Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Chelsea, Massachusetts
There are 19 open waiting lists in the Chelsea area right now. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 1 housing authority serving Chelsea, 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 Chelsea, 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 Chelsea, Massachusetts
Chelsea, Massachusetts is served by 1 housing authority offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Right now, 19 waiting lists are accepting applications in the Chelsea area. There are also 407 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.
Housing programs available in Chelsea include Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Public Housing, Mainstream, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV).
Latest Opening
Chelsea Housing Authority opened its MRVP (State Voucher Program) waitlist .
About Housing in Chelsea, Massachusetts
Chelsea, Massachusetts is served by the Chelsea Housing Authority, which manages affordable housing programs for residents. Approximately 963 assisted housing units are available in the area. Currently, there are 21 open waiting lists and 2 closed waiting lists for various housing assistance programs.
Available programs include Public Housing, Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), and the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP). Other options consist of the Alternative Housing Voucher Program (AHVP), State Voucher Programs, Caritas Single Room Occupancy (SRO), and various other specialized assistance programs. Programs such as Mainstream and Project-Based Vouchers (PBV) currently have closed waiting lists. These programs are often supported in part by the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD).
Income eligibility is a key factor for these programs; for example, the Very Low Income limit for a family of four in the Boston-Cambridge-Quincy, MA-NH HUD Metro FMR Area for FY2025 is $82,700 per year. Potential applicants should thoroughly review each program's specific requirements, as eligibility can vary. It is important to apply to all open lists for which you may qualify and to promptly update your contact information with the Chelsea Housing Authority to avoid missing important communications.
How to Apply for Section 8 in Chelsea
To apply for housing assistance in Chelsea, Massachusetts, submit an application directly to Chelsea Housing Authority, the housing authority serving this area. Right now, 19 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 $82,700/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 Chelsea include Alternative Housing Voucher Program (AHVP), MRVP, Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP), Other (AHVP & MRVP), Voucher Program, State Voucher Program (AHVP/MRVP), State Voucher Program, Caritas Single Room Occupancy, State Voucher Program (AHVP & MRVP), State Voucher Program (AHVP and MRVP), State Voucher Program - AHVP, AHVP (State Voucher Program), MRVP (State Voucher Program), Voucher Program (AHVP), Voucher Program (MRVP), State Voucher Program - MRVP, Other, SRO, AHVP, Public Housing, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Mainstream, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), State Voucher Program - AHVP and MRVP. 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).
Chelsea, Massachusetts Section 8 Income Limits
To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Chelsea, Massachusetts, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the Boston-Cambridge-Quincy, MA-NH HUD Metro FMR Area area. A family of four must earn less than $82,700 per year (Very Low Income) to be eligible for most programs. The area median family income is $160,900.
| Household Size | Extremely Low 30% AMI |
Very Low 50% AMI |
Low Income 80% AMI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $34,750 | $57,900 | $92,650 |
| 2 Persons | $39,700 | $66,200 | $105,850 |
| 3 Persons | $44,650 | $74,450 | $119,100 |
| 4 Persons | $49,600 | $82,700 | $132,300 |
| 5 Persons | $53,600 | $89,350 | $142,900 |
| 6 Persons | $57,550 | $95,950 | $153,500 |
| 7 Persons | $61,550 | $102,550 | $164,100 |
| 8 Persons | $65,500 | $109,200 | $174,650 |
How do income limits affect my eligibility?
Housing authorities in Chelsea 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 Chelsea and have active housing programs.