Needham, MA

Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Needham, Massachusetts

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

1
Agencies
2
Open Now
0
Closed

Affordable Housing in Needham, Massachusetts

Needham, 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 Needham area. There are also 453 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.

Housing programs available in Needham include Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Public Housing, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV). Of these, the following currently have open waitlists: HCV (1 open), Public Housing (1 open).

Latest Opening

Needham Housing Authority opened its HCV waitlist on Jan 6, 2003.

About Housing in Needham, Massachusetts

Needham, Massachusetts provides affordable housing assistance primarily through the Needham Housing Authority, which serves approximately 259 assisted housing units in the area. Individuals and families seeking housing aid should note that the Needham Housing Authority currently has 1 open waiting list and 1 closed waiting list for various programs.

Specifically, the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program has an open waiting list. However, applicants should be aware that waiting lists for Project-Based Vouchers (PBV) and Public Housing programs are presently closed. The Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) is the state housing agency that provides oversight.

Eligibility for these programs is based on factors such as income. For example, for a family of four in the Boston-Cambridge-Quincy, MA-NH HUD Metro FMR Area (FY2025), the Very Low Income limit is $82,700 per year. It is important for all prospective applicants to contact the Needham Housing Authority directly to understand specific program requirements, income thresholds, and application procedures, as these details can vary.

How to Apply for Section 8 in Needham

To apply for housing assistance in Needham, Massachusetts, submit an application directly to Needham 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 $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 Needham include 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).

Needham, Massachusetts Section 8 Income Limits

To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Needham, 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
Source: HUD FY 2025 Income Limits Area Median Income: $160,900 Effective April 1, 2025
How do income limits affect my eligibility?

Housing authorities in Needham 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 Needham?
Yes — there are currently 2 open waiting lists in Needham, Massachusetts. Click into any housing authority above marked "Open" for application details and official portal links.
Can I apply for Section 8 in Needham 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 Needham?
Wait times vary depending on demand, funding, and your priority status. National averages range from 6 months to 5+ years. Needham 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