How to Apply
If you have questions about applying to the Low Income Public Housing program, you can ask for application help from one of Seattle Housing Authority's housing counselors.
To apply for the Low Income Public Housing program:
1. Submit a pre-application
You can submit your pre-application online.
Seattle Housing Authority also accepts paper pre-application forms in person and by mail at its Porchlight Building. Pre-application forms are available in six languages, in PDF format (download Adobe Reader):
- Chinese pre-application form (PDF, 244 KB)
- English pre-application form (PDF, 1.14 MB)
- Russian pre-application form (PDF, 52 KB)
- Somali pre-application form (PDF, 32 KB)
- Spanish pre-application form (PDF, 32 KB)
- Vietnamese pre-application form (PDF, 112 KB)
An application guide is available in six languages, in PDF format:
- Chinese application guide (PDF, 1.77 MB)
- English application guide (PDF, 3.33 MB)
- Russian application guide (PDF, 520 KB)
- Somali application guide (PDF, 500 KB)
- Spanish application guide (PDF, 500 KB)
- Vietnamese application guide (PDF, 532 KB)
2. Join the waiting list
After submitting a pre-application you can join the waiting lists for either one or two Low Income Public housing locations. Some lists are short, while others are very long. The amount of time you will spend on a waiting list depends on the demand for housing and waiting list preferences.
3. Submit a full application when you reach the top of the waiting list
When your name comes to the top of the waiting list, the Admissions office will contact you by mail. You will be invited to a group interview, where you will meet with a staff member who will guide you through the full application process. They will collect documentation to confirm that you qualify for the Low Income Public Housing program.
4. Have your application approved or denied
If you qualify, your application will be approved and you will be referred for placement in a unit in the Low Income Public Housing program. The approval is conditional until you lease a unit.
If you don't qualify, your application will be conditionally denied. If your application is denied, you will be allowed to provide more information to show that you qualify for assistance. If that information is not sufficient, you may contest the denial by requesting an appeal.
