The Union County Housing Assistance Payment Program—Union County’s local Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program—will open its waiting list on Monday, June 1, 2026 at 9:00 AM. For the first time in years, very low-income families, elderly residents, and people with disabilities in Union County, New Jersey, will have a chance to join the queue for long-term rental assistance in the private market.

This guide explains what the program does, who it serves, how the June 2026 opening works, and what renters and landlords in Rahway, Elizabeth, and other Union County communities should know before applying.

Use our Section 8 calculator to estimate eligibility and voucher help in Union County, or browse Section 8 in New Jersey and city pages for Rahway and Elizabeth.

June 1, 2026: Union County Section 8 Waiting List Opening

The Union County Housing Assistance Payment Program states on its official site that the waiting list will open Monday, June 1, 2026 at 9:00 AM. (Union County Section 8)

What this means for applicants:

  • This is a county-wide Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) waiting list for private-market rentals throughout Union County—not a single-building list.
  • You must follow application instructions published by the program during the opening window (check unioncountysection8.org and the Waiting List section for how to apply when the list goes live).
  • Getting on the list does not guarantee an immediate voucher; most HCV programs have long waits after you are placed on the list. See our national overview: Section 8 Waiting Lists in 2026.

Program office (mail and visits as directed):

1600 St. Georges Avenue, Suite 314
Rahway, NJ 07065

What the Union County Housing Assistance Payment Program Does

The Union County Housing Assistance Payment Program is essentially the county’s Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program, funded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD):

  • It helps low-income families, seniors, and people with disabilities afford decent, safe, and sanitary housing in the private market across Union County.
  • The program pays a portion of the rent directly to landlords (Housing Assistance Payments), reducing what the tenant pays out of pocket.
  • Participating tenants typically pay an affordable share of income toward rent (often around 30% of adjusted income under federal HCV rules), while the subsidy fills the gap between that payment and the contract rent, subject to program rent limits and payment standards.

The program has assisted low-income families for over 30 years, with ongoing support from the Union County Board of County Commissioners (formerly Freeholders). (Union County Section 8 — Home)

Stated program goals

According to the program website, its goals include:

  • Improving living conditions for very low-income families while keeping rents affordable.
  • Helping low-income households obtain decent, safe, and affordable housing.
  • Offering incentives to private property owners through timely rental assistance payments and protection against unpaid rent, damages, and vacancy loss.
  • Administering the program within HUD regulations, promoting Fair Housing, and maintaining professional standards.

Learn how vouchers work nationally in our guide: How Section 8 Housing Works.

Why This Matters for Union County Renters and Landlords

For renters

Section 8 is one of the few tools that can make private-market housing sustainable over the long term in high-cost New Jersey counties. By capping tenant contributions at a manageable share of income and sending the balance to landlords, the program stabilizes rent for vulnerable households in cities such as Elizabeth, Linden, Plainfield, Rahway, and other Union County communities.

For landlords

The program advertises a reliable rent stream and incentives to participate:

  • Regular Housing Assistance Payments reduce nonpayment risk.
  • The site notes protection against unpaid rent, damages, and vacancy loss (subject to program rules).
  • Participation supports Fair Housing goals and expands access for tenants who might otherwise be priced out.

Landlords can review program pages on unioncountysection8.org (including Landlords, Payment Standards, and Portability).

With the waiting list opening June 1, 2026, both renters and owners have a key window to connect through this established, HUD-funded county program.

How to Prepare Before the List Opens

HCV waiting list openings often fill quickly. Before June 1, 2026 at 9:00 AM, gather information you will likely need for any online or paper application:

  • Names and dates of birth for all household members
  • Social Security numbers (or documentation status, if applicable under program rules)
  • Mailing address, phone, and email
  • Income sources and amounts for all adult members
  • Prior housing and landlord references, if requested

During the opening:

  • Apply only through official Union County program channels listed at unioncountysection8.org.
  • Save confirmation numbers or screenshots if the system provides them.
  • Keep your contact information current after you apply—many PHAs remove applicants they cannot reach.

Estimate your Section 8 eligibility for Union County →

People Also Ask: Union County Section 8

What is the Union County Section 8 Housing Assistance Payment Program?

It is Union County’s Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) program, funded by HUD, that helps low-income families, elderly residents, and people with disabilities afford decent, safe, and sanitary housing in the private market. The program sends a portion of the rent directly to landlords on behalf of participating tenants. (Program home)

When does the Union County Section 8 waiting list open?

The waiting list opens Monday, June 1, 2026 at 9:00 AM. Follow instructions on unioncountysection8.org during the opening period.

How does the Union County program help landlords?

The program’s stated goals include providing an incentive to private property owners by offering timely rental assistance payments and protection against unpaid rent, damages, and vacancy loss, making participation more predictable for owners who rent to lower-income tenants.

Is Union County Section 8 only for Rahway?

No. The program is county-wide. The Rahway address is the program office; vouchers can be used for eligible units throughout Union County subject to inspection, rent reasonableness, and payment standards.

Who administers Section 8 in Union County, NJ?

The Union County Housing Assistance Payment Program administers the county’s tenant-based Housing Choice Voucher program. It is separate from individual municipal housing authorities in other counties—always confirm you are applying to the Union County program if you live in Union County.

FAQs: Union County Housing Assistance Payment Program

Who does the Union County Section 8 program serve?

The program targets low-income families, elderly residents, and people with disabilities who need help affording decent, safe, and sanitary housing in the private market. Priority is generally given to very low-income households, consistent with HUD voucher rules. Income limits follow HUD-published limits for the Newark, NJ HUD Metro FMR Area (which includes Union County)—use our calculator for a rough estimate, then confirm with the PHA.

What are the main goals of the program?

The program lists goals including: improved living conditions for very low-income families; decent, safe, affordable housing; landlord incentives through timely payments and protections; compliance with regulations; Fair Housing; and professional program management. (Union County Section 8)

How long has Union County been running this program?

The site notes the program has assisted low-income families for over 30 years, with ongoing support from the Union County Board of County Commissioners.

Where is the program office located?

1600 St. Georges Avenue, Suite 314, Rahway, NJ 07065 — use this address for mailed correspondence or in-person visits as directed by the program.

How much rent will I pay if I receive a voucher?

Under the standard federal HCV model, most participants pay about 30% of their adjusted monthly income toward rent and utilities (with variations for utility allowances and local policies). See What Is Section 8 Housing? for a plain-language overview.

What should I do if I miss the June 2026 opening?

Monitor unioncountysection8.org, local news, and aggregators such as Affordable Housing Online — New Jersey Section 8 for future openings. Explore other NJ PHAs and emergency rental resources while you wait.

What Union County Renters Should Do Next

Before June 1, 2026:

On and after June 1, 2026 at 9:00 AM:

  • Apply during the official opening window using program instructions.
  • Keep email, phone, and mailing address updated with the PHA.
  • If you are a landlord, review Landlords and Payment Standards on the program site.

Related pages: Rahway, NJ · Elizabeth, NJ · New Jersey Section 8

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