What the Philadelphia Housing Authority does

The Philadelphia Housing Authority (PHA) is a city agency that runs public housing and voucher programs for low-income residents. It does not decide who is poor or set poverty rules — it administers housing programs that the federal government funds and the city oversees. PHA owns and manages public housing buildings, distributes Section 8 vouchers to tenants, and handles waitlists for both programs.

PHA is separate from the city's Department of Housing and Community Development, which handles other information like emergency rental help and homebuyer programs. If you contact the wrong office, they will usually direct you to the right one, but knowing the difference saves time.

Key Takeaways

  • PHA runs two main programs: public housing (buildings it owns) and Section 8 vouchers (payments to private landlords), both funded by the federal government.
  • Both programs have long waitlists; PHA opens them periodically and closes them when full, so you must check the PHA website to see if applications are currently being taken.
  • You must live in Philadelphia and meet income limits set by the federal government, which vary by family size and change yearly.
  • PHA's main office is at 2124 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103, and you can reach them by phone at 215-684-7000 to ask which program has an open waitlist.
  • If you need emergency rent help or other housing information, contact the city's Department of Housing and Community Development or call 211, not PHA.

Public housing versus Section 8 vouchers

PHA owns and operates public housing buildings throughout Philadelphia. If you live in public housing, PHA is your landlord. You pay rent based on your income (usually 30 percent of what you earn), and PHA covers the rest of the building's costs. Public housing is permanent — you can stay as long as you follow the lease and meet income limits.

Section 8 vouchers work differently. PHA gives you a voucher worth a set dollar amount each month. You find a private landlord willing to accept the voucher, and PHA pays the landlord directly. You pay the difference between the voucher amount and the actual rent. Section 8 is also permanent, but you must find your own apartment and the landlord must agree to participate in the program.

Both programs have waitlists. Public housing waitlists are typically longer because there are fewer buildings than vouchers. Waitlist length varies by neighborhood and building type. Section 8 waitlists also move slowly, sometimes taking years. PHA does not prioritize one program over the other — you must explore to each separately if you want both.

Income limits and who can explore

To be considered for either PHA program, your household income must fall below a limit set by the federal government. The limit depends on your family size and changes each year. For example, the 2024 limit for a single person is around $38,000 per year, and for a family of four around $61,000, but these numbers change annually and you should verify the current limits with PHA directly.

You must also be a U.S. citizen or have may be able to access immigration status. PHA will ask for proof of identity, Social Security numbers for all household members, and documentation of income (pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer). If you receive benefits like SNAP or TANF, bring those award letters too.

You cannot be on a PHA waitlist if you have been evicted for non-payment within the past three years, or if you have a criminal record involving drugs or violence. PHA reviews each case individually, so a past issue does not automatically disqualify you, but you must disclose it on the process.

How to learn about waitlists are open

PHA does not keep waitlists open all the time. When a waitlist fills up, PHA closes it and does not accept new applications until funding or turnover creates space. This can mean waiting months or years before you can even explore.

Check the PHA website at pha.phila.gov to see which programs have open waitlists. You can also call PHA's main line at 215-684-7000 and ask whether public housing or Section 8 applications are currently being taken. Staff can tell you the current waitlist status and how long the wait typically is for each program.

If a waitlist is closed, ask PHA when it is expected to reopen. Some programs reopen on a set schedule; others reopen when funding becomes available. Write down the date and call back to confirm before making the trip to explore.

What documents you need to bring

When you explore, bring originals or certified copies of the following: a government-issued photo ID, Social Security cards for all household members, proof of income (recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer), and proof of residency in Philadelphia (a utility bill, lease, or mail from a government agency with your name and address).

If you receive public benefits, bring the award letter from SNAP, TANF, SSI, or Social Security. If you are unemployed, bring a letter from your employer stating the end date of employment, or a notice from the unemployment office. If you are self-employed, bring tax returns for the past two years.

Bring proof of all household members' immigration status if anyone is not a U.S. citizen. This can be a green card, visa, work permit, or asylum approval letter. If you do not have these documents yet, ask PHA what alternatives they accept — some programs allow you to explore with a pending case number.

The waitlist and what happens after you explore

When you submit an process, PHA assigns you a number on the waitlist. The waitlist is typically first-come, first-served, though some programs prioritize people with disabilities or experiencing homelessness. PHA will send you a letter confirming your process and your position on the waitlist.

While you wait, PHA may contact you to verify information or ask for updated documents. Respond promptly — if PHA cannot reach you or you do not provide requested documents, you can be removed from the waitlist. Keep your contact information current by calling PHA if you move or change your phone number.

When your name reaches the top of the waitlist, PHA will contact you for an interview. At the interview, a PHA staff member will review your process, verify your income and family composition, and explain the program rules. If you are approved, you will sign a lease (for public housing) or receive your voucher (for Section 8). The entire process from process to move-in can take several months to over a year.

PHA contact information and office locations

PHA's main office is at 2124 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103. You can reach them by phone at 215-684-7000 during business hours. The website is pha.phila.gov, where you can read applications, check waitlist status, and find information about specific programs and buildings.

PHA also has regional offices in different parts of the city. If you live in a particular neighborhood, you may be able to explore at a closer office. Call the main number to ask where to explore based on where you want to live.

If you need help understanding the process or have questions about your status on the waitlist, call 215-684-7000 and ask to speak with someone in intake or waitlist management. Wait times can be long, especially early in the morning or on Mondays.

When to contact other agencies instead

PHA handles public housing and Section 8 vouchers only. If you need emergency help paying rent you already owe, or help with utilities, security deposits, or moving costs, contact the city's Department of Housing and Community Development or call 211 for a referral. These programs move faster than PHA and may help you while you wait for a housing voucher.

If you are experiencing homelessness or need shelter when ready, call the city's homeless services line at 215-232-1984 or go to a drop-in center. PHA housing is permanent but the waitlist is long; emergency services can help you find a place to stay while you wait.

If you own a home and need help with repairs, property taxes, or homebuyer counseling, also contact the Department of Housing and Community Development, not PHA.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a PHA voucher or apartment?

Waitlist times vary widely. Public housing waitlists in Philadelphia can be several years long depending on the neighborhood. Section 8 voucher waitlists are also typically years long. Once your name reaches the top and you are called for an interview, approval and move-in usually take one to three months. Call PHA to ask the current average wait for the specific program you are interested in.

Can I explore for both public housing and Section 8 at the same time?

Yes. They are separate programs with separate waitlists. You can explore to both and wait on both lists. If you are approved for one before the other, you can accept it and stay on the other waitlist, or decline and keep waiting. Let PHA know if your situation changes so they can update your file.

What if I have a criminal record or past eviction?

PHA reviews each case individually. A criminal record or eviction does not automatically disqualify you, but you must disclose it on the process. PHA is more likely to deny you for drug-related convictions or evictions for non-payment within the past three years. Ask PHA staff during the process process if they have concerns about your history.

Do I have to pay rent in public housing or with a Section 8 voucher?

Yes. In public housing, you pay 30 percent of your income as rent. With a Section 8 voucher, you pay the difference between the voucher amount and the actual rent. Both programs require you to pay something. If your income is very low, your rent will be low, but it will not be zero.

What if I move out of Philadelphia?

If you have public housing, you must move out and your lease ends. If you have a Section 8 voucher, you can request a transfer to another city's housing authority if you move, but you must ask PHA before you leave. Some vouchers are portable; others are not. Call PHA to ask about your specific voucher before you move.