Section 8 Waiting Lists / Massachusetts
Section 8 Waiting List in Massachusetts: Open Lists & Status (2026)
In Massachusetts, none of the 2 housing authorities we track say they are accepting Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher applications as of October 23, 2026.
One list is closed by the authority's own statement: Boston Housing Authority.
One authority does not state a status on a page we could read: Worcester Housing Authority. Call before you rely on anything.
Massachusetts has other housing authorities we do not track; HUD's PHA contact directory lists all of them. Each row below quotes the authority and links the page it came from.
Status as published by the authority on October 23, 2026; confirm with the authority before applying. We do not estimate wait times or predict openings.
The authority says it is accepting Housing Choice Voucher applications. Read the wording — some openings are limited to one preference group.
The authority accepts pre-applications at any time and draws applicants at random when vouchers are available. Applying puts you in the pool, not in a queue.
The authority says its Housing Choice Voucher waiting list is closed to new applicants.
The authority's page did not state a status, or could not be read, on the date shown. Confirm with the authority before relying on anything.
How to apply through each Massachusetts authority
- Worcester Housing Authority — Not stated Waiting-list page · payment standards & contact
- Boston Housing Authority — Closed Waiting-list page · payment standards & contact
Other Massachusetts housing authorities: HUD PHA contact directory (choose Massachusetts). An authority must publish a notice before it opens its list (24 CFR 982.206). See also how to check your status and the waiting list guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Section 8 waiting list open in Massachusetts?
Not at the 2 Massachusetts authorities we track, as of October 23, 2026. Boston Housing Authority: "The Section 8 tenant-based voucher program waiting list is currently closed." Massachusetts has other authorities we do not track — check HUD's PHA directory.
How do I apply for Section 8 in Massachusetts?
Apply directly to a housing authority whose list is open — each one takes its own applications, and this page tracks 2 of the Massachusetts authorities. Each authority above links its own application or portal page. Under 24 CFR 982.206 an authority must give public notice before it opens its list, so sign up for its announcements. You can apply to more than one authority, including a state agency voucher program where Massachusetts has one (see HUD's PHA directory).
How do I check my Section 8 status in Massachusetts?
Use the applicant portal or phone number of the Massachusetts authority you applied to; the links in the table above go to each one's own page. Authorities do not share lists, so check each one separately, and report any change of address or phone in writing — applicants who miss an update letter are removed.
Does Massachusetts use a Section 8 lottery?
None of the tracked Massachusetts authorities describe a lottery on the pages we read. Many authorities nationwide form their waiting list by random drawing from pre-applications, so read the opening notice when a list opens.
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Massachusetts on this site: rent limits · income limits