Where to Start Looking for Low Income Housing in Massachusetts
Massachusetts has several programs that help people with low incomes find and keep housing. The main routes are public housing (run by local housing authorities), Section 8 vouchers (which let you rent from a private landlord), and rental information programs when you fall behind on rent. Each program has different rules, different wait times, and different people running it — so where you start depends on your situation right now.
If you need housing when ready, contact your local housing authority or call 211 Massachusetts. The 211 line connects you to local resources in your area and can tell you which programs have openings. If you already have housing but cannot pay rent, look for emergency rental information through your city or town. If you are homeless or about to lose your home, contact your local family services office or a homeless services provider in your area.
Key Takeaways
- Massachusetts public housing and Section 8 programs are run by local housing authorities, not the state, so you must explore where you live or work.
- Wait lists for public housing and Section 8 vouchers are often years long, but some authorities accept applications only during certain windows each year.
- Emergency rental information covers back rent and is usually the fastest way to avoid eviction, though funds run out and reopen throughout the year.
- Call 211 Massachusetts or your local housing authority to learn which programs are currently open and what documents you need to bring.
- Homeless services, family services, and veteran-specific housing are separate programs with their own intake processes and may be able to access rules.
Public Housing and Section 8 Vouchers Through Local Housing Authorities
Every city and town in Massachusetts has a local housing authority that runs public housing and Section 8 programs. Public housing means you rent an apartment owned by the authority. Section 8 means you find your own apartment and the program pays part of the rent to your landlord. Both programs require your income to fall below a certain level — the limit depends on your family size and the area you live in.
To explore, you go to the housing authority in the city or town where you live or work. You can find your local authority through the Massachusetts Housing Finance Agency website or by calling 211. Most authorities have applications available in person and online. You will need to bring proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer), proof of identity, and proof of residency. Some authorities also ask for references or a background check.
Wait lists for both programs are long in most of Massachusetts — often three to seven years or longer. Some authorities close their wait lists when they get too long and reopen them once a year. A few authorities have shorter waits. Call your local authority to ask whether they are accepting applications now and how long the current wait is. Even if the wait is long, explore now means you are in line for when an apartment or voucher becomes available.
Emergency Rental information When You Are Behind on Rent
If you owe rent or are about to lose your housing because of unpaid rent, emergency rental information programs can pay your landlord directly. These programs are run by cities and towns, not by the state. They usually cover rent you already owe (arrears) rather than rent coming due, and they may also cover utilities or other housing costs. The amount varies — some programs cover up to several months of back rent, while others have lower limits.
To find the program in your area, call 211 Massachusetts or contact your city or town's housing office directly. You will need to bring a signed lease, proof of your current income, proof that you have fallen behind (a notice from your landlord or an eviction filing), and identification. Some programs also ask for proof of the hardship that caused you to fall behind — a job loss letter, medical bills, or a notice of reduced hours.
Processing time is usually two to six weeks, though it can be faster if your case is urgent. The program pays your landlord, not you, so you do not receive a check. Many programs will contact your landlord on your behalf. If your landlord refuses payment, some programs will pay you directly instead, though they may ask for proof of the refusal first. Funds for these programs run out during the year and reopen later, so if you are told a program is closed, ask when it will reopen and whether you can be added to a waiting list.
Homeless Services and Family Services Housing
If you are homeless or living in a shelter, contact your local family services office (also called the Department of Transitional information or DTA). You can find your local office through the state website or by calling 211. Family services can connect you to emergency shelter, transitional housing, and longer-term housing programs. You do not need to have a job or a specific income to reach out — family services helps people in crisis.
Intake happens by phone or in person at your local office. You will be asked about your current living situation, your income, and your family size. If you are in when ready danger or have nowhere to sleep tonight, tell the worker that — many areas have same-day shelter placement. If you have children, you may be prioritized for family shelter or transitional housing. The process moves faster than public housing or Section 8, but availability depends on your area.
Massachusetts also has programs specifically for people who have been homeless for a long time or who have disabilities. These include supportive housing (where you get an apartment plus ongoing support services) and rapid rehousing (where you get help finding an apartment and paying deposits). Ask your family services worker or 211 about these programs in your area.
Housing for Veterans in Massachusetts
If you served in the military, you may have access to veteran-specific housing programs. The Massachusetts Veterans Services Office runs programs including supportive housing for homeless veterans and rental information for veterans with low incomes. Some programs are federal (run through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs) and some are state-run.
To learn about veteran housing programs, contact your local Veterans Services Officer (every city and town has one) or call the Massachusetts Veterans Services Office. You will need to bring a copy of your discharge papers (DD Form 214) and proof of income. Wait times vary by program. Some veteran programs move faster than civilian public housing because they have separate funding and smaller wait lists.
What Documents You Will Need Across Most Programs
Most housing programs in Massachusetts ask for the same basic documents. Bring originals or certified copies when you explore in person. If you are explore by mail or online, check with the program about what format they accept.
| Document Type | What Counts | Why They Need It |
|---|---|---|
| Proof of Income | Recent pay stubs, tax returns, Social Security award letter, unemployment letter, child support papers | To determine if you meet income limits |
| Proof of Identity | Driver's license, state ID, passport, birth certificate | To verify who you are |
| Proof of Residency | Lease, utility bill, mail from a government agency, bank statement | To confirm where you live or want to live |
| Proof of Hardship (for rental information) | Eviction notice, job loss letter, medical bills, notice of reduced hours | To show why you fell behind on rent |
| Signed Lease (for Section 8 or rental information) | The actual lease agreement between you and your landlord | To confirm the rent amount and your tenancy |
If you do not have a document, ask the program whether they accept alternatives. For example, if you do not have a lease, some programs accept a letter from your landlord or a utility bill in your name. If you do not have a birth certificate, a state ID or passport works instead. Programs understand that people in crisis may not have all their documents ready.
Understanding Wait Times and process Windows
Public housing and Section 8 wait lists in Massachusetts vary widely. In Boston and other large cities, waits are often five to ten years. In smaller towns, waits may be shorter — sometimes one to three years — or the program may have no wait at all. Some authorities accept applications year-round, while others open their wait list only once a year for a few weeks.
Call your local housing authority to ask: Is the wait list open now? How long is the current wait? When does the wait list open if it is closed? Some authorities can tell you over the phone; others ask you to come in person or check their website. If the wait list is closed, ask whether you can call back at a certain time or sign up for a notification when it reopens.
Emergency rental information programs also have changing timelines. Funds may be available one month and closed the next. If you are told a program is closed, ask when it will reopen and whether you can explore then. Do not wait — explore as soon as you know you need help, because processing takes weeks and you want the money to reach your landlord before an eviction case is filed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I explore to multiple housing authorities at the same time?
Yes. You can explore to the housing authority where you live and also to the authority where you work. You can also explore to neighboring towns if you are willing to move. Each authority has its own wait list, so being on multiple lists increases your chances of getting housing sooner. There is no penalty for explore to more than one.
What if I have a criminal record or eviction history?
Many programs will still work with you. Housing authorities can deny you for certain crimes (drug manufacturing, sex offenses) or for evictions related to non-payment, but they must follow specific rules and give you a chance to explain. Call your local authority or 211 to ask about their specific policies. Some programs are more flexible than others, and some focus on people with barriers to housing.
Do I have to be a Massachusetts resident to explore?
You do not have to be born in Massachusetts, but you usually have to live or work in the city or town where you explore. Some programs ask for proof that you have lived there for a certain amount of time (often 30 days to one year). If you just moved to Massachusetts, ask your local authority what they require.
What happens if I get housing through one program and then become may be able to access for another?
You can move between programs. For example, if you get emergency rental information and then get a Section 8 voucher, you can use the voucher instead. Tell both programs what is happening so they do not send duplicate payments. If you are in public housing and get a Section 8 voucher, you can move to a private apartment instead.
Can I explore for emergency rental information if I do not have a lease?
Most programs require a signed lease, but some will accept a letter from your landlord or other proof of tenancy. Call the program in your area and explain your situation. If you do not have a lease because you are living with family or in an informal arrangement, ask whether they have a different process for you.