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Montana Department of Commerce
Helena, Montana
Last Updated
13 hours ago
About Montana Department of Commerce
The Montana Department of Commerce (PHA Code: MT901), located in Helena, Lewis and Clark County, Montana, manages approximately 4,507 assisted housing units, primarily providing Section 8 vouchers. This authority offers various housing assistance programs to eligible residents.
Currently, the Montana Department of Commerce is accepting applications for programs including MOD Rehab, ModRehab, Moderate Rehabilitation, Moderate Rehabilitation (ModRehab), Moderate Rehabilitation Program, PBV (Project-Based Vouchers), Public Housing, and other assistance options. For a family of four, the Very Low Income limit in the Lewis and Clark County, MT HUD Metro FMR Area is $53,500 per year to qualify for assistance.
It is important to note that while Project-Based Vouchers (PBV) recently transitioned to an "opening soon" status, the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program is currently closed. Interested applicants should review the specific requirements for each open program.
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Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Waitlist
Status
open
Open Date
Jul 1, 2025
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
Eligibility is based on HUD income limits, citizenship/eligible immigration, and criminal background, assisting low-income persons, seniors, and persons with disabilities. Applicants can apply to one of ten regional waiting lists.
Moderate Rehabilitation (Mod Rehab) Waitlist
Status
open
Open Date
Jul 1, 2025
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
This program provides project-based rental assistance at specific properties, with wait times typically shorter than the HCV Program. Eligibility is based on HUD income limits and other program criteria.
Moderate Rehabilitation
Status
open
Open Date
Jul 1, 2025
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
Assistance is project-based and stays with the building; wait time is typically shorter than the HCV program; eligibility requires qualifying under HUD income limits and other program criteria.
Statewide
Status
open
Open Date
Jul 1, 2025
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
Applicants apply online by indicating interest in the Moderate Rehabilitation program on their application. Assistance is project-based and stays with the building.
Other Programs Waitlist
Status
open
Open Date
Jul 1, 2025
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
This program provides project-based rental assistance where assistance stays with the building. Eligibility is based on HUD income limits and other program criteria. 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
Online
Additional Notes
Eligibility is based on HUD income limits and other program criteria. Assistance stays with the building, and participants lose assistance if they move from the property. Wait time for rental units is typically shorter than the HCV Program.
Public Housing Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
Preferences are given for elderly, disabled, homeless, working family, substandard housing, victim of domestic violence, or rent burden. Applications can be submitted online or in-person.
Other Programs
2 programsThese programs are administered by this housing authority but do not have active waitlist openings at this time. Statuses are verified nightly and subscribers will be notified when changes are detected.
A separate waiting list for the Mainstream voucher program is maintained, and applicants can additionally apply to the HCV waiting list.
The Montana Department of Commerce administers HUD-VASH voucher and Project Based HUD-VASH programs for homeless veterans. No separate individual waiting list or application method for this program administered by MDOC was found.
Status History
Official Application
Apply directly through the official Montana Department of Commerce portal. Applications are free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.
WARNING: 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
Montana Department of Commerce currently has 7 open waiting lists (Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV), Moderate Rehabilitation (Mod Rehab), Other Programs, Project-Based Voucher (PBV), Public Housing). Application windows can close with little notice, so apply as soon as possible.
Gather Required Documents
For Section 8 voucher programs at Montana Department of Commerce, you will typically need: government-issued photo ID for all adult household members, Social Security cards for all members, birth certificates for minors, proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, benefit letters), and proof of current address. For a family of four, income must be below $53,500/year to qualify in this area. 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 to apply.
After You Apply
Once accepted onto the waiting list at Montana Department of Commerce, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. Montana Department of Commerce manages approximately 4,507 assisted housing units (4,507 Section 8), and wait times depend on turnover and demand in Helena. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.
Programs at Montana Department of Commerce
HCV Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) open
The Housing Choice Voucher program at Montana Department of Commerce 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 Helena. This program serves approximately 4,507 households. Vouchers are portable — you can take them with you if you move to a different city or state.
Mod Rehab Moderate Rehabilitation (Mod Rehab) open
The Moderate Rehabilitation (Mod Rehab) program at Montana Department of Commerce provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Helena. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Other Other Programs open
The Other Programs program at Montana Department of Commerce provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Helena. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
PBV Project-Based Voucher (PBV) open
Project-Based Vouchers at Montana Department of Commerce are attached to specific apartment complexes or units in Helena. 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 open
Public Housing units at Montana Department of Commerce are owned and operated directly by the housing authority. Rent is set at 30% of your adjusted monthly income. You may request a transfer to other Public Housing developments but cannot use this benefit at private rental properties.
Mainstream Mainstream Voucher closed
Mainstream Vouchers at Montana Department of Commerce are specifically designated for non-elderly individuals with disabilities. These vouchers work like standard HCVs but are reserved for this population and often have separate, shorter waitlists.
VASH Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) closed
The HUD-VASH program at Montana Department of Commerce combines Housing Choice Vouchers with VA supportive services for homeless veterans in Helena. Referrals are made through the local VA Medical Center — contact the VA to begin the application process.
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?
What are the income limits for 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.