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About Town of Amherst

The Town of Amherst, located in Amherst, Erie County, New York (PHA Code: NY091), administers housing assistance programs for its community. This authority manages approximately 5,696 assisted housing units, predominantly through Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers.

Currently, the Housing Rehabilitation Program is open and accepting applications. The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program, which was previously closed, is anticipated to open soon. Other programs, such as the First-Time Homebuyer Program, are presently closed to new applicants.

For eligibility, the Very Low Income limit for a family of four in the Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY MSA area is $50,500 per year. Applicants should monitor official announcements from the Town of Amherst for specific program openings and application procedures, especially regarding the upcoming Housing Choice Voucher program.

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Housing Rehabilitation Waitlist

Status

open

How to Apply

Multiple

Accepting applications — no deadline
Open until further notice
Open Now

Additional Notes

Contact (716) 631-7082 for application information.

Housing Rehabilitation Program Waitlist

Status

open

How to Apply

Multiple

Additional Notes

This program provides eligible residents with long-term, interest-free, deferred payment loans for necessary home repairs and has approximately a one-year waiting list. To apply, a 'Waiting List Request Form' can be submitted via mail or email, or by calling (716) 631-7082 for information.

Other Waitlist

Status

open

How to Apply

Multiple

Additional Notes

This program provides eligible residents with long-term, interest-free, deferred payment loans for necessary home repairs and has approximately a one-year waiting list.

Other Programs

7 programs

These 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.

First-Time Homebuyer Program
Closed

The program is currently closed due to funding limitations.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV)
Closed

As of May 14th, 2026, there are no current Section 8 waiting lists for Amherst, NY.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
Mainstream Voucher
Closed

No active waitlist information currently available.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
Project-Based Voucher (PBV)
Closed

No active waitlist information currently available.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
Public Housing
Closed

No active waitlist information currently available.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD)
Closed

No active waitlist information currently available.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
other
Pending

The Town of Amherst offers a Housing Rehabilitation Program. Individuals can request to be placed on a waiting list for this homeowner assistance program by submitting a form to the Amherst Planning Department.

No active waitlist information currently available. This program is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when openings are detected.

Status History

Mainstream Closed 3 days ago
RAD Closed 3 days ago
PBV Closed 3 days ago
Public Housing Closed May 12, 2026
HCV Opening Soon Mar 8, 2026
HCV Opening Soon Mar 6, 2026
HCV Closed Feb 19, 2026

Official Application

Contact Town of Amherst directly to request an application. Applications are always free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.

Contact the housing authority directly for application information.

WARNING: DO NOT PAY ANYONE TO APPLY FOR HOUSING

Contact Information

Address 2393 Main St
City Amherst, NY 14214
PHA Code NY091
Section 8 Units 5,696

Important Notices

  • Waiting lists can close without notice once a specific number of applications is reached.

  • Ensure your contact information is always up to date with the PHA to avoid being removed from the list.

How to Apply at Town of Amherst

1

Check Current Status

Town of Amherst currently has 3 open waiting lists (Housing Rehabilitation, Housing Rehabilitation Program, Other). Application windows can close with little notice, so apply as soon as possible.

2

Gather Required Documents

For Section 8 voucher programs at Town of Amherst, 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 $50,500/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.

3

Submit Your Application

Contact Town of Amherst directly at to request an application. Applications are always free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.

4

After You Apply

Once accepted onto the waiting list at Town of Amherst, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. Town of Amherst manages approximately 5,696 assisted housing units (5,696 Section 8), and wait times depend on turnover and demand in Amherst. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.

Programs at Town of Amherst

Housing Rehabilitation open

The Housing Rehabilitation program at Town of Amherst provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Amherst. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

Housing Rehabilitation Program open

The Housing Rehabilitation Program program at Town of Amherst provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Amherst. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

Other open

The Other program at Town of Amherst provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Amherst. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

First-Time Homebuyer Program closed

The First-Time Homebuyer Program program at Town of Amherst provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Amherst. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

HCV Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) closed

The Housing Choice Voucher program at Town of Amherst 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 Amherst. This program serves approximately 5,696 households. Vouchers are portable — you can take them with you if you move to a different city or state.

Mainstream Mainstream Voucher closed

Mainstream Vouchers at Town of Amherst 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.

PBV Project-Based Voucher closed

Project-Based Vouchers at Town of Amherst are attached to specific apartment complexes or units in Amherst. 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 closed

Public Housing units at Town of Amherst 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.

RAD Rental Assistance Demonstration closed

The Rental Assistance Demonstration program at Town of Amherst converts Public Housing units to project-based assistance with long-term contracts. RAD units in Amherst maintain the same resident protections as Public Housing while enabling capital improvements to the properties.

other closed

The other program at Town of Amherst provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Amherst. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is applying at Town of Amherst free?
Yes. Applying for any federally-funded housing assistance program is always free. Town of Amherst administers 10 programs (Housing Rehabilitation, Housing Rehabilitation Program, Other, First-Time Homebuyer Program, HCV, Mainstream, PBV, Public Housing, RAD, other) — none of which charge an application fee. If any website or person asks you to pay money to apply, it is a scam. Always apply directly through the housing authority or in person at their office at 2393 Main St, Amherst, NY.
How long is the wait at Town of Amherst?
Wait times at Town of Amherst depend on demand in Amherst, funding levels, and your priority status. With approximately 5,696 assisted housing units, turnover determines how quickly the list moves. The most recent status change we tracked was on May 19, 2026 when the Mainstream list changed from "unknown" to "closed." Families with children, elderly applicants, and disabled individuals may receive priority placement. Contact Town of Amherst directly for current estimated wait times.
Can I apply to other housing authorities while on this waitlist?
Yes. There is no limit to the number of housing authority waiting lists you can join simultaneously. There are 8 other housing authorities within 100 miles of Town of Amherst, including City of North Tonawanda, Kenmore Municipal Housing Authority (2 mi), City of Buffalo (3 mi). Applying to multiple PHAs in New York and neighboring states is strongly recommended to increase your chances. Browse all housing authorities in New York.
How do I contact Town of Amherst?
You can reach Town of Amherst by phone at (716) 884-7791. Their office is located at 2393 Main St, Amherst, NY 14214. You can also email them at bpackard@belmonthousingwny.org. Office hours may vary — call ahead to confirm.
What are the income limits for Town of Amherst?
Income limits for Town of Amherst are set by HUD based on the Area Median Income for Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY MSA (currently $101,000). For a family of four, the Very Low Income limit (50% AMI) is $50,500. Most Section 8 and Public Housing programs require your household income to be at or below this level. See the full income limits table below.

Town of Amherst Income Limits

Income limits for programs at the Town of Amherst are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY MSA. For a household of four, the current limit for Section 8 eligibility (Very Low Income) is $50,500. 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 $21,250 $35,350 $56,600
2 Persons $24,250 $40,400 $64,650
3 Persons $27,300 $45,450 $72,750
4 Persons $32,150 $50,500 $80,800
5 Persons $37,650 $54,550 $87,300
6 Persons $43,150 $58,600 $93,750
7 Persons $48,650 $62,650 $100,200
8 Persons $54,150 $66,700 $106,700
Source: HUD FY 2025 Income Limits Area Median Income: $101,000 Effective April 1, 2025
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.