Housing vouchers can help families and individuals rent apartments in the private market by paying a portion of the rent. Voucher programs include Section 8, MRVP, and AHVP, and some other targeted programs.
- This page, Rental Assistance: Housing Vouchers, is offered by
- Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities
Rental Assistance: Housing Vouchers
Getting Started
Both Massachusetts and the federal government can help you pay your rent through “voucher” programs.
There are 2 types of vouchers: Mobile vouchers (also known as tenant-based vouchers), which you can use anywhere as long as the unit meets health and safety standards and project-based vouchers, which are for a specific housing unit. With these, if you move, the voucher stays with the apartment. Consider the RAFT program if you need emergency help paying your rent or mortgage.
How to Apply: Mobile Vouchers
Mobile-Vouchers (state-funded): MRVP + AHVP
You can apply for state-funded mobile vouchers (MRVP and AHVP) online through CHAMP or in person at a Local Housing Authority (LHA).
Mobile Vouchers (federally-funded): Section 8
For federally-funded Section 8 vouchers, there are two separate groups of vouchers with different waitlists.
How to Apply: Project-Based Vouchers
Project-based Vouchers: Section 8 + MRVP
Project-based vouchers (PBVs) are attached to a particular unit, which means you will receive the subsidy only if you live in that particular unit.
Eligibility and How Much Rent You'll Pay
How much you’ll pay
What you pay in rent is based on your income. You'll usually pay around 30% of your income. If your income changes, your rent will also change.
How much will the voucher pay
You can see the maximum rent amount a voucher will help pay toward in any city, town or zip code on the Payment Standard Calculator.
Who is eligible
There are two state-funded voucher programs (MRVP + AHVP) and one federally-funded voucher program (HCVP/Section 8). Each program has its own eligibility standards.
- Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP): People making 80% or less of the Area Median Income (AMI). See MRVP Income limits.
- Alternative Housing Voucher Program (AHVP): People with a disability who are under 60 when found eligible, and who make 80% or less of Area Median Income. See AHVP Income Limits.
- Federal Section 8: Families with dependents, seniors, and people with disabilities who make 50% or less of Boston’s* Area Median Income. *federal vouchers use Boston's AMI for the whole state. See Section 8 Income Limits.
Still figuring out if a voucher is right for you? Read about all three types of affordable housing and how to start searching.
Details on Voucher Programs
- Apply for the Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers Program (HCVP)
- Section 8 Family Self Sufficiency Program (FSS)
- Section 8 Family Unification Program (FUP)
- Section 8 Veterans Housing Voucher Program (VHVP)
- Section 8 Tenant Based Rental Assistance for Persons with HIV
- Section 8 NED: Designated Housing and One-Year Mainstream Programs
- Section 8 Moderate Rehabilitation Single Room Occupancy Program
- Use the SNO locator tool to find neighborhoods where you can use your Section 8 HCVP voucher
Administrative Resources
Public Legal Notices
Read the Public Legal Notices – Environmental Review for Federally Funded Housing Projects.
They are part of the Environmental Review process for housing projects that use federal funds, including Project-Based Section 8 Vouchers and any other applicable federal funds under NEPA.
For Administrators
Contact Information
Address
100 Cambridge Street, Suite 300, Boston, MA 02114
Related Resources
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