Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Public Housing & Section 8?

The Pottsville Housing Authority (PHA) administers two programs, Public Housing and Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers.

The Housing Developments owned, managed and maintained by the PHA are referred to as Conventional Housing, or Low Rent Public Housing. There are 509 Conventional units in the City of Pottsville, ranging in size from 0 bedrooms to 5 bedrooms. The established rent is approximately 30% of resident’s adjusted income.

The Section 8 Housing Voucher Program is a rental subsidy program administered by this agency. Qualified families in this program are selected from the waiting list, certified, briefed on the requirements of the program and allowed to locate their own decent safe and sanitary housing. Rents are controlled by Fair Market Rents as established by HUD. The tenant’s portion of the rent payable to the owner is based on 30% of the family’s adjusted gross income. The Housing Authority subsidizes the difference between the tenant’s portion and the actual rent. The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in housing because of race, color, national origin, religion, sex or handicap.

Click here to learn more about the Section 8 Housing Voucher Program.

Does the Housing Authority offer Emergency Assistance?

The Housing Authority does not provide any emergency assistance.

How do I apply?

Applications are available at the Pottsville Housing Authority office at 410 Laurel Blvd., Pottsville, PA. All applicants must submit a completed application along with photo identification, birth certificates and social security cards for each person on the application, and any income verification.

As of March 2021, the Pottsville Housing Authority has started accepting applications through our website. If you are interested in applying online, please refer to our application page of our site at https://papottsville.tenmast.com/apply/