Complete Guide to Section 8 & Public Housing in Massachusetts
Massachusetts has 130 housing authorities managing a combined 894 waiting lists across Section 8 (HCV), Public Housing, and Project-Based Voucher programs. Currently, 484 of those lists are accepting applications — an open rate of approximately 54%. This data was last verified on Apr 15, 2026.
Massachusetts offers a comprehensive network of affordable housing assistance programs managed by local housing authorities. Across the state, 130 housing authorities oversee a total of 848 waiting lists for various programs. Currently, 481 of these lists are open to new applicants, representing a 57% open rate, while 193 lists are closed. The Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) provides oversight for many of these statewide housing initiatives. A valuable tip for applicants in Massachusetts is that many regional agencies utilize a centralized application system for Housing Choice Vouchers, which can simplify the process of applying to multiple lists simultaneously.
Several key programs offer open waitlists to individuals and families seeking assistance. Public Housing programs have 106 open lists out of 130 total. The federal Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program offers 69 open lists from its 130 total. Additionally, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV) provide 39 open lists among 75 programs. State-funded options are also significant, with the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP) featuring 28 open lists from 47, and the Alternative Housing Voucher Program (AHVP) having 13 open lists from 17. Other programs with available openings include Mainstream housing, with 4 open lists, and Single Room Occupancy (SRO) housing, offering 5 open lists.
For those considering where to apply, certain areas present more opportunities due to a higher number of open lists. For instance, Peabody has 3 housing authorities with 14 open lists, Boston has 2 housing authorities with 17 open lists, and Worcester has 2 housing authorities with 16 open lists. Pittsfield offers 2 housing authorities with 3 open lists, and Lowell has 2 housing authorities with 2 open lists. The status of these waiting lists can change dynamically; recently, the Worcester Housing Authority in Worcester changed its Public Housing list from open to closed. Conversely, the Taunton Housing Authority in Taunton changed its HCV list from closed to open, and the Oxford Housing Authority in Oxford changed its Public Housing list from closed to open, highlighting the importance of regularly checking for updates.
The affordable housing programs tracked in Massachusetts include Public Housing (101 open), Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV) (56 open), Project-Based Vouchers (PBV) (34 open), Mainstream (3 open), RAD (1 open), VASH (3 open). Each program has its own eligibility criteria, application process, and wait times. In most cases, applicants can apply to multiple program types at the same housing authority, and there is no limit to the number of housing authorities you can apply to statewide.
The cities with the most open waitlists in Massachusetts right now are Chelmsford (29), Chelsea (21), Boston (19), Brookline (19), and Worcester (18) . Applicants who are flexible about location will generally receive assistance sooner than those who apply to a single waitlist in a high-demand area.
Latest opening: Dennis Housing Authority — Affordable Housing (closes May 29, 2026)
Eligibility Requirements for Massachusetts
To qualify for assistance in Massachusetts, applicants must meet specific income and household criteria set by the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD).
- Income: Below HUD local limits
- Citizenship: U.S. Citizen or eligible legal status
- Background: Criminal background check required
- Residency: Preferences often given to locals
Real-Time Data Verification
Section 8 Waitlist aggregates data from official Massachusetts legal notices, government press releases, and PHA portal updates. Every listing is cross-referenced with Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) to ensure that families receive accurate information for low-income programs.