Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Northampton, Massachusetts
All waiting lists in Northampton are currently closed. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 1 housing authority serving Northampton, 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 Northampton, 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 Northampton, Massachusetts
Northampton, Massachusetts is served by 1 housing authority offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Currently, all waitlists in Northampton are closed. Openings can happen with as little as 48 hours notice, so monitoring is critical. There are also 130 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.
Housing programs available in Northampton include Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Public Housing.
Open Lists Nearby
While no waitlists are open in Northampton right now, there are 130 open lists within 50 miles. Most housing authorities accept applications from non-residents, so applying in neighboring cities is a practical strategy. Scroll down to "Nearby Cities" below for options.
About Housing in Northampton, Massachusetts
Affordable housing assistance in Northampton, Massachusetts, is primarily administered by the Northampton Housing Authority. Currently, all housing waitlists managed by this authority are closed, with 0 lists open and 2 closed. Available programs in the area include the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program, Project-Based Voucher (PBV) program, and Public Housing. While the HCV and PBV programs each have one list, and Public Housing has one list, all are presently closed to new applications. Across the Northampton area, approximately 972 assisted housing units are available to eligible residents.
To qualify for these programs, households must meet specific income guidelines. For instance, the Very Low Income limit for a family of four in the Amherst Town-Northampton, MA MSA is $59,800 per year for Fiscal Year 2025. This benchmark helps determine eligibility for various forms of assistance. For broader housing resources and state-level information, the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) serves as the state housing agency. Prospective applicants are encouraged to regularly check for waitlist openings and directly contact the Northampton Housing Authority for the most current information and application procedures.
Housing Authorities in Northampton
How to Apply for Section 8 in Northampton
To apply for housing assistance in Northampton, Massachusetts, submit an application directly to Northampton Housing Authority, the housing authority serving this area. All waitlists are currently closed, but openings happen with as little as 48 hours 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 $59,800/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 Northampton include Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Public Housing, 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).
Northampton, Massachusetts Section 8 Income Limits
To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Northampton, Massachusetts, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the Amherst Town-Northampton, MA MSA area. A family of four must earn less than $59,800 per year (Very Low Income) to be eligible for most programs. The area median family income is $119,000.
| Household Size | Extremely Low 30% AMI |
Very Low 50% AMI |
Low Income 80% AMI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $25,150 | $41,850 | $67,000 |
| 2 Persons | $28,750 | $47,800 | $76,550 |
| 3 Persons | $32,350 | $53,850 | $86,100 |
| 4 Persons | $35,900 | $59,800 | $95,650 |
| 5 Persons | $38,800 | $64,600 | $103,350 |
| 6 Persons | $43,150 | $69,400 | $111,000 |
| 7 Persons | $48,650 | $74,150 | $118,650 |
| 8 Persons | $54,150 | $78,950 | $126,300 |
How do income limits affect my eligibility?
Housing authorities in Northampton 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 Northampton and have active housing programs.