What You Need to Know When Applying for Housing Assistance

Applying for housing assistance is easy at PBCHA. You must apply online where you must create an account to submit and manage your application.  A valid email address is required to register; if you do not have an email account, please visit one of these popular email providers: Yahoo, Gmail or Microsoft Outlook.

  • First Time Applicants: Go to our online portal and follow instructions to create an account. Then, log in and follow the steps to complete an application.
    Note: Passwords must be a minimum of 10 characters long and must contain all of the following: one lowercase letter, one uppercase letter, one number and one symbol.
  • Returning Applicants/Residents: Log in to the Resident Portal with your email and password.

Application and Wait List Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What Is the difference between Public Housing and the Housing Choice Voucher Program?

In Public Housing, applicants are housed in properties owned by PBCHA, whereas in the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program, participants are housed in units owned by individual landlords, private sector agencies, corporations, and non-profit organizations, including PBCHA. Both housing programs are designed to assist participants in finding safe, decent, and affordable housing.

Can I apply in person or by mail?

PBCHA accepts wait list applications online only. If you this is your first time applying, use the Applicant Portal.  You will need an email address to register. If you are a current resident who needs to update information, log in to the Resident Portal with your email and password.

How long after I apply can I expect to receive a voucher or public housing unit?

It may take up to two to seven years to be pulled from the waiting list and receive assistance. This waiting period depends on the amount of funding received from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and public housing units becoming available. Once pulled from the wait list, PBCHA will contact you via email. Make sure to update your contact information in your portal.

How do I make changes to my application or update my information?

Changes to contact information, income, household member, etc. must be made in the Applicant Portal. If you are a current resident who needs to update information, log in to the Resident Portal with your email and password.

How will I be notified when I’m selected?

All correspondence, including notification of selection, will be done via email.

I forgot my password!

Please use the FORGOT PASSWORD link in the Applicant Portal.

What number am I on the waiting list?

For the public housing waitlist, you will see a position number in the portal; however, this number can change depending upon cancellations, move ins, etc.

If I am denied admission into the Housing Choice Voucher program or the Public Housing program, what can I do?

If your application for admission into PBCHA’s housing programs is denied, you will receive a notice of denial from PBCHA, indicating that you may request an informal hearing to dispute the denial. As an applicant, you have the right to bring legal counsel or other representative; ask to review documentation prior to the informal review, and have witnesses attend to speak on your behalf. You may find our Community Partners page useful to reach out to other agencies and community groups that may be able to help you.

Do you have emergency housing?

PBCHA does not offer emergency housing. However, you may find our Community Partners page useful to reach out to other agencies and community groups that may be able to help you. Additionally, you may want to visit FloridaHousingSearch.org to search for affordable housing listings.

I applied to a waiting list with another housing authority. Are housing authorities affiliated?

PBCHA is one of several housing authorities in Palm Beach County. Each housing authority is independently managed and has its own waiting lists. You will need to contact the agency to which you applied to inquire about the status of your application. A list of the other housing agencies is located on our Community Partners page