What to do
1. Check if you qualify
You or someone on your housing application must:
- Have served in the active US military, naval, or air service. Discharge was under conditions other than dishonorable.
- Qualify for at least 1 of San Francisco's housing lottery preferences. (Preferences are programs that give you a better chance in the housing lottery).
If you qualify, your application will get priority within a preference category.
If you do not qualify for a San Francisco housing lottery preference, you will be included in the General Lottery category. Veterans do not get priority in the General Lottery.
If you do not qualify based on the characterization of your discharge, learn about getting a discharge correction or upgrade.
Only one person needs to qualify. Example: Ana and Jose apply on the same application. Ana is a Veteran and Jose qualifies for the Displaced Tenant Housing Preference (DTHP). Their application will get priority in the DTHP category.
2. Apply to the housing lottery
Apply to the lottery to buy or rent housing on DAHLIA San Francisco Housing Portal. On the application, we will ask questions to find out if you qualify.
3. Show documentation when we contact you
Before the lottery, we will contact you to verify your Veteran status. You only need to show your documents the first time you apply.
Note: We will only contact you if you meet all requirements in the section 'Check if you qualify' above.
What documents you need
What documents you need
DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty
If you don't have a DD214, provide a DD Form 256, Honorable Discharge Certificate.
All documents must show applicant's name.
We may need to ask for more information. Any applications that include false information will be removed from the lottery.
Last updated March 29, 2024