Massachusetts Section 8 2026: State RAAs and Local PHAs
Section 8 in Massachusetts is run two ways: by local housing authorities, and by the state itself — the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities issues federal vouchers through regional administering agencies.
Quick answer
To apply for Section 8 in Massachusetts: In Massachusetts, the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities and local housing authorities run Section 8. Find your PHA in HUD’s directory; waiting lists open periodically. Applying is free through the official agency.
How Section 8 works in Massachusetts
Massachusetts is unusual: alongside the local housing authorities that run their own Section 8 (Boston, Cambridge, Worcester and many more), the state itself — the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC) — holds a large block of federal vouchers and issues them through regional administering agencies. See the state’s Section 8 (HCVP) page.
There is no single national or statewide Section 8 waiting list: each authority and each regional agency opens and closes its own list on its own schedule, so you apply to each one separately. Income limits are set by HUD for your specific area (a share of Area Median Income), not a national figure, so they differ from Boston to the Berkshires.
What the voucher is, who is eligible, and how the rent subsidy is calculated are federal — those are covered in Section 8 housing vouchers and how to apply. What is state-specific is which housing authority runs your area and where its waiting list is.
What this program helps with
The Housing Choice Voucher program (Section 8) helps very low-income families, seniors, and people with disabilities afford safe housing in the private rental market. You find your own home and the voucher pays part of the rent directly to the landlord; you generally pay about 30% of your income toward rent and utilities.
Who may qualify
Eligibility is based mainly on income and household size. HUD generally sets the limit at or below 50% of the area median income (AMI) for your county, and most vouchers go to households at or below 30% of AMI. U.S. citizens and many eligible immigrants can qualify. Your local public housing agency (PHA) makes the final decision, and income limits vary by area – confirm with your PHA or on HUD.gov.
How to apply or manage benefits
In Massachusetts, the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities and local housing authorities run Section 8. Find your PHA in HUD’s directory; waiting lists open periodically. You can usually start online, by phone, or in person, and a local office finalizes your application.
Documents you may need
Have ready: photo ID and Social Security numbers for each household member, proof of all household income, proof of assets, and birth certificates. Your PHA gives you the exact list. Bring copies and keep your originals.
What to expect
Most PHAs place applicants on a waiting list, which can be long, and some lists open only for limited periods. Keep your contact information current so you do not miss a notice, and respond to every request by the deadline. When your name comes up, the PHA verifies your income and household before issuing a voucher.
Official website / application link
HUD PHA directory, Massachusetts Section 8 HCVP, the federal HUD voucher tenants page, and Benefits.gov. Applying and card help are free through the official agency – never pay a third party.
Related guides on GlobalBenefits.org
- Back to the housing assistance hub
- Massachusetts SNAP / food stamps
- Benefits eligibility quick-check
- Documents you need to apply
Frequently asked questions
Is there a fee to apply for Section 8?
No. Applying for a Housing Choice Voucher through your PHA is free – never pay anyone who promises to move you up a waiting list.
How long is the wait?
It varies widely by area; some waiting lists are years long and open only at set times. Apply to more than one PHA if you can.
Last reviewed July 23, 2026 by the GlobalBenefits editorial team. GlobalBenefits is not a government agency; figures and dates are set by the official agencies above and can change – always confirm there. See our corrections policy.
Section 8 in more states: Maryland · Missouri · Indiana · Wisconsin.