Low Income Public Housing: How to apply

1. Submit a pre-application by mail or in person or online

The Seattle Housing Authority accepts pre-application forms in-person at the PorchLight Housing Center or by mail. You can also apply online. Our paper application materials are available in six languages.

Download an application [not for the Section 8 program]
Apply online [not for the Section 8 program]

Application Workshops and housing counseling

Before you apply, you may want to visit the PorchLight Housing Center and use the automated Application Workshop. The Application Workshop is a computer-based slideshow with a soundtrack that explains our program and tells how to apply for them. The Application Workshop is self-directed, so you can view it and listen to it at your own pace. At the end of the Application Workshop, you can browse the Seattle Housing Authority’s Web site for resources or speak to a PorchLight staff member for additional information. You can also speak to PorchLight’s housing counselors for individualized application help.

2. Join the waiting list

After submitting a pre-application, you will be added to the waiting list for Low Income Public Housing The waiting time varies depending on which waiting list or lists you choose—you can sign up for one or two—and on current market conditions and waiting list preference.

3. Submit a full application at your interview

When your name comes to the top of the waiting list, the Admissions Office will contact you by mail to invite you to a group interview. At this group interview, you will meet with a staff member who will guide you through the full application process. We will collect documentation at this time to determine whether you qualify for assistance.

4. Approval or denial of your application

If we determine that you qualify, you will be referred for placement. Your approval is conditional until you lease a unit. If your application does not indicate that you qualify, you will be denied.

If your application is denied, you will be given an opportunity to provide additional information that shows you qualify for assistance. If the information you provide is not sufficient, you may contest the denial by requesting an appeal.