Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Athol, Massachusetts
There are 7 open waiting lists in the Athol area right now. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 1 housing authority serving Athol, 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 Athol, 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 Athol, Massachusetts
Athol, Massachusetts is served by 1 housing authority offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Right now, 7 waiting lists are accepting applications in the Athol area. There are also 166 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.
Housing programs available in Athol include Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Public Housing, Mainstream, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), RAD. Of these, the following currently have open waitlists: PBV (1 open), Public Housing (1 open).
Latest Opening
Athol Housing Authority opened its other waitlist .
About Housing in Athol, Massachusetts
Affordable housing in Athol, Massachusetts, is primarily administered by the Athol Housing Authority, which serves as the main point of contact for housing assistance in the area. Currently, there are 7 open waiting lists available for various programs designed to help residents secure stable housing.
Programs with open waiting lists include Housing Rehabilitation, MRVP (Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program), PBV (Project-Based Vouchers), Public Housing, the Rental Voucher Program, and various other programs. It is important to note that programs such as HCV (Housing Choice Vouchers), Mainstream, and RAD currently have closed waiting lists. Athol has approximately 61 assisted housing units, reflecting a limited inventory. For a family of four, the Very Low Income limit in the Worcester, MA HUD Metro FMR Area for FY2025 is $62,350 annually, a guideline set by HUD. The Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) is the state housing agency overseeing these efforts.
Applicants are encouraged to apply for all programs they may be eligible for to maximize their opportunities. Maintaining current contact information with the Athol Housing Authority after applying is crucial to ensure you receive important communications regarding your application status.
How to Apply for Section 8 in Athol
To apply for housing assistance in Athol, Massachusetts, submit an application directly to Athol Housing Authority, the housing authority serving this area. Right now, 7 waiting lists are 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 $62,350/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 Athol include other, Other, Housing Rehabilitation, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Rental Voucher Program, Public Housing, MRVP, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), RAD, Mainstream. 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).
Athol, Massachusetts Section 8 Income Limits
To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Athol, Massachusetts, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the Worcester, MA HUD Metro FMR Area area. A family of four must earn less than $62,350 per year (Very Low Income) to be eligible for most programs. The area median family income is $122,200.
| Household Size | Extremely Low 30% AMI |
Very Low 50% AMI |
Low Income 80% AMI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $26,200 | $43,650 | $69,850 |
| 2 Persons | $29,950 | $49,900 | $79,800 |
| 3 Persons | $33,700 | $56,150 | $89,800 |
| 4 Persons | $37,400 | $62,350 | $99,750 |
| 5 Persons | $40,400 | $67,350 | $107,750 |
| 6 Persons | $43,400 | $72,350 | $115,750 |
| 7 Persons | $48,650 | $77,350 | $123,700 |
| 8 Persons | $54,150 | $82,350 | $131,700 |
How do income limits affect my eligibility?
Housing authorities in Athol 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 Athol and have active housing programs.