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Massachusetts Section 8 Housing Introduction
The Massachusetts Section 8 Housing program is a government initiative aimed at offering affordable housing to low-income families, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities. It is managed by local housing authorities that receive funding from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to provide rental assistance.
This article will provide a comprehensive overview of the Section 8 housing program in Massachusetts, covering eligibility criteria, income limits, fair market rents, application procedures, and alternative low-income housing options in the state. Additionally, it will address commonly asked questions about the program, such as the duration of the approval process and steps to take if one is on the waiting list. You can find all Section 8 Housing Guide by state on the Section 8 Housing page.
Qualification for Massachusetts Section 8 Housing
In order to qualify for Massachusetts Section 8 housing in Massachusetts, individuals must meet specific criteria relating to their income and the size of their family.
- Income Limits for Massachusetts Section 8 Housing in Massachusetts
- at or below 50% of the area median income (AMI) for their county and household size.
- be United States citizens or eligible non-citizens
The eligibility criteria for Massachusetts Section 8 housing in Massachusetts aim to provide affordable housing to individuals who are in the greatest need.
Rent Relief of Massachusetts Section 8 Housing
The amount of rent that Massachusetts Section 8 will cover in Massachusetts is influenced by multiple factors, with the fair market rent (FMR) for the specific area being the primary determinant.
The FMR, which is determined by HUD, is the estimated cost of rent and utilities in a specific location. Section 8 typically covers the discrepancy between the FMR and 30% of the household’s adjusted monthly income. However, the maximum payment from Section 8 can differ depending on factors like household size, housing unit type, and utility inclusion.
The primary goal of setting a maximum rent amount for Section 8 in Massachusetts is to assist program participants in securing and affording suitable housing that meets safety, quality, and sanitation standards within their community.
Income Limits for Massachusetts Section 8 Housing
The income limits for Massachusetts Section 8 housing in Massachusetts play a crucial role in determining who is eligible for the program. These limits are determined by the area median income (AMI) of the county where the rental unit is located and the size of the household. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) sets the AMI for each county annually. Typically, households with incomes equal to or below 50% of the AMI are eligible for Section 8 housing in Massachusetts.
HUD uses a specific formula in Massachusetts to establish income limits for Section 8 housing, which considers both the household size and the area’s median income. This formula aims to prioritize individuals and families who are in dire need of affordable housing, ensuring that the program effectively serves those who require it the most.
The income limits for rental units can differ based on the number of people in the household and the specific county where the unit is situated. Moreover, certain local housing authorities may establish their own income limits, which could be lower than the limits set by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Here is a table displaying the current income limits for notable counties in Massachusetts.
| Household Size | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
| Barnstable County | $36,750 | $42,000 | $47,250 | $52,500 |
| Bristol County | $37,800 | $43,200 | $48,600 | $54,000 |
| Dukes County | $41,400 | $47,280 | $53,160 | $59,040 |
| Essex County | $41,100 | $46,920 | $52,740 | $58,560 |
| Franklin County | $32,400 | $37,020 | $41,640 | $46,260 |
| Hampden County | $34,800 | $39,720 | $44,640 | $49,560 |
| Hampshire County | $36,150 | $41,280 | $46,410 | $51,540 |
| Middlesex County | $49,050 | $56,100 | $63,150 | $70,200 |
| Nantucket County | $41,400 | $47,280 | $53,160 | $59,040 |
| Norfolk County | $49,050 | $56,100 | $63,150 | $70,200 |
| Plymouth County | $42,000 | $48,000 | $54,000 | $60,000 |
| Suffolk County | $49,050 | $56,100 | $63,150 | $70,200 |
| Worcester County | $37,800 | $43,200 | $48,600 | $54,000 |
The income limits for Section 8 housing in Massachusetts play a crucial role in determining who is eligible for the program and ensuring that it benefits those individuals who are in dire need of affordable housing.
Fair Market Rents for Massachusetts Section 8 Housing
Fair market rents are a crucial component of the Section 8 housing program in Massachusetts. They indicate the typical cost of rent and utilities in a specific area. The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) calculates these rents annually for each county in Massachusetts. The fair market rent is then used to establish the maximum amount that Section 8 will cover for rent in a given area and for a specific unit. The table below displays the current fair market rents for various counties in Massachusetts.
| County | Studio | 1 Br | 2 Br | 3 Br | 4 Br |
| Barnstable County | $1,007 | $1,282 | $1,609 | $2,120 | $2,374 |
| Bristol County | $936 | $1,163 | $1,492 | $1,819 | $2,174 |
| Dukes County | $1,295 | $1,492 | $1,788 | $2,345 | $2,688 |
| Essex County | $1,067 | $1,327 | $1,697 | $2,292 | $2,698 |
| Franklin County | $737 | $925 | $1,197 | $1,488 | $1,675 |
| Hampden County | $812 | $1,014 | $1,303 | $1,676 | $1,921 |
| Hampshire County | $928 | $1,142 | $1,490 | $1,839 | $2,081 |
| Middlesex County | $1,367 | $1,723 | $2,182 | $2,882 | $3,372 |
| Nantucket County | $1,357 | $1,767 | $2,212 | $2,907 | $3,363 |
| Norfolk County | $1,495 | $1,826 | $2,280 | $2,973 | $3,361 |
| Plymouth County | $1,107 | $1,377 | $1,767 | $2,295 | $2,635 |
| Suffolk County | $1,525 | $1,871 | $2,372 | $3,076 | $3,608 |
| Worcester County | $945 | $1,174 | $1,518 | $1,942 | $2,288 |
Having knowledge of the fair market rents in their local area is crucial for Section 8 participants in Massachusetts. This information directly impacts the highest amount of rent that Section 8 will cover for a specific unit. By being well-informed about fair market rents, Section 8 participants can make wise choices regarding their housing search and determine which units are worth considering.
Application for Massachusetts Section 8 Housing
.Applying for Section 8 housing in Massachusetts can be done either online or in person at a local housing authority office. To apply, individuals must complete an application and submit proof of their income, assets, and family size. The housing authority will then assess the application to determine if the individual qualifies. If they do, they will be placed on a waiting list until a suitable rental unit becomes available.
Numerous housing authorities in Massachusetts offer the option for individuals to apply for Section 8 housing through their official websites. This online application process is known for its efficiency and convenience, allowing applicants to complete the necessary forms and submit required documents from the comfort of their own homes. However, it is important for applicants to be ready to provide comprehensive information regarding their income, assets, and family structure, along with supporting documentation.
Massachusetts Housing Authorities
Local housing authorities in Massachusetts play a crucial role in the management of the Section 8 housing program. With over 200 housing authorities spread across the state, they are responsible for overseeing the implementation of the program at the local level. Each housing authority has its own set of guidelines and protocols for assessing eligibility, managing waiting lists, and disbursing rental assistance payments.
Here is contact information for some notable Massachusetts Housing Authorities. Please visit the Massachusetts Housing Authority page to find contact information to confirm your eligibility.
| Housing Authority | Contact Information | Website |
| Boston Housing Authority | 52 Chauncy St, Boston, MA 02111(617) 988-4000 | Visit Website |
| Cambridge Housing Authority | 362 Green St, Cambridge, MA 02139(617) 864-3020 | Visit Website |
| Worcester Housing Authority | 40 Belmont St, Worcester, MA 01605(508) 635-3000 | Visit Website |
| Lynn Housing Authority & Neighborhood Development | 10 Church St, Lynn, MA 01902(781) 581-8600 | Visit Website |
| Springfield Housing Authority | 60 Congress St, Springfield, MA 01104(413) 785-4500 | Visit Website |
| Quincy Housing Authority | 80 Clay St, Quincy, MA 02170(617) 847-4350 | Visit Website |
| Lowell Housing Authority | 350 Moody St, Lowell, MA 01854(978) 937-3500 | Visit Website |
| Lawrence Housing Authority | 353 Elm St, Lawrence, MA 01841(978) 683-2751 | Visit Website |
| Northampton Housing Authority | 199 Pleasant St, Northampton, MA 01060(413) 587-1299 | Visit Website |
| Beverly Housing Authority | 137 Rantoul St, Beverly, MA 01915(978) 922-3100 | Visit Website |
| Everett Housing Authority | 58 Summer St, Everett, MA 02149(617) 387-6387 | Visit Website |
| New Bedford Housing Authority | 134 S 2nd St, New Bedford, MA 02740(508) 997-4856 | Visit Website |
| Holyoke Housing Authority | 475 Maple St, Holyoke, MA 01040(413) 539-2220 | Visit Website |
| Somerville Housing Authority | 30 Memorial Rd, Somerville, MA 02145(617) 625-1152 | Visit Website |
| Chelsea Housing Authority | 54 Locke St, Chelsea, MA 02150(617) 884-5600 | Visit Website |
| Brockton Housing Authority | 45 Goddard Rd, Brockton, MA 02301(508) 588-6880 | Visit Website |
| Framingham Housing Authority | 1 John J. Brady Dr, Framingham, MA 01702(508) 879-7562 | Visit Website |
| Attleboro Housing Authority | 5 Mechanic St, Attleboro, MA 02703(508) 222-0151 | Visit Website |
| Peabody Housing Authority | 75 Central St, Peabody, MA 01960(978) 531-1938 | Visit Website |
| Salem Housing Authority | 27 Charter St, Salem, MA 01970(978) 744-4431 | Visit Website |
| Fall River Housing Authority | 85 Morgan St, Fall River, MA 02721(508) 675-3595 | Visit Website |
| North Adams Housing Authority | 150 Ashland St, North Adams, MA 01247(413) 664-4575 | Visit Website |
Applicants in Massachusetts who are interested in Section 8 housing or require additional details about the program can reach out to the housing authority in their local area.
Massachusetts Section 8 Housing Waiting List
Massachusetts has a high demand for affordable housing through the Massachusetts Section 8 housing program, leading to a waiting list for rental assistance. Local housing authorities manage the waiting list, placing eligible applicants on it until a rental unit becomes available. The waiting time for Section 8 housing in Massachusetts can differ based on factors such as location and household size.
| 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 |
Applying for Section 8 housing in Massachusetts can take a long time, but it is crucial for individuals seeking affordable housing. By staying updated on the waiting list and their position, applicants can be more prepared for the rental assistance process.
Waiting Time for Massachusetts Section 8 Housing
The approval timeline for Massachusetts Section 8 housing in Massachusetts can differ due to various factors. These factors encompass the number of applications being handled, the rental unit availability in a specific region, and the resources and staffing levels of local housing authorities. Additionally, the timeline for approval can be influenced by the accuracy and completeness of an applicant’s documentation.
Overall, it is crucial for individuals applying for Section 8 in Massachusetts to have patience and make appropriate arrangements for a potentially lengthy procedure. It is also necessary for applicants to proactively communicate with their local housing authority to inquire about the progress of their application and furnish any extra details if required.
Other Low Income Housing in Massachusetts
Massachusetts offers various affordable housing alternatives alongside Section 8 housing.
Additional affordable housing options in Massachusetts include public housing, subsidized housing, and affordable housing. Public housing is owned and operated by local housing authorities, while subsidized housing is privately owned but receives government assistance to offer affordable rental rates. Affordable housing generally refers to rental units that are available at below-market prices for households that meet specific income and eligibility criteria.
The ideal choice for a low-income household in Massachusetts will vary depending on their specific circumstances and requirements. It is crucial for individuals to thoroughly investigate and compare various housing options, such as Section 8, public housing, subsidized housing, and affordable housing, in order to determine the most suitable option for their particular situation.
Conclusion
Finding affordable housing in Massachusetts can be difficult, but there are resources and programs to assist. By researching various housing options, staying informed about waiting lists and eligibility criteria, and being persistent and patient, low-income households in Massachusetts can improve their chances of finding safe, decent, and affordable housing.