Massachusetts’ Section 8 Housing program helps low-income families, seniors, and people with disabilities afford safe rental homes. With housing costs rising statewide, this program ensures eligible households only pay 30% of their income on rent. Here’s what you need to know about Section 8 in Massachusetts for 2025, including who qualifies and how to apply.

Who Qualifies for Section 8 Housing in Massachusetts?

To be eligible for Section 8 housing in Massachusetts, applicants must meet certain requirements. Generally, eligibility is based on income and family size.

Income Limits: Households must earn less than 50% of the Area Median Income (AMI), with priority given to those earning below 30% of the AMI.
Citizenship or Immigration Status: At least one member of the household must be a U.S. citizen or an eligible non-citizen.
Background Check: Applicants must pass a criminal background check, with disqualifications for certain drug-related or violent offenses.
Rental History: A good rental history with no significant debts or evictions is typically required.

These eligibility requirements for Section 8 housing in Massachusetts are designed to assist those who are most in need of affordable housing.

What is the Maximum Amount of Rent That Section 8 Will Pay in Massachusetts?

The maximum amount of rent that Section 8 will pay in Massachusetts is determined by several factors. The most important factor is the fair market rent (FMR) for the area in which the rental unit is located.

The FMR is calculated by HUD and represents the amount that a person would expect to pay for rent and utilities in a particular area. Section 8 will generally pay the difference between the FMR and 30% of the household's adjusted monthly income. However, the maximum amount that Section 8 will pay can vary based on factors such as the size of the household, the type of housing unit, and whether or not the unit includes utilities.

Ultimately, the maximum amount of rent that Section 8 will pay in Massachusetts is designed to help ensure that program participants can find and afford safe, decent, and sanitary housing in their local area.

Income Limits for Section 8 Housing in Massachusetts

Income limits are a critical part of determining who qualifies for Section 8 housing in Massachusetts. These limits are tied to the Area Median Income (AMI) of the county where the rental unit is located and adjust based on household size. Updated annually by HUD, these limits ensure the program supports those most in need of affordable housing.

Generally, households earning 50% or less of the AMI are eligible for Section 8 assistance. However, limits can vary depending on household size and location, and some local housing authorities may enforce stricter income requirements.

Income limits are updated regularly to reflect changes in the local economy, helping the program remain relevant and effective. If you're considering applying, it's helpful to check the specific income limits for your county and household size to determine eligibility.

Overall, the income limits for Section 8 housing in Massachusetts are an important factor in determining eligibility for the program and ensuring that the program serves those who are most in need of affordable housing.

Fair Market Rents for Section 8 Housing in Massachusetts

Fair Market Rents (FMRs), set annually by HUD, determine the maximum subsidy Section 8 will provide for rental units. These figures guide participants in choosing housing within their budget while ensuring landlords are compensated fairly.

The following table shows current Fair Market Rents in Massachusetts for the counties indicated in column 1.

How Do I Apply for Section 8 Housing in Massachusetts?

The application process for Section 8 housing in Massachusetts can be done online or in person at a local housing authority office.

Locate Your Local Housing Authority: Use the HUD Housing Authority Search Tool to find your nearest office.
Submit an Application: Applications can often be completed online or in person. Be prepared to provide income verification, identification for all household members, and proof of assets.
Join the Waiting List: Due to high demand, most housing authorities maintain waiting lists. Applicants are prioritized based on need and available funding.
Await Approval: Applications are reviewed thoroughly, and eligibility is confirmed through an interview process.

Massachusetts Housing Authorities

Local housing authorities play a key role in the administration of the Section 8 housing program in Massachusetts. There are more than 200 housing authorities in Massachusetts that are responsible for administering the Section 8 program at the local level. Each housing authority has its own policies and procedures for determining eligibility, maintaining waiting lists, and issuing rental assistance payments.

Contact Information for prominent Massachusetts Housing Authorities:

Housing Authority	Contact Information	Website
Boston Housing Authority	52 Chauncy St, Boston, MA 02111 (617) 988-4000 Email	Visit Website
Cambridge Housing Authority	362 Green St, Cambridge, MA 02139 (617) 864-3020 Email	Visit Website
Worcester Housing Authority	40 Belmont St, Worcester, MA 01605 (508) 635-3000 Email	Visit Website
Lynn Housing Authority & Neighborhood Development	10 Church St, Lynn, MA 01902 (781) 581-8600 Email	Visit Website
Springfield Housing Authority	60 Congress St, Springfield, MA 01104 (413) 785-4500 Email	Visit Website
Quincy Housing Authority	80 Clay St, Quincy, MA 02170 (617) 847-4350 Email	Visit Website
Lowell Housing Authority	350 Moody St, Lowell, MA 01854 (978) 937-3500 Email	Visit Website
Lawrence Housing Authority	353 Elm St, Lawrence, MA 01841 (978) 683-2751 Email	Visit Website
Northampton Housing Authority	199 Pleasant St, Northampton, MA 01060 (413) 587-1299 Email	Visit Website
Beverly Housing Authority	137 Rantoul St, Beverly, MA 01915 (978) 922-3100 Email	Visit Website
Everett Housing Authority	58 Summer St, Everett, MA 02149 (617) 387-6387 Email	Visit Website
New Bedford Housing Authority	134 S 2nd St, New Bedford, MA 02740 (508) 997-4856 Email	Visit Website
Holyoke Housing Authority	475 Maple St, Holyoke, MA 01040 (413) 539-2220 Email	Visit Website
Somerville Housing Authority	30 Memorial Rd, Somerville, MA 02145 (617) 625-1152 Email	Visit Website
Chelsea Housing Authority	54 Locke St, Chelsea, MA 02150 (617) 884-5600 Email	Visit Website
Brockton Housing Authority	45 Goddard Rd, Brockton, MA 02301 (508) 588-6880 Email	Visit Website
Framingham Housing Authority	1 John J. Brady Dr, Framingham, MA 01702 (508) 879-7562 Email	Visit Website
Attleboro Housing Authority	5 Mechanic St, Attleboro, MA 02703 (508) 222-0151 Email	Visit Website
Peabody Housing Authority	75 Central St, Peabody, MA 01960 (978) 531-1938 Email	Visit Website
Salem Housing Authority	27 Charter St, Salem, MA 01970 (978) 744-4431 Email	Visit Website
Fall River Housing Authority	85 Morgan St, Fall River, MA 02721 (508) 675-3595 Email	Visit Website
North Adams Housing Authority	150 Ashland St, North Adams, MA 01247 (413) 664-4575 Email	Visit Website

To apply for Section 8 housing in Massachusetts or for more information about the program, applicants can contact their local housing authority list above.

Section 8 Housing Massachusetts Waiting List

Waiting lists for Section 8 vouchers can be lengthy, reflecting the high demand for affordable housing. In some urban areas like Boston, applicants may wait several years for assistance. Current waiting list statuses for 2025 include:

  
        Housing Authority
        Waiting List Status
      
        Boston Housing Authority
        OPEN
      
        Cambridge Housing Authority
        CLOSED
      
        Lowell Housing Authority
        OPEN
      
        Northampton Housing Authority
        CLOSED
      
        Beverly Housing Authority
        OPEN
      
        Everett Housing Authority
        CLOSED
      
        New Bedford Housing Authority
        OPEN
      
        Holyoke Housing Authority
        OPEN
      
        Somerville Housing Authority
        CLOSED
      
        Chelsea Housing Authority
        OPEN
      
        Brockton Housing Authority
        CLOSED
      
        Framingham Housing Authority
        OPEN
      
        Attleboro Housing Authority
        CLOSED
      
        Peabody Housing Authority
        OPEN
      
        Salem Housing Authority
        CLOSED
      
        Fall River Housing Authority
        OPEN
      
        North Adams Housing Authority
        CLOSED

Applicants should regularly update their contact information to avoid missing important notifications.

How Long Does it Take to Get Approved for Section 8 in Massachusetts?

The timeline for approval of Section 8 housing in Massachusetts can vary depending on several factors. These factors include the volume of applications being processed, the availability of rental units in a particular area, and the resources and staffing levels of local housing authorities. Additionally, factors such as the accuracy and completeness of an applicant's documentation can also affect the timeline for approval.

In general, it is important for Section 8 applicants in Massachusetts to be patient and to plan accordingly for a potentially lengthy process. Applicants should also be prepared to follow up with their local housing authority to check on the status of their application and to provide additional information as needed.

Other Low Income Housing Options in Massachusetts

In addition to Section 8 housing, there are several other low income housing options available in Massachusetts.

Other low income housing options in Massachusetts include public housing, subsidized housing, and affordable housing. Public housing is owned and managed by local housing authorities, while subsidized housing is privately owned but receives government subsidies to provide affordable rents. Affordable housing typically refers to rental units that are offered at below-market rents for households that meet certain income and eligibility requirements.

Ultimately, the best option for a low-income household in Massachusetts will depend on their individual circumstances and needs. It is important for applicants to research and compare different housing options, including Section 8, public housing, subsidized housing, and affordable housing, to find the best fit for their situation.

Securing Affordable Housing in Massachusetts

Affordable housing is a cornerstone of stability and opportunity. Programs like Section 8 are essential for helping residents navigate the challenges of high housing costs in Massachusetts.