Somersworth Housing Authority
Somersworth, New Hampshire
Last Updated
Feb 13, 2026
Project-Based Voucher (PBV) Waitlist
Status
open
Open Date
Jul 17, 2024
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
The Somersworth Housing Authority (SHA) is accepting Rental Assistance waiting list applications for 3-Bedroom apartments from the earliest confirmed open date of July 17, 2024, until further notice. Applications can be completed online or in person at the SHA Central Office. Paper applications c...
Public Housing Waitlist
Status
open
Open Date
May 1, 2025
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
The waiting lists for 1, 2, and 4 bedroom public housing units will reopen effective May 1, 2025. Applications can be submitted in-person, by mail, by fax, or by dropping them off at the office.
Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) Waitlist
Status
open
Open Date
May 1, 2025
Additional Notes
Somersworth Housing Authority is reopening the waiting lists for 1 bedroom, 2 bedroom, and 4 bedroom units for rental assistance effective May 1, 2025. Applications can be submitted in person, by mail, fax or dropped off.
Rental Assistance Waitlist
Status
open
Open Date
Jul 17, 2024
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
The Somersworth Housing Authority (SHA) is accepting Rental Assistance waiting list applications for 3-Bedroom apartments from July 17, 2024, until further notice. There are two ways to apply while the waitlist is open: Complete an application in person at the SHA Central Office, located at 25 Ba...
Other Programs
1 programThese 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.
The waiting list for the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program will remain closed effective May 1, 2025.
Status History
Official Application
Apply directly through the official Somersworth Housing Authority 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 Somersworth Housing Authority
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 Somersworth Housing Authority 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 Somersworth Housing Authority
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.
RAD
This program provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. Contact Somersworth Housing Authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Rental Assistance
This program provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. Contact Somersworth Housing Authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is applying at Somersworth Housing Authority free?
How long is the wait at Somersworth Housing Authority?
Can I apply to other housing authorities while on this waitlist?
How do I contact Somersworth Housing Authority?
Somersworth Housing Authority Income Limits
Income limits for programs at the Somersworth Housing Authority are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for Portsmouth-Rochester, NH HUD Metro FMR Area. For a household of four, the current limit for Section 8 eligibility (Very Low Income) is $70,250. 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 | $29,550 | $49,200 | $72,950 |
| 2 Persons | $33,750 | $56,200 | $83,400 |
| 3 Persons | $37,950 | $63,250 | $93,800 |
| 4 Persons | $42,150 | $70,250 | $104,200 |
| 5 Persons | $45,550 | $75,900 | $112,550 |
| 6 Persons | $48,900 | $81,500 | $120,900 |
| 7 Persons | $52,300 | $87,150 | $129,250 |
| 8 Persons | $55,650 | $92,750 | $137,550 |
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 Somersworth Housing Authority — including across state lines.