Scranton Section 8 Calculator — Lackawanna County Income Limits & Rent Estimate

Housing Authority Serving Scranton

• Agency: Scranton Housing Authority (SHA)
• Jurisdiction: City of Scranton and Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania
• Waiting list status: Opens periodically; check the official portal
• Application portal: scrantonhousing.com
• Main office: 400 Adams Ave, Scranton, PA 18503
• Phone: (570) 347-6573

The Scranton Housing Authority has served low-income residents of northeastern Pennsylvania since the mid-twentieth century. As a public housing agency (PHA), SHA administers the HUD-funded Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program—commonly known as Section 8—which provides rental assistance directly to eligible households. Participants find their own housing in the private market, and SHA pays a subsidy directly to the landlord on the tenant’s behalf.

SHA also manages public housing developments and partners with local nonprofits to expand affordable housing options across the Scranton metro area. The authority is governed by a Board of Commissioners and undergoes annual HUD performance reviews. Their website lists current programs, waiting-list announcements, and landlord resources for property owners interested in accepting vouchers.

Income Limits & Fair Market Rent in Lackawanna County

HUD calculates income limits each year based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for each metropolitan statistical area or county. Scranton falls within the Scranton–Wilkes-Barre–Hazleton, PA MSA. For 2026, the estimated very low-income limit (50% AMI) for a single person is approximately $23,800, rising to $33,950 for a household of four. Extremely low-income thresholds (30% AMI) are roughly $14,300 for one person and $20,350 for four.

Fair Market Rents (FMRs) for Lackawanna County in 2026 are published by HUD and reflect the 40th percentile of gross rents for recently moved-in renters. Approximate 2026 FMRs are: studio – $730, 1-bedroom – $860, 2-bedroom – $1,080, 3-bedroom – $1,390, and 4-bedroom – $1,590. SHA’s payment standards are set between 90% and 110% of these FMRs, meaning the actual subsidy ceiling can vary slightly year to year.

Tenant rent burden under the HCV program is capped at 30% of adjusted monthly income when moving into a unit at or below the payment standard. If a tenant chooses a unit with rent above the payment standard, they cover the full difference out of pocket, so it pays to compare rents carefully before signing a lease.

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How to Apply for Section 8 in Scranton

1. Monitor the waitlist opening. Visit scrantonhousing.com or call (570) 347-6573 regularly to learn when SHA’s HCV waiting list reopens. Sign up for email alerts if available.
2. Submit a completed application. When the list opens, complete SHA’s online or paper application with accurate household composition, income, and contact details. Incomplete applications may be rejected.
3. Confirm your placement. After submitting, SHA will send an acknowledgment letter with your application date and estimated position on the waiting list. Keep this document safe.
4. Update your information promptly. Any change in address, phone number, household members, or income must be reported to SHA immediately to avoid losing your place on the list.
5. Attend your eligibility interview. When your name reaches the top of the list, SHA will schedule an appointment to verify income, household composition, and criminal background. Bring all requested documents—pay stubs, birth certificates, photo ID, and Social Security cards for all household members.

Waiting List Tips for Scranton

• Apply to multiple PHAs simultaneously—Lake County, Wilkes-Barre, and the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) all administer separate programs that may have shorter wait times.
• Keep printed and digital copies of your SHA confirmation number; it is your proof of application if any discrepancy arises.
• Report address changes within 30 days to avoid being bypassed when SHA sends notification letters.