What the Jefferson Parish Housing Authority Does

The Jefferson Parish Housing Authority (JPHA) is a local government agency that runs public housing and rental voucher programs in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana. It does not provide cash information or emergency aid directly. Instead, it owns and manages apartment complexes for low-income residents, and it distributes federal vouchers that help people pay rent in privately owned buildings. The authority also maintains waiting lists for both programs, which can be years long depending on demand.

JPHA is separate from the parish government and from HUD (the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development), though it receives federal funding and follows federal rules. If you contact JPHA, you are dealing with a local office, not a federal agency. The main office is located in Marrero, and that is where you submit applications and documents in person.

Key Takeaways

  • JPHA runs two main programs: public housing (apartments it owns) and the Housing Choice Voucher program (rent information for private apartments).
  • Both programs have waiting lists that are often closed to new applications, and you must check JPHA's website or call to find out whether you can explore right now.
  • Income limits vary by program and by family size, and JPHA will verify your income using tax returns, pay stubs, and other documents before you are accepted.
  • Once you are accepted into a program, the process of moving into housing or receiving a voucher can take several months.
  • You must reapply or recertify periodically to stay in the program, and JPHA will contact you when that is due.

Public Housing: JPHA-Owned Apartments

JPHA owns and operates apartment buildings throughout Jefferson Parish. These are not temporary shelters; they are permanent rental homes. Rent is set at 30 percent of your household income, which means the lower your income, the lower your rent. JPHA covers the rest of the cost through federal funding.

To live in public housing, your household income must fall below a certain limit. The limit depends on your family size and changes each year. For example, the 2024 income limit for a family of four in the New Orleans area is approximately $52,000 per year, but you should contact JPHA directly to confirm the current limit for your household size, because limits are updated annually.

The waiting list for public housing is typically closed. When it opens, JPHA announces it on its website and through local media. You must explore in person at the main office with proof of identity, proof of income (recent pay stubs or tax returns), and proof of residency in Jefferson Parish. Processing takes several weeks to several months.

Housing Choice Vouchers: Rent Help for Private Apartments

The Housing Choice Voucher program, sometimes called Section 8, gives you a voucher that covers part of your rent in a privately owned apartment. You find the apartment yourself, and the landlord must agree to accept the voucher. JPHA pays the landlord directly; you pay the difference between the voucher amount and the actual rent.

Like public housing, the voucher program has income limits and a waiting list. The waiting list is usually closed and can have thousands of names on it. When it opens, JPHA posts the announcement on its website. You explore in person with the same documents: proof of identity, income, and residency in Jefferson Parish.

Once you receive a voucher, you have a limited time (usually 60 to 120 days, depending on JPHA policy) to find an apartment and have it inspected by JPHA. The apartment must meet safety and quality standards. If you do not find an apartment within that time, you may lose the voucher. After you move in, you must recertify your income every year to keep the voucher active.

Income Limits and What JPHA Counts as Income

JPHA uses your household's gross monthly income to determine whether you can enter the program. Gross income includes wages, self-employment income, Social Security, unemployment benefits, child support, and some other sources. JPHA does not count certain income, such as some student financial aid or money from certain information programs, but you must report all income sources when you explore.

JPHA verifies income using tax returns from the past two years, recent pay stubs (usually the last 30 days), and written statements from employers or benefit agencies. If you are self-employed, you will need to provide business tax returns. If your income has changed recently, bring documentation of the change.

Income limits are set by HUD and vary by family size and by the area. JPHA's service area includes several income limit tiers. You should contact JPHA or visit its website to find the current limit for your household size, because limits change every year and are based on the area median income.

how the process works and What Documents You Need

Applications are submitted in person at the JPHA main office in Marrero. You cannot explore by mail or online. Bring original documents or certified copies; JPHA will not accept photocopies of most items. Bring a photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), proof of Social Security number (Social Security card or tax return), and proof of residency in Jefferson Parish (utility bill, lease, or mail from a government agency dated within the last 60 days).

You will also need to bring proof of income. If you are employed, bring pay stubs from the last 30 days and your most recent tax return. If you receive benefits, bring a benefit statement or award letter. If you are self-employed, bring your business tax returns for the past two years. If you have no income, bring a written statement explaining your situation.

JPHA staff will review your documents and tell you whether you meet the income limit and other basic requirements. If you do, your name goes on the waiting list. You will receive a letter confirming your process. Do not assume you are on the list until you receive that letter.

Waiting Lists and How Long It Takes

Both the public housing waiting list and the voucher waiting list are typically closed. JPHA opens them periodically, usually when funding allows or when there is a significant drop in the number of people on the list. There is no set schedule for when lists open or close.

To find out whether the waiting list is open, visit JPHA's website or call the main office. If the list is closed, ask when it is expected to open. Some people wait years from the time they explore until they are offered housing or a voucher. JPHA prioritizes applicants based on factors such as homelessness, disability, and family composition, so wait times vary.

Once you are offered housing or a voucher, you have a limited time to accept it and complete the next steps. For public housing, you will have a move-in date. For vouchers, you will have a important date to find an apartment. If you miss the important date or decline the offer, you may lose your place on the list.

Recertification and Staying in the Program

After you move into public housing or receive a voucher, JPHA will ask you to recertify your income and household composition every year. Recertification means providing updated proof of income, such as recent pay stubs or benefit statements, and confirming that your household size and composition have not changed.

JPHA will send you a notice telling you when to recertify. You must respond by the important date, usually within 30 days. If you miss the important date, JPHA may terminate your information. If your income has increased above the program limit, you may be asked to pay higher rent or may be terminated from the program, depending on JPHA policy and the program rules.

If your circumstances change—such as a job loss, a new household member, or a move—you must report it to JPHA. Do not wait for recertification. Changes can affect your rent amount or your continued participation in the program.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if the waiting list is open right now?

Visit JPHA's website or call the main office at the number listed on the website. Staff can tell you whether applications are being accepted for public housing, vouchers, or both. If the list is closed, ask when it is expected to open and whether you can call back to check.

What if my income is above the limit?

You will not be accepted into the program. Income limits are set by HUD and are not negotiable. If your income drops in the future, you can reapply when the waiting list opens again. Some people reapply after a job loss or retirement.

Can I explore if I have an eviction on my record?

JPHA considers your rental history as part of the process process. A past eviction does not automatically disqualify you, but JPHA may deny your process if the eviction is recent or if there are other issues with your rental history. Contact JPHA to discuss your specific situation before you explore.

What happens if I find a better apartment while I'm on the waiting list?

You can move or change your housing situation at any time. If you are on the waiting list and you move out of Jefferson Parish, you should notify JPHA so they can remove you from the list. If you stay in the parish, you can remain on the list and explore for housing or a voucher whenever your name comes up.

Do I have to pay an process fee?

No. JPHA does not charge a fee to explore for public housing or vouchers. Be cautious of anyone claiming to charge a fee to help you explore or to move you up the waiting list. That is a scam.