Waythrough is an independent resource, not PHA. We summarize public information to help you get oriented. For applications and the most current waiting-list status, always use the official links below.

The Philadelphia Housing Authority (PHA) is the public housing authority that administers Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers and public housing for the City of Philadelphia — the fourth-largest housing authority in the United States, housing about 80,000 people. This page summarizes PHA's current waiting-list status, contact information, and how to apply, and links to the official PHA site for anything time-sensitive.

Quick Facts

Serves: the City of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Phone: (215) 684-4000
Official site: www.pha.phila.gov/
Apply: PHA application page
Status last checked: July 2026

Waiting-List Status

Waiting lists open and close frequently, so treat the status below as a starting point and confirm on the official site before you rely on it.

  • Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8): Closed — PHA's official site states the Housing Choice Voucher waiting list is currently closed; it was last opened in January 2023, and PHA is drawing invitations from that 2023 list.
  • Public Housing: Closed (with exceptions) — PHA closed its public-housing waiting lists in 2013; senior-designated developments and special programs remain open, and some tax-credit (PAPMC) properties keep their own separate lists.
  • Emergency Housing Vouchers (EHV): By referral only — You cannot apply to PHA directly; referrals come through the City of Philadelphia's Office of Homeless Services (215-686-7177).

Programs PHA Runs

  • Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8)
  • Public Housing (about 13,000 PHA-owned units)
  • Project-Based / Unit-Based Vouchers
  • Emergency Housing Vouchers (EHV, by referral)
  • HUD-VASH (for veterans) and Family Unification Program (FUP)
  • Housing Choice Voucher Homeownership program

How to Apply

Apply directly through the authority's official application page: www.pha.phila.gov/housing/admissions/. If you have already applied, call (215) 684-4000 to verify your position and keep your contact information current — if the authority cannot reach you when your name comes up, you can be dropped from the list.

New to the process? Our step-by-step guide to applying for Section 8 walks through the whole thing, and how to find your PHA helps you locate the right authority.

Other Authorities Serving This Area

  • The Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) runs statewide affordable-housing, Section 811, and homebuyer programs (phfa.org).
  • The City of Philadelphia Office of Homeless Services is the gateway for Emergency Housing Voucher referrals and emergency housing (215-686-7177).

More Local Resources

For the full picture of affordable housing in this area — emergency shelter, rental assistance, tenant rights, and legal aid — see our Philadelphia housing resources page and our PA state resources.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Philadelphia (PHA) Section 8 waiting list open?

No. As of July 2026, the Philadelphia Housing Authority's Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) waiting list is closed, according to PHA's official site. It was last opened in January 2023, and PHA is currently inviting applicants from that 2023 list as vouchers become available. Confirm the current status on the official PHA site before relying on it.

How do I apply for PHA housing right now?

Because both main waiting lists are closed, the realistic paths are senior-designated developments, special programs, and site-based tax-credit (PAPMC) properties, applied for through PHA's online self-service portal linked from the Admissions page. Register for a PIN first. Veterans may also qualify for HUD-VASH.

How do I check my place on the PHA waiting list?

Log in to PHA's online self-service portal, or call (215) 684-4000. Applicants from the 2023 Housing Choice Voucher list can call the HCV department at (215) 684-4300 with their client ID. PHA does not disclose your exact numeric position.

What does “PHA” mean on this page?

Here, PHA refers specifically to the Philadelphia Housing Authority. Note that “PHA” is also a generic abbreviation for “public housing authority,” so elsewhere you may see it used in that broader sense.

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