Effective February 20, 2026, the Housing Authority of the County of San Diego closed its waitlists for Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8), Project Based Vouchers, Public Housing, Moderate Rehabilitation and HOPWA to new applicants.
How long the line was
In August 2024 the voucher list had 103,763 applicants; 10.6% were elderly and 20.8% disabled. People selected from it had waited an average of 16 years. Public Housing had 53,301 applicants in October 2024.
Cities with their own lists
- Carlsbad: closed, with "no anticipated date" to reopen and "approximately a 15 year wait."
- Oceanside: "unable to select new families" and no estimated wait.
Routes still open to seniors
- Aging & Independence Services referrals: the County Housing Authority's 2026-27 plan sets aside about 60 vouchers for referrals from AIS for households where the head, spouse or co-head is 62+ and facing housing insecurity. Ask AIS: 800-339-4661.
- Vista STABLE: partial rent help for low-income renters 65+ with a disability who live in Vista; first-round applications close October 26, 2026 (Interfaith Community Services).
- Lower the other bills: the senior benefits checkup.
Do it with PJ
The calls, the forms, the logins and the errands in between: PJ does the legwork with your family in Solana Beach, Encinitas, Cardiff and Del Mar. He doesn't give medical, legal or benefits advice; the programs decide. Plans start as low as $25.
More: the care ladder · every senior waitlist · senior benefits checkup.
Sources: County Housing Authority, closure FAQ · FY 2025-26 Agency Plan · FY 2026-27 Administrative Plan · City of Carlsbad · City of Oceanside · Interfaith, Vista STABLE. Checked October 6, 2026.
Need a human?
This page is built every morning from public data by SideGuy, run by PJ, a local in Solana Beach. If something looks off, or you want a hand with your plans, text PJ at 858-461-8054. A real person answers.
Local help, free to read: make your fix plan · senior benefits checkup · lower your SDG&E bill · Medicare Extra Help · the next 90 days. Plans start as low as $25.
Questions people ask
Is the San Diego County Section 8 waitlist open?
No. The County Housing Authority closed it to new applicants effective February 20, 2026.
How long is the Section 8 wait in San Diego County?
People selected from the County's voucher list had waited an average of 16 years (FY 2025-26 Agency Plan). Carlsbad estimates about 15 years.
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