Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Amherst, Massachusetts
There is 1 open waiting list in the Amherst area right now. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 1 housing authority serving Amherst, Massachusetts and updates statuses nightly. Below you will find every PHA in the area with current waitlist status, program types, and direct application links.
If no lists are currently open in Amherst, we recommend applying to nearby cities as well. There is no limit to the number of waiting lists you can join, and many housing authorities accept applications from non-residents.
Affordable Housing in Amherst, Massachusetts
Amherst, Massachusetts is served by 1 housing authority offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Right now, 1 waiting list is accepting applications in the Amherst area. There are also 132 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.
Housing programs available in Amherst include Public Housing, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Project-Based Vouchers (PBV). Of these, the following currently have open waitlists: Public Housing (1 open).
Latest Opening
Amherst Housing Authority opened its Public Housing waitlist .
About Housing in Amherst, Massachusetts
Amherst, Massachusetts is served by the Amherst Housing Authority, which manages approximately 459 assisted housing units within the area. Understanding the local housing landscape is crucial for those seeking assistance.
Currently, the Amherst Housing Authority has one waiting list open: its Public Housing program. While programs like Affordable Housing, Housing Choice Voucher (HCV), Other Affordable Housing, and Project-Based Vouchers (PBV) also exist in the area, their waiting lists are presently closed. Prospective applicants should contact the Amherst Housing Authority directly for current application details and eligibility requirements.
Income limits are a key factor for eligibility. For example, the Very Low Income limit for a family of four in the Amherst Town-Northampton, MA MSA area is $59,800 per year for FY2025; these limits vary by household size and specific program. The Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) oversees housing programs statewide. It is advisable to regularly check with the Amherst Housing Authority for updates on waiting list statuses, as they can change.
How to Apply for Section 8 in Amherst
To apply for housing assistance in Amherst, Massachusetts, submit an application directly to Amherst Housing Authority, the housing authority serving this area. Right now, 1 waiting list is accepting applications — apply as soon as possible, as open enrollment periods can close with short notice. Applications are always free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.
Before applying, gather the following documents for all household members: government-issued photo ID, Social Security cards, birth certificates for minors, proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, benefit statements), and proof of current address. For a family of four in this area, income must be below $59,800/year (Very Low Income threshold) to qualify for most programs. Having these ready before a waitlist opens can be the difference between getting on the list and missing the window.
Housing programs available in Amherst include Public Housing, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Other, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Other Affordable Housing, Affordable Housing. Applying to multiple program types simultaneously improves your chances of receiving assistance. After submitting, you will be placed on the waiting list based on the date of your application and any applicable preferences (veterans, elderly, disabled, working families, or local residents).
Amherst, Massachusetts Section 8 Income Limits
To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Amherst, Massachusetts, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the Amherst Town-Northampton, MA MSA area. A family of four must earn less than $59,800 per year (Very Low Income) to be eligible for most programs. The area median family income is $119,000.
| Household Size | Extremely Low 30% AMI |
Very Low 50% AMI |
Low Income 80% AMI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $25,150 | $41,850 | $67,000 |
| 2 Persons | $28,750 | $47,800 | $76,550 |
| 3 Persons | $32,350 | $53,850 | $86,100 |
| 4 Persons | $35,900 | $59,800 | $95,650 |
| 5 Persons | $38,800 | $64,600 | $103,350 |
| 6 Persons | $43,150 | $69,400 | $111,000 |
| 7 Persons | $48,650 | $74,150 | $118,650 |
| 8 Persons | $54,150 | $78,950 | $126,300 |
How do income limits affect my eligibility?
Housing authorities in Amherst use these income limits to determine who qualifies for rental assistance. Your total household income before taxes is compared against the limit for your household size.
Very Low Income (50% AMI) — Most Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers and Public Housing programs require your income to be at or below this level. This is the primary eligibility threshold.
Extremely Low Income (30% AMI) — Households at this level often receive priority on waiting lists. By law, housing authorities must allocate a portion of vouchers to extremely low-income families.
Low Income (80% AMI) — Some programs, including Project-Based Vouchers and locally funded initiatives, accept applicants up to this threshold. Contact individual housing authorities below for their specific requirements.
Nearby Cities with Housing Authorities
Applying to nearby cities increases your chances of receiving assistance sooner. These cities are within 75 miles of Amherst and have active housing programs.