Lynn, MA

Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Lynn, Massachusetts

There are 2 open waiting lists in the Lynn area right now. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 1 housing authority serving Lynn, 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 Lynn, 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.

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Agencies
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Open Now
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Closed

Affordable Housing in Lynn, Massachusetts

Lynn, Massachusetts is served by 1 housing authority offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Right now, 2 waiting lists are accepting applications in the Lynn area. There are also 406 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.

Housing programs available in Lynn 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

Lynn Housing Authority opened its RAFT waitlist on Dec 12, 2022.

About Housing in Lynn, Massachusetts

Lynn, Massachusetts is served by the Lynn Housing Authority, which administers various affordable housing programs to assist residents. Programs available include Housing Choice Voucher (HCV), Project-Based Voucher (PBV), Public Housing, and RAFT (Residential Assistance for Families in Transition). Currently, there are two housing waiting lists open in the area, while two others are closed to new applications. The state housing agency overseeing these efforts is the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD).

For those seeking assistance in Lynn, the Lynn Housing Authority currently has one waiting list open for Public Housing and another open for RAFT. While the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program has one list, it is presently closed to new applications, as is the single list for Project-Based Vouchers (PBV). It's important to understand income requirements when applying. For instance, a family of four is considered Very Low Income if their household earns $70,650 per year or less, based on FY2025 limits for the Lawrence, MA-NH HUD Metro FMR Area.

In total, Lynn offers approximately 2,030 assisted housing units. Prospective applicants should consistently check the Lynn Housing Authority's official announcements for waiting list openings and be prepared to gather necessary documentation to support their application when lists become available.

How to Apply for Section 8 in Lynn

To apply for housing assistance in Lynn, Massachusetts, submit an application directly to Lynn Housing Authority, the housing authority serving this area. Right now, 2 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 $70,650/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 Lynn include RAFT, Public Housing, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Project-Based Vouchers (PBV). 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).

Lynn, Massachusetts Section 8 Income Limits

To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Lynn, Massachusetts, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the Lawrence, MA-NH HUD Metro FMR Area area. A family of four must earn less than $70,650 per year (Very Low Income) to be eligible for most programs. The area median family income is $141,300.

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
How do income limits affect my eligibility?

Housing authorities in Lynn 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there open Section 8 waiting lists in Lynn?
Yes — there are currently 2 open waiting lists in Lynn, Massachusetts. Click into any housing authority above marked "Open" for application details and official portal links.
Can I apply for Section 8 in Lynn if I don't live there?
In most cases, yes. While some PHAs give preference to local residents, there is no federal rule requiring you to live in a city to apply for its waiting list. Many applicants apply to housing authorities in multiple cities and states simultaneously to increase their chances of receiving assistance.
How long is the wait for Section 8 in Lynn?
Wait times vary depending on demand, funding, and your priority status. National averages range from 6 months to 5+ years. Lynn wait times depend on the specific housing authority and program type. Contact the PHA directly for current estimates, and consider applying to multiple PHAs to improve your chances.
All housing authorities in Massachusetts