Housing vouchers can help families and individuals rent apartments in the private market by paying part of the rent. Voucher programs include Section 8, MRVP, and AHVP, and some other targeted programs.
Getting Started
Types of Vouchers and Eligibility
Both Massachusetts and the federal government can help you pay your rent through “housing voucher” programs, like MRVP, AHVP and Section 8. There are mobile vouchers that move with you and project-based vouchers that stay with the apartment.
- You apply separately for different types of vouchers.
- Who is eligible depends on the program.
How much you’ll pay
With a voucher, you'll usually pay around 30% of your income toward rent. You can see the maximum rent amount a voucher will help pay toward in any city or town.
Timing and Emergency Help
Due to high demand, wait times for housing vouchers can be long. Additionally, voucher programs can sometimes close to new applications. For emergency rent or mortgage help: visit the RAFT program. Or check out other MA housing programs.
Apply: Mobile Vouchers
Mobile vouchers (also known as tenant-based vouchers) can be used anywhere as long as the unit meets the unit meets cost, health, and safety standards.
See information below on both state-funded (MRVP and AHVP) and federally-funded (Section-8 HCVP) mobile vouchers.
Mobile-Vouchers: State-Funded (MRVP and AHVP)
Mobile Vouchers: Federally-Funded (HCVP/ Section 8)
For federally-funded Section 8 HCVP (Housing Choice Voucher Program) vouchers in Massachusetts, there are two separate groups of Section 8 vouchers with different waitlists, one administered by Local Housing Authorities (LHAs) and one administered through EOHLC by Regional Administering Authorities (RAAs).
Which waitlists are open:
- EOHLC's Section 8 waitlist, administered by RAAs, is currently closed.
- You can still join the Section 8 waitlist administered by Local Housing Authorities OR you can apply for state-funded voucher programs through CHAMP.
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. You apply for state (MRVP) and federal (Section 8) separately.
In addition to the options below, you can also contact your Regional Administering Agency (RAA) to learn about local apartments with project-based vouchers. Use this look-up tool to find your RAA.
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.
Voucher Holders: Housing Search Tools and Special Programs
- SNO Mass - Program for Section 8 (federal) voucher families with school-aged children making moves to communities with high-quality schools, parks and open space, and healthy, safe environments.
- Section 8 Homeownership Program
- Section 8 HCVP Family Self Sufficiency Program helps families access job training, educational services and other assistance.
Section 8 Specialty Programs
- Family Self Sufficiency Program: Helps families with vouchers access job training, educational services and other assistance
- Family Unification Program
- Homeownership Program: for current Section 8 voucher holders
- Housing Options Program: For disabled persons who are homeless or at risk of it
- Moderate Rehabilitation Single Room Occupancy Program: Provides project-based rental assistance for homeless individuals
- NED: Vouchers for non-elderly disabled people with very low incomes
- Rental Assistance for Persons with HIV
- SNO Mass - Program for voucher families with school-aged children making moves to communities with high-quality schools, parks and open space, and healthy, safe environments.
- Veterans Housing Voucher Program
Administration, Landlord Tools, and Legal Notices
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.
Contact + Status
Address
Suite 300
Boston, MA 02114
For updates on the status of your application for a state-funded voucher, please log into your CHAMP application.
For updates on the status of your application for a Section 8 HCVP voucher, please contact the Regional Administering Agency (RAA) or Local Housing Authority that you applied with, or if you applied with the Centralized Waiting List, you can check there.