7 Critical Updates for the Plano Housing Authority Waitlist: 2025 Status and How to Qualify Now

7 Critical Updates For The Plano Housing Authority Waitlist: 2025 Status And How To Qualify Now

7 Critical Updates for the Plano Housing Authority Waitlist: 2025 Status and How to Qualify Now

The Plano Housing Authority (PHA) waitlist is currently closed for new applications for both the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV/Section 8) and Low Rent Public Housing programs as of December 15, 2025. This status means that the PHA is not accepting any new applications for its primary housing assistance programs. However, for thousands of families seeking affordable housing in the highly competitive Plano and Collin County area, the waitlist is a persistent source of curiosity and concern, and new information from the PHA’s official 2025 plans provides a critical roadmap for the next potential opening.

While the waitlist remains closed, the Plano Housing Authority is actively engaged in its planning cycle, with a key Public Hearing scheduled for early 2025. This article provides the most current, essential updates on eligibility, 2025 income limits, the crucial local preference system, and the exact steps you need to take now to be ready the moment the waitlist reopens. Understanding these policies is the only way to secure a competitive position.

1. Current Status of the Plano Housing Authority Waitlists (HCV & Public Housing)

The Plano Housing Authority manages two distinct, high-demand affordable housing programs, each with its own separate waitlist and set of application rules. Knowing the difference and the specific status of each is the first step in your application strategy.

Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program / Section 8 Waitlist Status

  • Current Status: The HCV (Section 8) waitlist is Closed.
  • Program Overview: This program provides rental assistance to low-income families, the elderly, and the disabled to afford housing in the private market. The subsidy is paid directly to the landlord, and the tenant pays the difference.
  • Key Update: The PHA’s FY 2025 Five-Year Plan documents mention a Public Hearing scheduled for January 24, 2025, to discuss the plan. This is a crucial date as the Five-Year Plan outlines the PHA's operational goals, including potential waitlist openings and policy changes for the upcoming fiscal years.

Low Rent Public Housing Waitlist Status

  • Current Status: The Low Rent Public Housing waitlist is Closed.
  • Program Overview: This program involves units owned and operated directly by the Plano Housing Authority. Applicants who are selected rent directly from the PHA at a reduced rate. The PHA only manages a limited number of three and four-bedroom homes in this program.
  • Last Opening: The Public Housing waitlist last opened in April 2022, highlighting the infrequency of these opportunities.

Pro-Tip: The PHA will not release any waitlist information over the telephone. You must monitor the official PHA website's "Waiting Lists" link for the most up-to-date and official announcements.

2. Preparing for the Next Opening: Understanding the 2025 Income Limits

Eligibility for any PHA program is strictly tied to your household's gross annual income compared to the limits set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for the Dallas Metro Area, which includes Plano. These limits are updated annually, and the FY 2025 limits are critical for determining if you qualify.

FY 2025 Maximum Income Limits (Dallas Metro Area)

To be eligible, your household income must be at or below the "Very Low Income" (50% of Median) or "Extremely Low Income" (30% of Median) thresholds. For example, the following are the maximum income limits for the City of Plano’s related housing programs, which are generally aligned with HUD limits for the area:

Number of Household Occupants FY 2025 HUD Maximum Income Limit (50% Median)
1 Person ~$65,700
2 Persons ~$75,100
3 Persons ~$84,500
4 Persons ~$93,850
5 Persons ~$101,400
6 Persons ~$108,900

*Note: These figures are based on FY 2025 data for the Dallas Metro Area and are subject to final official PHA determination. Always check the official PHA documents for exact figures.

3. The Power of Local Preference Points (Section 8 Only)

The most critical factor determining your waitlist position—and the one that separates successful applicants from those who wait for years—is the local preference system. The Plano Housing Authority implements a local preference system only for the Section 8 (HCV) waitlist, with a maximum of 100 points available.

While the exact, detailed breakdown of points is contained within the official PHA Administrative Plan, which you should review, the preferences are typically awarded for circumstances that demonstrate an immediate need or a connection to the local community. Applicants are assigned a position based on their selected preference, followed by the date and time of their application.

Common Types of Local Preferences (Entities)

To maximize your score and increase your chances of being drawn from the waitlist, you must ensure you can document and claim all relevant preference points. Common categories for local preference points in housing authorities often include:

  • Residency: Living or working within the PHA's jurisdiction (e.g., Plano, Collin County).
  • Elderly/Disabled Status: Being a head of household who is elderly (62+) or a person with a qualifying disability.
  • Veteran Status: Applicants who are veterans or spouses of deceased veterans.
  • Involuntary Displacement: Being displaced due to natural disaster, government action, or domestic violence.
  • Working/Student Preference: Being employed, a full-time student, or participating in a job training program.

4. How to Apply When the Waitlist Reopens

When the Plano Housing Authority announces an open application period, the process will be entirely online. There is no need to visit the office, which is a major advantage for applicants who may have limited mobility or transportation.

  • Online Portal: Applications will be made available exclusively at the official Plano Housing Authority website (planoha.org).
  • Speed is Key: Since waitlist position is determined by preference and the date/time of application, applying as soon as the portal opens is critical, especially if you have equal preference points with others.
  • Disability Accommodation: Persons with valid documentation of a disability who require a reasonable accommodation to complete the online application should contact the PHA directly.

5. Essential Contact and LSI Entities for Applicants

The Plano Housing Authority provides several direct channels for applicants to check on their existing application or to seek information, though they strictly prohibit releasing waitlist position information over the phone. Knowing the key entities and contacts is essential for navigating the system.

  • Plano Housing Authority (PHA) Main Office: 1740 G Avenue, Plano, Texas 75074
  • Main Voice Line: 972-423-4928
  • TDD/TTY Line: 800-545-1833
  • Waiting List Coordinator: Extension 370
  • Key Programs (LSI Entities): Housing Choice Voucher (HCV), Section 8, Low Rent Housing, HUD, Mainstream Vouchers (for non-elderly persons with disabilities, often referred from local non-profits), and Plano Community Homes (a separate entity for elderly/disabled housing).

6. Maintaining Your Waitlist Position (Post-Application)

Getting on the waitlist is only the first step; maintaining your status is an ongoing responsibility. Failure to update your information can result in your application being dropped, regardless of how high your position is.

  • Update Frequency: The PHA updates the waitlist on the 5th business day of every month.
  • Change of Information: You must immediately report any changes to your mailing address, phone number, household composition, or income. If the PHA sends you a correspondence and it is returned as undeliverable, your application may be withdrawn.
  • Annual Review: Be prepared to respond promptly to any annual or periodic requests from the PHA to verify your continued interest and eligibility.

7. Alternatives to the Plano Housing Authority Waitlist

Given the long wait times for the Plano Housing Authority, it is strongly recommended to apply to other housing authorities in the surrounding areas, such as those in Dallas County, Denton County, or other nearby municipalities in Collin County.

Additionally, you should explore other subsidized housing options:

  • Plano Community Homes: This non-profit organization provides affordable housing specifically for eligible residents who are 62 years of age or older, or individuals 18 or older with a physical disability.
  • Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) Properties: These are privately owned apartments that receive tax credits in exchange for keeping rents affordable. You apply directly to the property management, and they often have shorter waiting lists than the PHA.
  • Mainstream Vouchers: The PHA manages a limited number of Mainstream Vouchers for non-elderly persons with disabilities, which are often referred through local homeless prevention and non-profit entities.
7 Critical Updates for the Plano Housing Authority Waitlist: 2025 Status and How to Qualify Now
7 Critical Updates for the Plano Housing Authority Waitlist: 2025 Status and How to Qualify Now

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