How Do I Apply?
NOTE: Glossary words are highlighted. Click on any glossary word to see its definition.
How do I apply for Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers?
You can apply for Section 8 vouchers at public housing agencies and at regional non-profit housing agencies:
- Public housing agencies (PHAs) issue local Section 8 vouchers.
- Regional agencies issue Section 8 vouchers from the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD).
- About one fourth of the state's vouchers come from the DHCD.
- It doesn't matter whether you get a PHA voucher or a DHCD voucher.
- You can put your name on PHA waiting lists and DHCD waiting lists at the same time.
The waiting lists for Section 8 vouchers are usually long. In Massachusetts, there are three types of waiting lists:
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Centralized PHA waiting list: Many public housing agencies (PHAs) share a centralized waiting list for Section 8 vouchers. This waiting list is maintained by an organization called MassNAHRO. The Section 8 Centralized Waiting List is open indefinitely.
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Local PHA waiting list: Some local (PHAs) have their own waiting lists instead of using the centralized waiting list. These local waiting lists may be closed at times.
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DHCD waiting list: The Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) has a separate waiting list for DHCD vouchers. The DHCD waiting list is always open.
You may also apply at public housing agencies in other states, to be put on their waiting lists. If you get a voucher in another state, you may have to move to the region where you got the voucher.
If you move while you are on a waiting list, be sure to notify your housing agency so they can contact you when a voucher is available.
How to apply at Public Housing Agencies (PHAs)
Centralized Waiting List Public Housing Agencies:
To apply at your local public housing agency or a PHA in another part of Massachusetts, first check to see if the PHA uses the Section 8 Centralized Waiting List. See Centralized Waiting List Participating Housing Agencies.
If the PHA is part of the Section 8 Centralized Waiting List, you may call the PHA and ask them to send you a pre-application, or you can download a pre-application from the Centralized Waiting List web site:
Complete the application and mail it to any public housing agency that uses the Centralized Waiting List. The names and addresses of the housing agencies that use the list are printed on the application. Make sure that you check all of the preference categories that apply to you.
One application puts you on the waiting list for ALL of the public housing agencies that use the centralized list. All of the participating housing agencies use the same waiting list. If you move while you are on the centralized waiting list, see How to Change Your Address.
Other Public Housing Agencies:
If the PHA is not part of the centralized waiting list, use the HUD Massachusetts PHA Contact Information list to find the name, address, and telephone number of the housing agency you want. Call the PHA to see if the local waiting list is open. If so, ask for an application and send it to the local PHA.
To apply at a public housing agency in another state, use the HUD PHA Contact Information list to find the name, address, and telephone number of the housing agency you want.
How to apply at Regional Housing Agencies
To apply for a DHCD voucher, call the Regional Non-profit Housing Agency that serves your city or town and ask them to send you a copy of the DHCD Section 8 pre-application. You can also download a copy of the application from the DHCD web site:
Complete the application and mail it to the Regional Housing Agency serving your city or town. For addresses and phone numbers, see Regional Housing Agency Listing by Town (PDF).
For more information, call the Massachusetts Housing Consumer Education Centers toll-free at 1-800-224-5124.
Does where I apply make a difference?
Where you apply may affect your chances of getting a voucher. Housing agencies set their own policies about waiting list preferences, and you may qualify for a preference at one housing agency but not at another. It may help your chances if you apply to the centralized list, the DHCD statewide list, or at more than one PHA. Many PHAs give preference to local applicants, so you should always apply locally.
Where you get your voucher may also limit where you are allowed to use it. If you get a Section 8 voucher from your local housing agency or the DHCD, you are allowed to use it anywhere in the United States. The only restriction is that you must meet the income eligibility limits for the city or town where you will live.
If you get a Section 8 voucher from another local Massachusetts PHA (not where you live), you may have to live in Massachusetts for one year before you are allowed to use your voucher out of state. If you get a voucher from a PHA in another state, you may have to live for a year in the region where you got the voucher before you can move.
Once you have used your voucher for a year, you may use it anywhere in the United States as long as you do not violate the terms of your lease when you move.
How do I apply for MRVP and AHVP vouchers?
You can apply for Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP) vouchers and Alternative Housing Voucher Program (AHVP) vouchers at any housing agency taking part in these programs. Due to limited funding, very few vouchers are available and waiting lists may be closed.
Call the housing agencies to see if they are accepting MRVP or AHVP applications.
What documentation do I need?
In some cases, you will fill out a short pre-application when you first apply for a voucher. The housing agency will do a quick check of your eligibility and then add your name to the waiting list. When it is your turn to get a voucher, you must fill out a complete application with proofs, and the housing agency will check all your documents to make sure you are eligible.
In other cases, you will fill out a complete application when you first apply for a voucher.
For a pre-application, you will usually have to provide:
- the name, address, and phone number of the head of household
- the number of people who will live in the unit and the number of bedrooms you will need
- your gross annual household income
- preferences that apply to you
- your current housing situation
- your signature, certifying that the information is correct
- no proofs are required
For a complete application, you will usually need to provide:
- name, address, telephone number, Social Security number, date of birth, and relationship of all household members
- preferences that apply to you
- names and addresses of your current and previous landlords (last 5 years)
- an estimate of the income and expenses your household expects to have in the next twelve months. You may need these documents:
- names and addresses of employers
- bank account statements (savings, checking)
- pay stubs and utility bills
- tax returns
- any other documentation that will help show your income and expenses
- an estimate of the fair market value of any assets you own, including land, real estate, or other property
- your signature, certifying that the information is correct
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You will be asked to sign a form that allows the housing agency to do a background check to see if you have a criminal record.
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You must answer questions about your housing history (for example, if you have been evicted from government-funded housing, owe back rent, or lied on an application).
How often must I reapply?
The housing agency that gave you your voucher will recertify you at least once each year. You will get a notice letting you know when you will be recertified. At that time, the agency will check your income, family size, household members, expenses, and other information. They will reinspect your rental unit and recalculate your family's share of the rent.
You will also be recertified whenever you move to a new rental unit.
What if I am found not eligible?
If the housing agency finds you not eligible, they must give you a written notice telling you why you were denied benefits. You have the right to appeal that decision. You must appeal the denial in writing, and you must file your appeal within the time limits stated on your denial notice.
See Challenging a Denial of Housing from MassLegalHelp for detailed information about the rules you must follow and the steps you should take. You may also contact your local Legal Services office for help.
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