New Bedford Housing Authority
New Bedford, Massachusetts
Last Updated
2 hours ago
About New Bedford Housing Authority
New Bedford Housing Authority (HUD agency code MA007) is the public housing agency serving New Bedford, Bristol County, Massachusetts. It administers 1,755 public housing units and 1,932 Housing Choice Vouchers.
Section 8 Waitlist tracks 2 waiting lists at this agency, covering HCV, Public Housing. As of Oct 6, 2026, 2 are open.
Income eligibility is set by HUD for the 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). Most waiting lists at this agency apply the Very Low Income threshold.
Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
Applications are accepted 24 hours a day through the online portal, main office drop box, mail, or fax. Applicants must save their login ID and password to check status. Failure to notify the Housing Authority of changes in personal information, income, or family composition may result in removal from the list.
Public Housing Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
Applicants must fill out both the CHAMPS application and the New Bedford Housing Application to be on all waiting lists. The NBHA does not give out waiting list numbers and will contact applicants when their name is approaching the top.
Official Application
Apply directly through the official New Bedford Housing Authority portal. Applications are free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.
WARNING: DO NOT PAY ANYONE TO APPLY FOR HOUSING
Contact Information
Important Notices
-
Waiting lists can close without notice once a specific number of applications is reached.
-
Ensure your contact information is always up to date with the PHA to avoid being removed from the list.
How to Apply at New Bedford Housing Authority
Check Current Status
New Bedford Housing Authority currently has 2 open waiting lists (Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV), Public Housing). Application windows can close with little notice, so apply as soon as possible.
Gather Required Documents
For Section 8 voucher programs at New Bedford Housing Authority, you will typically need: government-issued photo ID for all adult household members, Social Security cards for all members, birth certificates for minors, proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, benefit letters), and proof of current address. For a family of four, income must be below $57,150/year to qualify in this area. Having these ready before the waitlist opens can make the difference between getting on the list and missing the window.
Submit Your Application
Apply directly through the official New Bedford Housing Authority portal. Applications are free — never pay to apply.
After You Apply
Once accepted onto the waiting list at New Bedford Housing Authority, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. New Bedford Housing Authority manages approximately 3,687 assisted housing units (1,932 Section 8, 1,755 Public Housing), and wait times depend on turnover and demand in New Bedford. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.
Programs at New Bedford Housing Authority
HCV Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) open
The Housing Choice Voucher program at New Bedford Housing Authority provides rental assistance that allows you to choose any privately-owned rental unit that meets program requirements. You pay approximately 30% of your adjusted monthly income toward rent, and the voucher covers the remainder up to the Fair Market Rent for New Bedford. This program serves approximately 1,932 households. Vouchers are portable — you can take them with you if you move to a different city or state.
Public Housing Public Housing open
Public Housing units at New Bedford Housing Authority are owned and operated directly by the housing authority. Rent is set at 30% of your adjusted monthly income. New Bedford Housing Authority manages approximately 1,755 Public Housing units in New Bedford. You may request a transfer to other Public Housing developments but cannot use this benefit at private rental properties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is applying at New Bedford Housing Authority free?
How long is the wait at New Bedford Housing Authority?
Can I apply to other housing authorities while on this waitlist?
How do I contact New Bedford Housing Authority?
What are the income limits for New Bedford Housing Authority?
New Bedford Housing Authority Income Limits
Income limits for programs at the New Bedford Housing Authority are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for Providence-Fall River, RI-MA HUD Metro FMR Area. For a household of four, the current limit for Section 8 eligibility (Very Low Income) is $57,150. Limits are set annually by HUD and vary by household size.
| 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 |
What do these income limits mean?
Extremely Low Income (30% AMI) — Households earning at or below 30% of the Area Median Income. This is the threshold for the lowest-income tier of assistance. Many housing authorities give preference to applicants at this level.
Very Low Income (50% AMI) — The standard eligibility threshold for Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers and most Public Housing programs. Your household income must be at or below this limit to qualify.
Low Income (80% AMI) — Some programs, including Project-Based Vouchers and certain local initiatives, use this higher threshold. Check with this housing authority for specific program requirements.
Nearby Housing Authorities
Applying to multiple housing authorities increases your chances of receiving assistance. These PHAs are closest to New Bedford Housing Authority — including across state lines.