Press Releases

Scranton, PA – Today, U.S. Representative Matt Cartwright (PA-08) encouraged Lackawanna County residents struggling to afford housing to consider applying for federal assistance through the Lackawanna County Housing Authority or the Scranton Housing Authority.

Both agencies have opened a Housing Choice Voucher Program Section 8 application period, which is the federal government's major program for assisting very low-income families, the elderly and the disabled to afford decent, safe and sanitary housing in the private market.

“A decent place to call home is critical in every stage of life, from raising happy and healthy children to ensuring a secure retirement,” said Rep. Cartwright. “This important federal assistance program offers a helping hand to families and seniors who struggle to keep a roof over their heads.”

How to apply through the Lackawanna County Housing Authority: The application can be accessed online at http://hacl.org/ or at their office located at 2019 West Pine Street, Dunmore, PA 18512. Applications must be postmarked by May 14, 2021. They can be reached by phone at 570-342-7629.

How to apply through the Scranton Housing Authority: Applications are available at their office located at 400 Adams Avenue, Scranton, PA 18510. Applicants must have photo ID, proof of income and Social Security card. For family members under 18, a birth certificate and Social Security card is required. A deadline for this application has not yet been set, but those interested are encouraged to act quickly. They can be reached by phone at 570-348-4400.

Applications do not guarantee housing immediately; however, accepted applicants are placed on a waiting list, which is an essential first step.

Eligibility

Eligibility for a housing voucher is determined by local public housing agencies (PHAs) based on the total annual gross income and family size and is limited to U.S. citizens and specified categories of non-citizens who have eligible immigration status. In general, the family's income may not exceed 50 percent of the median income for the county or metropolitan area in which the family chooses to live. By law, a PHA must provide 75 percent of its voucher to applicants whose incomes do not exceed 30 percent of the area median income. Median income levels are published by HUD and vary by location. Our PHAs can provide the income limits for this area and family size.

During the application process, the PHA will collect information on family income, assets, and family composition. The PHA will verify this information with other local agencies, your employer and bank, and will use the information to determine program eligibility and the amount of the housing assistance payment.

If the PHA determines that your family is eligible, the PHA will put your name on a waiting list, unless it is able to assist you immediately. Once your name is reached on the waiting list, the PHA will contact you and issue to you a housing voucher.