Amesbury Housing Authority

Amesbury, Massachusetts

Last Updated

1 hours ago

About Amesbury Housing Authority

The Amesbury Housing Authority (PHA Code: MA116) serves Amesbury, Essex County, Massachusetts. This authority manages approximately 111 assisted housing units, predominantly through Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers.

Currently, the Amesbury Housing Authority is accepting applications for its Multi-Family, Project-Based Voucher (PBV), and Public Housing programs. The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program is closed to new applications at this time. For a family of four classified as Very Low Income in the Lawrence, MA-NH HUD Metro FMR Area, the current income limit is $70,650 per year.

Applicants should verify specific program requirements and application procedures directly with the housing authority.

Multi-Family Waitlist

Status

open

Accepting applications — no deadline
Open until further notice
Open Now

Additional Notes

Accepting applications for three (3) bedroom apartments at Macy Terrace, a federally subsidized multi-family development.

View original notice — amesburyha.com

Project-Based Voucher (PBV) Waitlist

Status

open

Additional Notes

Accepting applications for Project Based Voucher - 'The Elms' home.

View original notice — amesburyha.com

Public Housing Waitlist

Status

open

How to Apply

Online

Additional Notes

Accepting applications for State Aided Public Housing for elderly/disabled and family units. Includes properties like Powwow Villa, Heritage Vale, Heritage Towers, Macy Street/Terrace, and Orchard Park.

View original notice — amesburyha.com

Other Programs

1 program

These programs are administered by this housing authority but do not have active waitlist openings at this time. Statuses are verified nightly and subscribers will be notified when changes are detected.

Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV)
Closed

Amesbury contracts with Chelsea Housing Authority to administer Section 8 vouchers.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.
Official Portal

Status History

HCV Closed Mar 6, 2026
HCV Opened Mar 5, 2026
HCV Closed Mar 5, 2026
HCV Opened Mar 4, 2026
HCV Closed Mar 4, 2026
HCV Opened Mar 3, 2026
HCV Closed Mar 3, 2026
HCV Opened Mar 2, 2026
HCV Closed Mar 2, 2026
HCV Opened Mar 1, 2026
HCV Closed Mar 1, 2026
HCV Opened Feb 28, 2026
PBV Opened Feb 28, 2026
Public Housing Opened Feb 27, 2026
Public Housing Closed Feb 25, 2026
HCV Closed Feb 25, 2026
Public Housing Opened Feb 24, 2026
HCV Opened Feb 24, 2026
PBV unknown Feb 22, 2026
Public Housing unknown Feb 21, 2026

Official Application

Apply directly through the official Amesbury Housing Authority portal. Applications are free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.

Go to Official Site

WARNING: DO NOT PAY ANYONE TO APPLY FOR HOUSING

Contact Information

Address 180 Main St Ofc
City Amesbury, MA 01913
PHA Code MA116
Section 8 Units 111

Important Notices

  • Waiting lists can close without notice once a specific number of applications is reached.

  • Ensure your contact information is always up to date with the PHA to avoid being removed from the list.

How to Apply at Amesbury Housing Authority

1

Check Current Status

Amesbury Housing Authority currently has 3 open waiting lists (Multi-Family, PBV, Public Housing). Application windows can close with little notice, so apply as soon as possible.

2

Gather Required Documents

For Section 8 voucher programs at Amesbury Housing Authority, you will typically need: government-issued photo ID for all adult household members, Social Security cards for all members, birth certificates for minors, proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, benefit letters), and proof of current address. For a family of four, income must be below $70,650/year to qualify in this area. Having these ready before the waitlist opens can make the difference between getting on the list and missing the window.

3

Submit Your Application

Apply directly through the official Amesbury Housing Authority portal. Applications are free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf. If applying online, take a screenshot of your confirmation page for your records.

4

After You Apply

Once accepted onto the waiting list at Amesbury Housing Authority, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. Amesbury Housing Authority manages approximately 111 assisted housing units (111 Section 8), and wait times depend on turnover and demand in Amesbury. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.

Programs at Amesbury Housing Authority

Multi-Family open

The Multi-Family program at Amesbury Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Amesbury. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.

PBV Project-Based Voucher open

Project-Based Vouchers at Amesbury Housing Authority are attached to specific apartment complexes or units in Amesbury. Unlike the standard Housing Choice Voucher, PBV assistance stays with the property — not with you. However, after one year of occupancy, you may request a standard portable voucher. PBV waitlists often move faster because fewer applicants know about them.

Public Housing Public Housing open

Public Housing units at Amesbury Housing Authority are owned and operated directly by the housing authority. Rent is set at 30% of your adjusted monthly income. You may request a transfer to other Public Housing developments but cannot use this benefit at private rental properties.

HCV Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) closed

The Housing Choice Voucher program at Amesbury Housing Authority provides rental assistance that allows you to choose any privately-owned rental unit that meets program requirements. You pay approximately 30% of your adjusted monthly income toward rent, and the voucher covers the remainder up to the Fair Market Rent for Amesbury. This program serves approximately 111 households. Vouchers are portable — you can take them with you if you move to a different city or state.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is applying at Amesbury Housing Authority free?
Yes. Applying for any federally-funded housing assistance program is always free. Amesbury Housing Authority administers 4 programs (Multi-Family, PBV, Public Housing, HCV) — none of which charge an application fee. If any website or person asks you to pay money to apply, it is a scam. Always apply directly through the housing authority's official portal or in person at their office at 180 Main St Ofc, Amesbury, MA.
How long is the wait at Amesbury Housing Authority?
Wait times at Amesbury Housing Authority depend on demand in Amesbury, funding levels, and your priority status. With approximately 111 assisted housing units, turnover determines how quickly the list moves. The most recent status change we tracked was on March 6, 2026 when the HCV list changed from "open" to "closed." Families with children, elderly applicants, and disabled individuals may receive priority placement. Contact Amesbury Housing Authority directly for current estimated wait times.
Can I apply to other housing authorities while on this waitlist?
Yes. There is no limit to the number of housing authority waiting lists you can join simultaneously. There are 8 other housing authorities within 100 miles of Amesbury Housing Authority, including Salisbury Housing Authority (4 mi), Newburyport Housing Authority (4 mi), Groveland Housing Authority (8 mi). Applying to multiple PHAs in Massachusetts and neighboring states is strongly recommended to increase your chances. Browse all housing authorities in Massachusetts.
How do I contact Amesbury Housing Authority?
You can reach Amesbury Housing Authority by phone at (978) 388-2022. Their office is located at 180 Main St Ofc, Amesbury, MA 01913. You can also email them at executivedirector@amesburyha.com. Office hours may vary — call ahead to confirm.
What are the income limits for Amesbury Housing Authority?
Income limits for Amesbury Housing Authority are set by HUD based on the Area Median Income for Lawrence, MA-NH HUD Metro FMR Area (currently $141,300). For a family of four, the Very Low Income limit (50% AMI) is $70,650. Most Section 8 and Public Housing programs require your household income to be at or below this level. See the full income limits table below.

Amesbury Housing Authority Income Limits

Income limits for programs at the Amesbury Housing Authority are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for Lawrence, MA-NH HUD Metro FMR Area. For a household of four, the current limit for Section 8 eligibility (Very Low Income) is $70,650. Limits are set annually by HUD and vary by household size.

Household Size Extremely Low
30% AMI
Very Low
50% AMI
Low Income
80% AMI
1 Person $29,700 $49,500 $72,950
2 Persons $33,950 $56,550 $83,400
3 Persons $38,200 $63,600 $93,800
4 Persons $42,400 $70,650 $104,200
5 Persons $45,800 $76,350 $112,550
6 Persons $49,200 $82,000 $120,900
7 Persons $52,600 $87,650 $129,250
8 Persons $56,000 $93,300 $137,550
Source: HUD FY 2025 Income Limits Area Median Income: $141,300 Effective April 1, 2025
What do these income limits mean?

Extremely Low Income (30% AMI) — Households earning at or below 30% of the Area Median Income. This is the threshold for the lowest-income tier of assistance. Many housing authorities give preference to applicants at this level.

Very Low Income (50% AMI) — The standard eligibility threshold for Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers and most Public Housing programs. Your household income must be at or below this limit to qualify.

Low Income (80% AMI) — Some programs, including Project-Based Vouchers and certain local initiatives, use this higher threshold. Check with this housing authority for specific program requirements.