Finding affordable housing in San Francisco can feel overwhelming due to the city’s high cost of living. However, there are programs designed to help low-income residents secure safe and decent homes. This guide provides a step-by-step overview of how to apply for low-income housing in San Francisco, including eligibility requirements, application processes, and available programs. Whether you’re a first-time applicant or already on a waitlist, this article will help you navigate the system with confidence.
What is Low-Income Housing?
Low-income housing refers to rental units subsidized by the government to make them affordable for people with low to moderate incomes. In San Francisco, these programs ensure residents spend no more than 30% of their income on housing. The main types include:
- Public Housing: Rental units owned and managed by the San Francisco Housing Authority (SFHA) for low-income families, elderly individuals, and people with disabilities.
- Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8): A program that provides vouchers to help low-income families rent in the private market.
- Project-Based Voucher (PBV): Vouchers tied to specific properties.
- Other Affordable Housing Programs: These include below-market-rate (BMR) rentals offered by non-profits or private developers, often listed on the DAHLIA San Francisco Housing Portal.
These programs aim to provide safe, decent, and affordable housing options in a city known for its high rental costs.
Who is Eligible?
To qualify for low-income housing in San Francisco, your household income must be at or below a certain percentage of the Area Median Income (AMI). Most programs require income to be at or below 50% or 80% of AMI, which varies by household size. Other requirements include U.S. citizenship or eligible immigration status and passing a criminal background check.
2025 Income Limits for San Francisco
The following table shows the 2025 income limits for San Francisco based on household size:
| Household Size | 50% AMI | 80% AMI |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $67,700 | $108,300 |
| 2 Persons | $77,400 | $123,800 |
| 3 Persons | $87,050 | $139,250 |
| 4 Persons | $96,700 | $154,700 |
| 5 Persons | $104,450 | $167,100 |
Additional eligibility criteria include:
- Citizenship: You must be a U.S. citizen or have eligible immigration status.
- Background Check: Applicants must pass a criminal background check, with no convictions for methamphetamine production or lifetime sex offender registration.
- Program Preferences: Some programs prioritize veterans, elderly individuals, people with disabilities, or those displaced from San Francisco housing.
For precise eligibility details, visit the SFHA website or contact a housing counselor.
How to Apply
Applying for low-income housing in San Francisco typically involves joining a waitlist, often managed through a lottery system. Below are the steps to follow:
Step 1: Check Waitlist Status
- As of July 30, 2025, the SFHA waitlist is closed. It was open from May 7 to May 21, 2025.
- Check the SFHA Waitlist Page for updates on future openings.
- Sign up for notifications to stay informed about when the waitlist reopens.
Step 2: Prepare Your Application
- Gather necessary documents, including:
- Proof of income (e.g., pay stubs, tax returns)
- Identification for all household members
- Social security numbers (or certification if none)
- Confirm your household size and income align with the AMI limits.
Step 3: Apply When the Waitlist Opens
- Apply online through the SFHA Application Portal when the waitlist is open.
- Community partners can assist with applications. Contact organizations like:
- Catholic Charities: (415) 972-1200
- Self Help for the Elderly: (415) 677-7600
- Institute on Aging: (415) 750-4111
Step 4: Participate in the Lottery
- Applications are entered into a lottery to determine the order of processing.
- Check your lottery number using the Waitlist Lottery Look Up tool.
- Lower numbers mean higher priority when housing becomes available.
Step 5: Wait for Housing Availability
- SFHA contacts applicants in order of their lottery number when units are available.
- Be prepared to submit additional documentation and complete a detailed application.
- Respond promptly to communications to maintain your spot.
Alternative Application Options
- Browse affordable rental listings on the DAHLIA Portal, which includes first-come, first-served opportunities.
- Explore non-profit housing providers or BMR units offered by private developers.
Different Programs Available
San Francisco offers several low-income housing programs, each with unique eligibility and application processes:
- Public Housing: Rental units managed by SFHA, such as Plaza East Apartments, for low-income families, elderly, and disabled individuals.
- Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8): Vouchers to help rent in the private market, covering part of the rent.
- Project-Based Voucher (PBV): Vouchers tied to specific properties, similar to Section 8.
- Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD): Converts public housing to Section 8 or PBV units.
- Emergency Housing Voucher (EHV): Temporary assistance for homeless individuals and families.
- Family Unification Program (FUP): Supports families reuniting with housing assistance.
- Foster Youth to Independence (FYI): Helps foster youth transition to independent living with housing support.
Each program has specific requirements, so research which one suits your needs. Visit SFHA for details.
Tips and Resources
To increase your chances of securing low-income housing, consider these tips:
- Stay Informed: Regularly check SFHA and SF.gov for waitlist updates and new opportunities.
- Seek Assistance: Community organizations like Catholic Charities or Self Help for the Elderly offer application support.
- Prepare Documentation: Have proof of income, ID, and other documents ready to streamline the process.
- Be Patient: Waitlists can be long, often taking months or years, so stay persistent.
- Explore Alternatives: Look into non-profit housing or BMR units through the DAHLIA Portal.
For additional support, contact a HUD-approved housing counselor at (800) 569-4287 or visit HUD.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How long is the waitlist for low-income housing in San Francisco?
A: Wait times vary but can range from several months to years, depending on the program and applicant volume.
Q: Can I apply for multiple programs at once?
A: Yes, you can apply for different programs, but each has its own application process and waitlist.
Q: Do I need to be a San Francisco resident to apply?
A: Some programs require residency, while others, like Section 8, allow non-residents who work in the city.
Q: What if my income changes while on the waitlist?
A: Report any changes in income or household composition to SFHA, as they may affect your eligibility.
Q: Are there first-come, first-served housing options?
A: Yes, some listings on the DAHLIA Portal are first-come, first-served, but they are limited.
Conclusion
Applying for low-income housing in San Francisco requires understanding eligibility criteria, navigating waitlists, and exploring various programs. By preparing thoroughly, staying informed, and seeking assistance from community organizations, you can improve your chances of securing affordable housing. Regularly check official websites like SFHA and SF.gov for the latest updates and opportunities.
Visit more:
- Why Are Houses So Expensive in San Francisco? – Understand the city’s housing market challenges.
- How to Afford a House in San Francisco – Explore options for homeownership.
- Low-Income Housing Los Angeles County – Compare housing programs in nearby areas.