What the Lincoln Housing Authority does
The Lincoln Housing Authority (LHA) is a public agency that runs housing programs in Lincoln, Nebraska. It administers Section 8 vouchers, manages public housing units, and handles the waiting lists for both. The LHA does not build or own most of the housing itself — it pays private landlords to rent to low-income tenants, or it owns and operates a smaller number of public housing buildings directly.
The LHA's main job is to process applications, verify income and family size, issue vouchers when they become available, and inspect units to make sure they meet housing quality standards. It also collects rent from tenants (usually 30 percent of their income) and pays the landlord the difference from federal funds.
If you live in Lincoln and need affordable housing, the LHA is the body you contact. It is not a landlord you can call to rent an apartment — it is the agency that determines whether you can receive a voucher or move into a public housing unit, and it manages the waiting list while you wait.
Key Takeaways
- The Lincoln Housing Authority administers Section 8 vouchers and public housing in Lincoln, Nebraska, and maintains separate waiting lists for each program.
- You must explore directly to the LHA; there is no online process — contact them by phone or in person to request an process packet.
- Income limits and family size rules vary by program, and the LHA will verify your income using tax returns, pay stubs, and other documents before you are added to a waiting list.
- Waiting lists are often closed, and reopening dates are announced on the LHA website and by phone — calling ahead saves you a trip.
- Once you receive a voucher or are offered a public housing unit, you have a limited time to find a unit and move in, or the offer may be withdrawn.
How to contact the Lincoln Housing Authority
The LHA office is located at 1111 West Van Dorn Street, Lincoln, Nebraska 68522. You can reach them by phone at (402) 471-7894 during business hours, Monday through Friday. The office is closed on weekends and federal holidays.
Call before you visit. The LHA will tell you whether the waiting list for Section 8 or public housing is open, what documents you need to bring, and whether you should come in person or request an process by mail. Many people call first and avoid a wasted trip to a closed waiting list.
The LHA website is maintained by the City of Lincoln and contains information about current waiting list status, program rules, and inspection standards. Check the website or call to confirm office hours and any temporary closures before you go.
Income limits and family size requirements
The LHA sets income limits based on family size and the federal poverty guidelines. These limits change each year. A single person has a lower limit than a family of four; a family of eight has a higher limit than a family of four. The exact dollar amounts depend on the current federal limits and are posted on the LHA website.
You must report your household income for the past 12 months. Income includes wages, self-employment earnings, Social Security, disability payments, child support, and unemployment benefits. Some income is excluded — for example, income earned by children under 18 who are in school, and certain types of information.
The LHA will ask for recent pay stubs, a copy of your most recent tax return, and written verification from your employer or benefits agency. If you are self-employed, bring tax returns for the past two years. If you receive no income, bring a statement explaining your situation.
Section 8 vouchers: waiting list and timeline
Section 8 is a federal program that gives you a voucher to use at any rental property in Lincoln that accepts the program. You pay 30 percent of your income as rent; the LHA pays the landlord the rest, up to a limit set by the program. The voucher is yours to use — you choose the unit and landlord, as long as the unit passes inspection and the rent is within the program limit.
The Section 8 waiting list is often closed. When it opens, the LHA accepts applications for a set period — usually a few weeks — then closes it again. You must explore during the open period or wait for the next opening. The LHA announces openings on its website and by phone. There is no way to be on a "pre-list" or to explore when the list is closed.
Once your process is processed and you are added to the waiting list, you may wait months or years before a voucher becomes available. The LHA calls people from the list in order. When your name is called, you have a set time — usually 60 to 90 days — to find a unit, sign a lease, and have the unit inspected. If you do not find a unit in that time, your voucher may be withdrawn.
Public housing: units owned and operated by the LHA
The LHA owns and operates a number of apartment buildings and houses in Lincoln. These are public housing units. The rent you pay is 30 percent of your income, the same as Section 8. The difference is that the LHA is your landlord — you rent directly from the housing authority, not from a private owner.
Public housing has its own waiting list, separate from Section 8. The waiting list may be open or closed at different times than the Section 8 list. Income limits are the same, but the number of available units is smaller, so wait times can be longer.
When a public housing unit becomes available, the LHA offers it to the next person on the list. You have a limited time to accept the offer and move in. The unit is inspected before you move in, and the LHA conducts regular inspections while you live there. You must follow the lease terms, which include rules about maintenance, guests, and conduct.
What documents you need to bring
| Document Type | What It Shows | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Photo ID | Your identity | Driver's license, state ID, or passport. Required for all household members age 18 and over. |
| Proof of income | Your earnings or benefits | Recent pay stubs (last 30 days), tax returns (past 2 years if self-employed), or benefit award letters. |
| Proof of residency | Your current address | Utility bill, lease, or mail from a government agency dated within the past 60 days. |
| Social Security numbers | Verification for all household members | Birth certificate, Social Security card, or official letter from Social Security Administration. |
| Citizenship or immigration status | Your legal status in the U.S. | Birth certificate, passport, green card, or work permit. Required for all household members. |
| Proof of disability (if applicable) | Disability status for priority consideration | Letter from doctor, Social Security award letter, or VA documentation. |
Bring originals or certified copies. The LHA will not accept photocopies of Social Security cards or birth certificates. If you do not have a document, ask the LHA what alternative proof they will accept — for example, a letter from your employer if you do not have a recent pay stub.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I explore to both Section 8 and public housing at the same time?
Yes. The two programs have separate waiting lists and separate process processes. You can be on both lists at once. If you are offered a voucher or a public housing unit, you can accept one and stay on the other list, or decline and remain on both lists.
What happens if I move out of Lincoln after I am on the waiting list?
You will be removed from the LHA waiting list. If you move back to Lincoln later, you must reapply. The LHA does not hold your place or transfer you to another housing authority.
How long does it take to get a voucher after I explore?
It depends on how many people are ahead of you on the waiting list. The LHA processes applications in the order they are received. Wait times range from several months to several years. Call the LHA to ask how long the current wait is — they can give you an estimate based on how many people are on the list.
What if I have an eviction on my record?
The LHA will review your housing history as part of the process process. A past eviction does not automatically disqualify you, but the LHA may deny your process if the eviction is recent or if there are other issues with your rental history. Ask the LHA what their policy is before you explore.
Can I use my Section 8 voucher if I move to another city?
Section 8 vouchers are portable — you can move to another city and use your voucher there, as long as the receiving housing authority accepts portable vouchers. You must notify the Lincoln Housing Authority before you move and request a transfer. The receiving authority will take over your case.