns directly. The process process is similar — you must meet income limits and pass a background check — but you explore specifically for public housing, not a voucher. Wait times and availability differ from the voucher program.

BCHA also administers other programs that may be available depending on funding and your situation. These can include emergency rental information (for people behind on rent), supportive housing for people with disabilities, and family self-sufficiency programs that help you build savings and work toward financial independence. Not all programs are always open, and rules change based on federal and state funding.

Contact BCHA directly to ask which programs are currently open and whether you might be a fit for any of them. Staff can tell you what documents you need and what the timeline looks like.

How to contact Bucks County Housing Authority

BCHA's main office is in Bristol, Pennsylvania. You can call them during business hours to ask about waiting list status, current programs, income limits, or to report a maintenance issue if you are a current resident. Their phone number and office hours are on their website.

You can also visit in person to pick up an process, ask questions, or submit documents. Bring your ID and any documents you have ready. If you are explore for a program, ask what documents you need before you go so you do not make multiple trips.

If you are having trouble reaching BCHA or need help understanding your options, you can also contact a local community action agency or legal aid organization in Bucks County. These groups often have staff who know the housing system and can help you navigate it.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a voucher from BCHA?

Wait times vary widely. When the list is open and you are approved, you go on the waiting list. Depending on how many vouchers become available and how many people are ahead of you, you might wait several months to several years. BCHA will contact you when a voucher is ready. Once you receive it, you have about 60 days to find an apartment and have it inspected.

Can I use my BCHA voucher to rent anywhere in Bucks County?

You can rent from any private landlord in Bucks County who accepts the voucher program. The rent must not exceed the fair market rent BCHA sets for that area and unit size. Some landlords are more familiar with the program than others. BCHA can give you a list of landlords who have worked with voucher holders before, though you are not required to use them.

What happens if my income goes up after I get a voucher?

You must report income changes to BCHA. If your income rises, your rent share will increase. BCHA recertifies your income once a year. If your income exceeds the program limit for too long, you may lose the voucher, though BCHA usually gives you time to adjust. Report changes promptly so there are no surprises at recertification.

Is there a fee to explore for BCHA programs?

No. BCHA does not charge an process fee. Be cautious of anyone claiming to charge you money to help you get on a waiting list or to "speed up" your process — that is a scam. BCHA's process process is free.

What if the waiting list is closed when I want to explore?

Check back with BCHA periodically. The list opens and closes based on funding and how many vouchers are available. When it opens, it usually fills quickly, so explore as soon as you can. You can also ask BCHA if there are other programs you might be able to join while you wait for the voucher list to open again.