Montana Department of Commerce
Helena, Montana
Last Updated
12 hours ago
Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Waitlist
Status
open
Open Date
Jul 1, 2025
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
Eligibility is based on income and family size, limited to US citizens and certain non-citizens. Preferences may exist for seniors, persons with disabilities, and extremely low-income households. Applicants apply to one of ten regional waiting lists.
MOD Rehab Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
The HCV and MOD Rehab waitlists are now open. Interested applicants apply through the Housing Choice Voucher waiting list application page, by indicating their interest in MOD Rehab on their application. The Montana Department of Commerce administers 18 MOD Rehab projects in Montana. Families rec...
ModRehab Waitlist
Status
open
Open Date
Jul 1, 2025
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
The Moderate Rehabilitation Program waiting list also reopened on July 1, 2025, at 8 a.m.. Interested applicants apply through the Housing Choice Voucher waiting list application page by indicating their interest in Mod Rehab on their application. Mod Rehab assistance is project-based, meaning th...
Moderate Rehabilitation Waitlist
Status
open
Open Date
Jul 1, 2025
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
The waiting list reopened on July 1, 2025, at 8 a.m. and offers project-based rental assistance where the assistance stays with the building; applications are submitted via the HCV waiting list application, and wait times are typically shorter than the HCV program.
Moderate Rehabilitation (ModRehab) Waitlist
Status
open
Open Date
Jul 1, 2025
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
The Moderate Rehabilitation Program waiting list, administered by the Montana Department of Commerce, also reopened on July 1, 2025, at 8 a.m.. This program provides project-based rental assistance, meaning the assistance stays with the building. Eligibility is based on HUD income limits and othe...
Moderate Rehabilitation Program Waitlist
Status
open
Open Date
Jul 1, 2025
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
This program provides project-based rental assistance where the assistance stays with the building, and wait times are typically shorter than the HCV program. Applicants may only apply to one Moderate Rehabilitation waiting list.
Project-Based Voucher (PBV) Waitlist
Status
open
Open Date
Jul 1, 2025
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
This Moderate Rehabilitation Program offers project-based assistance that stays with the building and is lost if the tenant moves. Applicants may only apply to one Mod Rehab waiting list; duplicate applications will be inactive.
Public Housing Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
The Helena Housing Authority (HHA) is currently accepting Public Housing waiting list applications for families and senior/disabled individuals. There are two ways to apply: 1. Apply online. 2. Attend an orientation session at the HHA, held every Tuesday at 2:00 pm, and every Thursday at 10:00 am...
other Waitlist
Status
open
Open Date
Jul 1, 2025
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
This Moderate Rehabilitation program provides project-based rental assistance, where assistance stays with the building. Eligibility is based on HUD income limits and other program criteria. Wait time is typically shorter than the HCV Program.
Official Application
Apply directly through the official Montana Department of Commerce portal. Applications are free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.
Go to Official SiteWARNING: DO NOT PAY ANYONE TO APPLY FOR HOUSING
Contact Information
Important Notices
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Waiting lists can close without notice once a specific number of applications is reached.
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Ensure your contact information is always up to date with the PHA to avoid being removed from the list.
How to Apply at Montana Department of Commerce
Check Current Status
Before applying, verify that the waiting list is currently open. Housing authorities only accept applications during designated open periods, which can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks. The status at the top of this page is updated nightly.
Gather Required Documents
Most PHAs require: government-issued photo ID for all adult household members, Social Security cards for all household members, birth certificates for minors, proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, benefit letters), and proof of current address. Having these ready before the waitlist opens can make the difference between getting on the list and missing the window.
Submit Your Application
Apply directly through the official Montana Department of Commerce portal. Applications are free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf. If applying online, take a screenshot of your confirmation page for your records.
After You Apply
Once accepted onto the waiting list, keep your contact information updated with the PHA. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. Wait times vary from 6 months to over 5 years depending on demand. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.
Programs Offered at Montana Department of Commerce
HCV Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8)
The Housing Choice Voucher program provides rental assistance that allows you to choose any privately-owned rental unit that meets program requirements. You pay approximately 30% of your adjusted monthly income toward rent, and the voucher covers the remainder up to the Fair Market Rent for your area. Vouchers are portable, meaning you can take them with you if you move to a different city or state.
MOD Rehab
This program provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. Contact Montana Department of Commerce directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
ModRehab
This program provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. Contact Montana Department of Commerce directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Moderate Rehabilitation
This program provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. Contact Montana Department of Commerce directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Moderate Rehabilitation (ModRehab)
This program provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. Contact Montana Department of Commerce directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Moderate Rehabilitation Program
This program provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. Contact Montana Department of Commerce directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
PBV Project-Based Voucher
Project-Based Vouchers are attached to specific apartment complexes or units. Unlike the standard Housing Choice Voucher, PBV assistance stays with the property — not with you. However, after one year of occupancy, you may request a standard portable voucher. PBV waitlists often move faster because fewer applicants know about them.
Public Housing Public Housing
Public Housing units are owned and operated directly by the housing authority. Rent is set at 30% of your adjusted monthly income. Units range from apartments to townhomes and are maintained by the PHA. You may request a transfer to other Public Housing developments but cannot use this benefit at private rental properties.
other
This program provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. Contact Montana Department of Commerce directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is applying at Montana Department of Commerce free?
How long is the wait at Montana Department of Commerce?
Can I apply to other housing authorities while on this waitlist?
How do I contact Montana Department of Commerce?
Montana Department of Commerce Income Limits
Income limits for programs at the Montana Department of Commerce are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for Lewis and Clark County, MT HUD Metro FMR Area. For a household of four, the current limit for Section 8 eligibility (Very Low Income) is $53,500. Limits are set annually by HUD and vary by household size.
| Household Size | Extremely Low 30% AMI |
Very Low 50% AMI |
Low Income 80% AMI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $22,500 | $37,450 | $59,950 |
| 2 Persons | $25,700 | $42,800 | $68,500 |
| 3 Persons | $28,900 | $48,150 | $77,050 |
| 4 Persons | $32,150 | $53,500 | $85,600 |
| 5 Persons | $37,650 | $57,800 | $92,450 |
| 6 Persons | $43,150 | $62,100 | $99,300 |
| 7 Persons | $48,650 | $66,350 | $106,150 |
| 8 Persons | $54,150 | $70,650 | $113,000 |
What do these income limits mean?
Extremely Low Income (30% AMI) — Households earning at or below 30% of the Area Median Income. This is the threshold for the lowest-income tier of assistance. Many housing authorities give preference to applicants at this level.
Very Low Income (50% AMI) — The standard eligibility threshold for Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers and most Public Housing programs. Your household income must be at or below this limit to qualify.
Low Income (80% AMI) — Some programs, including Project-Based Vouchers and certain local initiatives, use this higher threshold. Check with this housing authority for specific program requirements.
Nearby Housing Authorities
Applying to multiple housing authorities increases your chances of receiving assistance. These PHAs are closest to Montana Department of Commerce — including across state lines.