Answers to Common New Jersey Section 8 Housing Questions

New Jersey Section 8 programs offer housing assistance for residents who have limited income. The state provides a voucher that pays for part of the rent for a single-family home, apartment or townhouse.

Who Is Eligible for New Jersey Section 8 Housing?

You may qualify for Section 8 housing in New Jersey if everyone in your household is a U.S. citizen with no history of rental evictions. Your household income must also fall below the maximum allowed income for assistance in your county based on the number of people who will live in the unit. 

How Do You Apply for New Jersey Section 8 Housing?

The process starts when you reach out to your county housing agency and make an appointment. At this session with a housing counselor, you must provide documentation including information about any disability status, paycheck stubs or other proof of income for everyone in the household as well as full criminal background checks for everyone in the home, proof of current address and utility bills for your current home. It can take up to 90 days to learn whether you qualify for New Jersey Section 8 housing.

How Can I Get Section 8 Fast in New Jersey?

Each public housing authority in the state has a separate waiting list. Applying in multiple counties can increase your chances of approval. When a voucher becomes available, you can find a qualifying rental in that county. 

Are Any Section 8 Lists Open in New Jersey?

Some counties close their Section 8 lists until vouchers become available while others maintain open waiting lists. The status of each list changes frequently, so the best course of action is to check in with the cities where you may want to live and learn when their waiting lists open.

What Is the Income Limit for Section 8 in New Jersey?

The income limit for a one-bedroom Section 8 apartment ranges from $11,000 to $19,000 in New Jersey as of 2022. Counties with higher median incomes have higher Section 8 income limits.