Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in New Bedford, Massachusetts
There are 2 open waiting lists in the New Bedford area right now. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 1 housing authority serving New Bedford, 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 New Bedford, 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 New Bedford, Massachusetts
New Bedford, 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 New Bedford area. There are also 241 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.
Housing programs available in New Bedford include Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Public Housing. Of these, the following currently have open waitlists: HCV (1 open), Public Housing (1 open).
Latest Opening
New Bedford Housing Authority opened its Public Housing waitlist .
About Housing in New Bedford, Massachusetts
Federal rental assistance in New Bedford, Bristol County is administered by New Bedford Housing Authority (HUD agency code MA007). It administers roughly 3,687 assisted housing units — 1,755 public housing units and 1,932 Housing Choice Vouchers.
Section 8 Waitlist tracks 2 waiting lists across this agency. As of Oct 6, 2026, 2 are accepting applications. Another 241 open lists are within 50 miles; most agencies accept applications from non-residents.
HUD sets income eligibility for this area as Providence-Fall River, RI-MA HUD Metro FMR Area. A four-person household qualifies as Very Low Income at or below $57,150 per year, and as Low Income at or below $91,450 (HUD FY2025 limits).
Housing Authorities in New Bedford
How to Apply for Section 8 in New Bedford
To apply for housing assistance in New Bedford, Massachusetts, submit an application directly to New Bedford 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 $57,150/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 New Bedford include Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Public 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).
New Bedford, Massachusetts Section 8 Income Limits
To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in New Bedford, Massachusetts, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the Providence-Fall River, RI-MA HUD Metro FMR Area area. A family of four must earn less than $57,150 per year (Very Low Income) to be eligible for most programs. The area median family income is $114,300.
| Household Size | Extremely Low 30% AMI |
Very Low 50% AMI |
Low Income 80% AMI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $24,050 | $40,050 | $64,050 |
| 2 Persons | $27,450 | $45,750 | $73,200 |
| 3 Persons | $30,900 | $51,450 | $82,350 |
| 4 Persons | $34,300 | $57,150 | $91,450 |
| 5 Persons | $37,650 | $61,750 | $98,800 |
| 6 Persons | $43,150 | $66,300 | $106,100 |
| 7 Persons | $48,650 | $70,900 | $113,400 |
| 8 Persons | $54,150 | $75,450 | $120,750 |
How do income limits affect my eligibility?
Housing authorities in New Bedford 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 New Bedford and have active housing programs.