What Housing Programs Are Available in Montana

Montana has several programs that help low-income households find and keep housing. The main ones are Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (which subsidize rent at private landlords), public housing (owned and managed by local housing authorities), Montana Rental information (which helps pay back rent or deposits), and programs through Community Development Block Grants that fund local nonprofits. Which program you can look into depends on your income, household size, and whether you need help paying current rent, arrears, or a security deposit.

Each program is run by a different agency. Section 8 and public housing are managed by local Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) in your county or city. Rental information is coordinated through the Montana Department of Commerce. Nonprofits and community action agencies handle some programs but work within state and federal rules. Understanding which agency runs which program saves time — calling the wrong office means a referral rather than an answer.

Key Takeaways

  • Montana's main housing programs are Section 8 vouchers, public housing, emergency rental information, and community development grants, each run by different agencies.
  • Section 8 has long waiting lists in most Montana cities, so you can be on multiple lists at once while waiting.
  • Your local Public Housing Authority (PHA) is the starting point for Section 8 and public housing; find yours through the Montana Department of Commerce website.
  • Rental information programs cover back rent and deposits but have income limits and require proof of hardship; availability changes as funds run out and reopen.
  • Montana 211 (dial 211 or visit mt211.org) can tell you which programs are currently open in your area and connect you to local nonprofits.

Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers in Montana

Section 8 vouchers let you rent from any private landlord who accepts the program. The voucher covers part of your rent; you pay the rest. Income limits vary by household size and the area you live in. For example, a single person in Billings might have a different income limit than a single person in a rural county. You must have a household income below 50% of the area median income to be considered, though some PHAs prioritize households below 30%.

Waiting lists are long in Montana's larger cities. Missoula, Billings, and Great Falls often have lists of 500 to 2,000 households. Some smaller PHAs have shorter waits or occasionally open their lists. You can be on multiple waiting lists at the same time — there is no rule against it. Contact your local PHA directly to ask if their list is open, how long the wait typically is, and what documents you need to bring. Many PHAs now accept applications online or by mail, not just in person.

Once you receive a voucher, you have a limited time (usually 60 to 120 days) to find a landlord and sign a lease. The landlord must pass a housing inspection. The PHA then signs a contract with the landlord and pays them directly each month. You are responsible for any rent above what the voucher covers.

Public Housing in Montana

Public housing is owned and managed by local PHAs. Units are scattered across Montana in cities and some rural areas. Rent is set at 30% of your household income, so lower-income households pay less. Income limits are the same as Section 8 — generally 50% of area median income. Waiting lists for public housing are often shorter than Section 8 lists, but availability depends on your location.

Public housing comes with lease terms and rules set by the PHA. You must maintain the unit, follow occupancy rules, and report changes in income or household composition. If you violate the lease, the PHA can evict you. The benefit is stable, affordable rent; the trade-off is less choice in where you live and stricter rules than renting privately.

To look into public housing, contact your local PHA. They maintain their own waiting lists separate from Section 8. Some PHAs manage both programs; others manage only one. Ask about both when you call.

Montana Rental information and Emergency Programs

Montana has rental information programs that pay landlords directly for back rent, current rent, or security deposits. These programs are not permanent housing — they are short-term help when you fall behind or need help moving. Income limits are usually higher than Section 8 (often 60% to 80% of area median income). You must show that a recent hardship caused the rent problem: job loss, medical emergency, domestic violence, or other documented crisis.

Rental information programs run out of money and reopen when new funding arrives. Some are open year-round; others close for months. Montana 211 and your local housing authority can tell you which programs are currently accepting requests. The process usually requires a lease, proof of income, proof of the hardship, and landlord contact information. Processing takes two to six weeks.

Community action agencies and nonprofits often administer these funds on behalf of the state. They may also offer utility information, security deposit help, or moving costs. Ask your local agency what they cover beyond rent.

Income Limits and Household Composition Rules

Income limits for Montana housing programs are set as a percentage of the area median income (AMI) for your county. Section 8 and public housing use 50% AMI as the standard cutoff. Rental information programs often use 60% or 80% AMI. The actual dollar amount depends on where you live — Gallatin County (Bozeman area) has higher limits than Powder River County because the median income is higher.

Household composition matters for income calculations. All people living in your home count as household members, including children, partners, and dependents. Income from all household members is added together. Some programs count only earned income; others include Social Security, disability, child support, and unemployment. Ask the program what counts as income when you contact them.

If your income is above the limit, you do not meet the threshold for that program. Some programs have exceptions for elderly or disabled households, but the rule is strict. If you are close to the limit, ask whether the program counts only certain types of income or whether seasonal work is averaged differently.

How to Find Your Local Public Housing Authority

Your PHA is the entry point for Section 8 and public housing. Montana has PHAs in most counties and cities. The Montana Department of Commerce maintains a list of all PHAs and their contact information on its website. You can also call Montana 211 (dial 211 or visit mt211.org) and they will give you the PHA for your area.

When you contact your PHA, ask: Is the Section 8 waiting list open? How long is the wait? Is the public housing waiting list open? What documents do you need to bring? Some PHAs have online applications; others require you to visit in person or mail documents. Many now offer phone or video interviews. Ask what works for your situation.

If you live in a rural area without a local PHA, you may be served by a regional authority. Ask your county housing office or call 211 to find out which PHA covers your area.

Documentation You Will Need

All housing programs require proof of identity, income, and residency. Bring a government-issued ID (driver's license or passport). For income, bring recent pay stubs (usually the last 30 days), a letter from your employer, or tax returns if you are self-employed. If you receive benefits, bring a benefit statement from Social Security, disability, or unemployment. If you have no income, bring a letter stating that.

For residency, bring a utility bill, lease, or mail from a government agency showing your current address. Some programs ask for a background check authorization form. If you have an eviction history, bring documentation showing the case was resolved or dismissed. If you are explore for rental information, bring your lease and proof of the hardship (termination letter, medical bills, police report for domestic violence, etc.).

Requirements vary by program and PHA. Call ahead and ask what to bring so you do not make multiple trips. Many programs now accept documents by email or through an online portal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I be on multiple Section 8 waiting lists in Montana at the same time?

Yes. There is no rule against explore to more than one PHA. If you live near a county line or can move to a different area, explore to multiple PHAs increases your chances. Each PHA maintains its own list and makes its own decisions. You can accept a voucher from one PHA and withdraw from others.

What happens if my income goes up while I am on a Section 8 waiting list?

Being on a waiting list does not disqualify you if your income rises. Income is checked when you are offered a voucher, not when you explore. If your income is above the limit when you are called, you will be skipped. If it drops back below the limit before your turn comes, you can still be considered.

How long does it take to get Section 8 in Montana?

Waiting times vary widely. In Billings or Missoula, the wait can be two to five years. In smaller cities or rural areas, it may be six months to two years. Some PHAs close their lists when they are too long. Call your local PHA to ask their current wait time — they update this regularly.

Do I have to use Section 8 in the county where I live?

No. Once you receive a voucher, you can use it to rent in any state that accepts it, as long as you move within the timeframe your PHA allows. You will need to contact the new PHA in your destination area to transfer the voucher. Plan this in advance — transfers take time and the new PHA must have capacity.

What if I have a criminal record or eviction history?

Criminal history and evictions do not automatically disqualify you from Section 8 or public housing. PHAs must consider the nature of the offense, how long ago it occurred, and evidence of rehabilitation. Drug-related convictions have stricter rules. Evictions are reviewed case by case. Contact your PHA and ask about their specific policies — they vary.