Where to Start Looking for HUD Housing Programs in Montana
HUD housing programs in Montana are run through local Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) in each county, not through a single state office. The programs available to you depend on which county you live in — Missoula County has different programs and wait times than Gallatin County, for example. Your first step is to find your local PHA, call them, and ask what programs they currently have open.
Montana's largest PHAs are in Billings, Missoula, Great Falls, and Bozeman, but every county has at least one housing authority. If you do not know which county you live in, search online for "[Your City] Montana county" and then search for "[County Name] Public Housing Authority" or "[County Name] housing authority". Most PHAs have a phone number and a waiting list you can join by phone or in person.
The Montana Department of Revenue also maintains a list of all PHAs on their website, though the list does not show current program status. Calling your local PHA directly is faster than searching online — they can tell you in one conversation whether they have open waiting lists, what documents you need, and how long the wait typically is.
Key Takeaways
- Montana has no single state housing office; instead, each county runs its own Public Housing Authority that manages HUD programs in that area.
- You must contact your local county PHA directly to learn which programs are open, because waiting lists and availability change throughout the year.
- The largest PHAs are in Billings, Missoula, Great Falls, and Bozeman, but smaller counties also have housing authorities you can reach by phone.
- Most PHAs accept applications by phone or in person, and they can tell you when ready whether you meet the basic income requirements for their programs.
The Main HUD Programs Available in Montana
Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers are the most common HUD program in Montana. The voucher pays part of your rent directly to your landlord, and you pay the rest. Most Montana PHAs have waiting lists for Section 8 that are closed to new applicants, though some reopen periodically. When a list reopens, it typically closes again within days or weeks. Your local PHA can tell you when their list last opened and whether they expect to open it again.
Public Housing means apartments or houses owned and managed by the PHA itself. Montana has public housing in most counties, though the number of units varies widely. Billings, Missoula, and Great Falls have the largest public housing programs. Public housing has its own waiting list, separate from Section 8, and wait times vary from a few months to several years depending on the county.
Project-Based Rental information is less common but exists in some Montana counties. This program ties the subsidy to a specific building rather than to you as a tenant. If you live in that building, you pay a reduced rent. Your PHA can tell you whether they manage any project-based properties and whether they have openings.
Income Limits and Basic Requirements
HUD programs in Montana use income limits based on the area median income for your county. A family of four in Missoula County might have a different income limit than a family of four in a rural county. Your local PHA has the exact income limits for your area and will tell you whether your household income qualifies when you call.
Beyond income, you will need to show that you are a U.S. citizen or have may be able to access immigration status, that you have no serious criminal history (definitions vary by PHA), and that you have not been evicted or had a lease terminated for cause in the past. Some PHAs also run credit checks or check your rental history. Ask your PHA what they check and what disqualifies an applicant before you submit anything.
If you have a disability, you may be able to request reasonable accommodations in the process process or in the housing itself. Tell your PHA about any disability-related needs when you first contact them.
How to Contact Your Local PHA and What to Expect
Call your county PHA during business hours — most are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Have your Social Security number, current address, and household income information ready. The PHA will ask how many people live in your household, what your gross monthly income is, and whether you have ever been evicted or convicted of a crime.
If you meet the basic requirements, the PHA will tell you whether they have an open waiting list. If they do, they will either take your process over the phone or ask you to come in person or mail one in. If the list is closed, ask when it last opened and whether they expect to open it again. Some PHAs send you a postcard when their list reopens; ask if you can request that notification.
After you submit an process, the PHA will verify your income, check your background, and contact previous landlords. This process usually takes two to four weeks. You will receive a letter telling you whether you were approved and, if so, when you can expect to be housed or to receive a voucher.
Montana PHAs by Region
| Region / City | PHA Name | How to Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Billings | Billings Housing Authority | Search online for "Billings Housing Authority" to find their phone number and office address |
| Missoula | Missoula Housing Authority | Search online for "Missoula Housing Authority" to find their phone number and office address |
| Great Falls | Great Falls Housing Authority | Search online for "Great Falls Housing Authority" to find their phone number and office address |
| Bozeman / Gallatin County | Gallatin County Housing Authority | Search online for "Gallatin County Housing Authority" to find their phone number and office address |
| Other Montana counties | County-specific PHA | Search "[County Name] Public Housing Authority" or call your county government office for a referral |
What to Do If Your Local PHA Has a Closed Waiting List
If your PHA's Section 8 list is closed, you have several options. First, ask them to put you on a notification list so they can contact you when the list reopens. Some PHAs maintain this list; others do not. Second, ask whether their public housing program has an open list — public housing and Section 8 are separate, and one may be open while the other is closed.
Third, contact PHAs in neighboring counties. If you are willing to live in a different county, you may find an open list there. Keep in mind that you will need to work with that county's PHA and may need to live in that county to use the voucher or housing.
Fourth, look into other rental information programs that are not HUD-run. Montana has emergency rental information programs, nonprofit housing programs, and community action agencies that offer housing help. Your county's 211 service (dial 211 or search online for "[County Name] 211") can refer you to programs in your area.
Documents You Will Need
Have these documents ready before you call your PHA. You do not need to submit all of them when ready, but having them on hand speeds up the process. Your PHA will tell you which ones they need for your specific situation.
- Proof of identity: driver's license, passport, or state ID
- Proof of Social Security number: Social Security card, tax return, or W-2
- Proof of income: recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer
- Proof of residency: utility bill, lease, or mail from a government agency
- Proof of citizenship or may be able to access immigration status: birth certificate, passport, or immigration documents
- Rental history: names and phone numbers of previous landlords
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get housed after I am approved?
For Section 8 vouchers, you typically receive the voucher within a few weeks of approval, but finding a landlord who accepts Section 8 can take months. For public housing, you may wait weeks to years depending on how many units are available and how many people are ahead of you on the list. Ask your PHA for an estimate based on their current situation.
Can I explore to more than one PHA at the same time?
Yes. You can contact multiple county PHAs and join their waiting lists simultaneously. If one approves you first, you can decline the others. Some people explore to PHAs in their home county and in neighboring counties to increase their chances.
What if I have a criminal record?
Each PHA has its own rules about criminal history. Some disqualify people for any felony; others look at the type of crime and how long ago it happened. Call your PHA and ask what their policy is before you submit an process. Being honest upfront is better than having your process denied later.
Do I have to live in the same county as the PHA?
Most PHAs require you to live in their county or have a job there. Some have slightly different rules. Ask your PHA about their residency requirement when you call. If you are moving to Montana, some PHAs will work with you if you have a job offer or family in the area.
What happens if my income goes up after I receive a voucher or housing?
Your rent contribution will increase, but you will not lose your voucher or housing when ready. HUD programs allow income to rise above the limit for a certain period before you are required to leave. Your PHA will explain their specific rules when you are approved.