What the Housing Authority of Gloucester County does in Deptford Township
The Housing Authority of Gloucester County (HAGC) is a public agency that runs housing programs in Deptford Township and across the county. It administers Section 8 vouchers, manages public housing units, and handles applications for rental information. HAGC does not build or own most of the housing — landlords do — but HAGC pays part of the rent directly to those landlords on behalf of tenants who meet income limits.
Deptford Township residents can reach HAGC's main office at 1 North Broad Street, Woodbury, NJ 08096, or by phone at (856) 848-0300. The office handles intake, document review, and payment processing. Response times and wait lists vary depending on which program you are asking about and whether funding is currently available.
Key Takeaways
- HAGC runs Section 8 vouchers and public housing in Deptford Township, but you must meet income limits based on household size and local area median income.
- Section 8 wait lists are often closed and can have years-long delays when they reopen, so calling ahead to confirm the list is open is essential.
- You will need proof of income, identity, residency, and a signed lease (for Section 8) before HAGC can process your paperwork.
- HAGC pays the landlord a portion of rent; you pay the rest, usually 30 percent of your adjusted gross income.
- Contact HAGC directly at (856) 848-0300 to learn current wait list status and which documents your household needs to bring.
Section 8 vouchers: how they work and who can get one
A Section 8 voucher is a rent subsidy. HAGC gives you a voucher that you take to a private landlord. The landlord agrees to rent to you, and HAGC pays the landlord a portion of the rent each month. You pay the rest — typically 30 percent of your adjusted gross income, whichever is less than the voucher amount.
To get a Section 8 voucher from HAGC, your household income must fall below 50 percent of the area median income (AMI) for Gloucester County. The exact income limit depends on household size. A single person's limit is different from a family of four. HAGC staff can tell you the current limits when you call.
The Section 8 wait list in Gloucester County is often closed. When it is closed, HAGC is not taking new applications. When it reopens, it fills quickly. Call (856) 848-0300 to ask whether the list is open right now. If it is closed, ask when it might reopen and whether you can get on a notification list.
Public housing units managed by HAGC
HAGC also owns and manages public housing units in Deptford Township and other parts of the county. These are apartments or houses that HAGC owns outright. Rent is typically 30 percent of your adjusted gross income, and income limits explore here too.
Public housing wait lists also close and reopen. The wait can be several years long even when the list is open. Call HAGC to ask about current availability and whether applications are being taken. If you are interested, ask what documents you need to bring and whether there is a specific process form for public housing.
Documents you will need to bring
HAGC requires standard documentation before processing any process. Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies alone are usually not accepted. The list below covers most programs, but call ahead to confirm what your household specifically needs.
| Document Type | What HAGC Uses It For |
|---|---|
| Photo ID (driver's license, passport, state ID) | Verify your identity |
| Proof of residency (utility bill, lease, mail from government agency) | Confirm you live in Deptford Township or Gloucester County |
| Last two months of pay stubs or income verification letter from employer | Verify current income |
| Tax returns (last two years) or IRS transcript | Verify income history and self-employment income |
| Signed lease (for Section 8 only) | Confirm landlord agreement and rent amount |
| Social Security card or number verification | Background check and fraud prevention |
| Birth certificates for all household members | Verify household composition and citizenship status |
If you receive benefits from another program (TANF, SSI, SNAP), bring a recent award letter or benefit statement. HAGC may use this to verify income without requiring additional tax documents. If you are unemployed or have no income, bring documentation of that status — a termination letter, unemployment benefits statement, or a signed statement explaining your situation.
How long the process takes and what happens next
After you submit your paperwork, HAGC conducts a background check and verifies your income and residency. This typically takes 30 to 60 days, though it can be longer if documents are missing or if HAGC needs to contact employers or previous landlords. HAGC will contact you by phone or mail if they need more information.
Once approved, you receive a voucher (for Section 8) or a lease agreement (for public housing). For Section 8, you then have a set amount of time — usually 60 to 120 days — to find a landlord who will accept the voucher. Not all landlords participate, so you may need to contact multiple properties. Once you sign a lease, HAGC inspects the unit to make sure it meets housing quality standards, then begins paying the landlord.
If you are denied, HAGC will send you a written notice explaining why. You have the right to request a hearing to dispute the decision. Ask HAGC staff for the hearing request process when you receive the denial letter.
Income limits and rent calculations
HAGC uses adjusted gross income to determine both whether you may have access to and how much rent you pay. Adjusted gross income is your total household income minus certain deductions — typically child care costs, medical expenses for elderly or disabled household members, and disability information expenses.
Income limits change each year based on federal guidelines. For 2024, a single person in Gloucester County must earn below a certain threshold to may have access to for Section 8; a family of four has a higher threshold. Call HAGC at (856) 848-0300 to ask the current limits for your household size. Do not estimate — the actual numbers change annually.
Your rent contribution is typically 30 percent of your adjusted gross income, or the voucher amount, whichever is less. If your income increases after you receive a voucher, your rent contribution may increase too. HAGC recertifies your income every year, usually by mail or phone.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if the Section 8 wait list is open right now?
Call HAGC at (856) 848-0300 and ask directly. The wait list status changes throughout the year. Staff can tell you whether applications are being taken and, if the list is closed, when it might reopen. Some housing authorities maintain a notification system — ask if you can be added to one.
What if I have an eviction on my record or owe back rent?
HAGC conducts background checks that include eviction history. A past eviction does not automatically disqualify you, but it may delay approval or require additional documentation. Call HAGC to discuss your specific situation before submitting an process. Owing back rent to a previous landlord can be a barrier — ask whether HAGC requires you to pay it off first.
Can I use my Section 8 voucher to rent anywhere in New Jersey?
No. A Section 8 voucher from HAGC is typically valid only in Gloucester County and sometimes in adjacent counties through portability agreements. If you want to move out of the county, contact HAGC to ask whether your voucher can be transferred to another housing authority. The process takes time and is not always possible.
What happens if my landlord stops accepting Section 8 payments?
If your landlord refuses to continue the lease or HAGC stops paying them, you lose your housing. Contact HAGC when ready if this happens. HAGC may help you find a new landlord or, in some cases, negotiate with your current one. Do not wait — housing authority staff need time to help you avoid homelessness.
Do I have to pay HAGC a fee to explore or to receive a voucher?
No. HAGC does not charge process fees or voucher fees. If someone claims to charge you money to help you get housing information, that is a scam. Contact HAGC directly at (856) 848-0300 or visit their office in person to explore for free.