Section 8 Housing Vouchers

» Section 8 housing is a federal assistance program run through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The program helps low-income Massachusetts residents pay for their housing.

» Section 8 rental vouchers help Massachusetts tenants pay their rent. Two types of vouchers assist with rent:

  1. Section 8 Tenant-based Vouchers: A qualified individual chooses his/her own apartment. The apartment must be safe and clean, and the rent a fair market value. The landlord must agree to accept the requirements from HUD. Individuals usually pay 30% of their income for rent, and the Section 8 program pays the rest. If the individual moves, the Section 8 rental assistance goes with them.

  2. Section 8 Project-based Affordable Housing Vouchers: An individual must live in a specific Section 8 subsidized housing unit. Individuals usually pay 30% of their rent, and Section 8 pays the rest. The voucher does not go with the individual when they move.

HOW TO APPLY:

» You can apply at public housing agencies or approved regional nonprofit housing agencies at the age of 18.

Your name will be placed on a waiting list, which varies from community to community and can be very long (eight to ten years). Therefore, you should apply long before you will need the voucher.

» Apply in several communities. Apply at the housing authority in your town, and also to the HUD centralized housing list at section8listmass.org. Once you’ve submitted an application, it is important to notify the housing authority of any address changes and to respond to housing communication in order to stay on the housing list.

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