Philadelphia Housing Authority - Section 8 Housing Office | Philadelphia, PA
Quick answer: Philadelphia Housing Authority is a Public Housing Authority (PHA) administering Section 8, Public Housing programs in Philadelphia, PA. Call (215) 684-4174 to reach their office. The agency manages approximately 25,063 Section 8 vouchers.
Section 8 Waitlist: CLOSEDas of August 6, 2026The HCV waiting list is currently closed; it was last opened for applications in January 2023 and is not accepting new applications as of August 2026.Source ↗
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Philadelphia Housing Authority is a Public Housing Authority (PHA) that administers the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program and other HUD-funded rental assistance programs in its jurisdiction. PHAs receive annual allocations from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and are responsible for determining eligibility, maintaining waitlists, issuing vouchers, inspecting units, and processing rent payments to landlords.
To apply for Section 8 assistance through Philadelphia Housing Authority, check whether the waitlist is currently open. Many PHAs open their waitlists for a limited period - sometimes just a few days - and use a lottery system to select applicants. Once on the waitlist, applicants may wait months to years before receiving a voucher, depending on funding and turnover. Priority is typically given to households with extremely low income (30% AMI or below), veterans, and households experiencing homelessness.
When a voucher is issued, the household has 60-120 days to find an eligible unit. The landlord must agree to participate in the HCV program and pass a Housing Quality Standards (HQS) inspection. Rents must be "reasonable" compared to comparable unassisted units in the area. Once approved, the PHA pays the landlord directly each month; the tenant pays only their 30% income share.
Agency Snapshot
Metric
Value
Section 8 Vouchers
25,063
Total Units Managed
35,636
Occupancy Rate
89%
Agency Size
EXTRA LARGE (5,000+)
County
Philadelphia
Metro Area
Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD Metropolitan Statistical Area
Source: HUD Public Housing Authority directory. Data reflects the most recent HUD reporting period.
How do I contact Philadelphia Housing Authority?
Philadelphia Housing Authority is located at 2013 Ridge Ave, Philadelphia PA 19121. Phone: (215) 684-4174. Call ahead to confirm office hours before visiting.
Is the Section 8 waitlist open at Philadelphia Housing Authority?
Waitlist openings at Philadelphia Housing Authority are not guaranteed year-round. Many PHAs only open their waitlists for brief windows, sometimes announced with just days of notice. Use our Find My PHA tool to see the current status.
What documents do I need to apply at Philadelphia Housing Authority?
Typically: photo ID for all adults, Social Security cards or proof of immigration status for all household members, birth certificates for children, proof of all household income (pay stubs, tax returns, benefit award letters), and rental history. Requirements vary; contact Philadelphia Housing Authority for their specific checklist.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply for Section 8 at Philadelphia Housing Authority?
Visit their office at 2013 Ridge Ave, Philadelphia, PA, 19121. Call (215) 684-4174 to ask about the waitlist and application process.
How many Section 8 vouchers does Philadelphia Housing Authority administer?
Philadelphia Housing Authority administers approximately 25,063 Section 8 / Housing Choice Vouchers according to HUD's most recent data.
What area does Philadelphia Housing Authority serve?
Philadelphia Housing Authority serves Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD Metropolitan Statistical Area.