Salem Housing Authority
Salem, Massachusetts
Last Updated
21 hours ago
About Salem Housing Authority
Salem Housing Authority (PHA Code: MA055), located in Salem, Essex County, Massachusetts, provides housing assistance through a variety of programs. The authority manages approximately 1,383 assisted housing units, comprising 1,344 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV) and 39 Public Housing units.
Currently, Salem Housing Authority has waitlists open for multiple programs. These include Congregate Housing, Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Public Housing, and Supportive Living programs.
For applicants, a family of four must meet the Very Low Income limit of $70,650 per year for the Lawrence, MA-NH HUD Metro FMR Area. Prospective applicants should carefully review the specific eligibility criteria for each program before applying.
Congregate Housing Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
This program at the J. Michael Ruane Residence provides private and shared living for older people and has its own separate waiting list. Applications can be requested from the Housing Authority.
Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Waitlist
Status
open
Open Date
Jan 6, 2003
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
The Massachusetts Section 8 Centralized Waiting List remains open indefinitely and typically grants priority to local residents or employees.
View original notice — salemhousingauthority.orgProject-Based Voucher (PBV) Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
The Salem Housing Authority administers Section 8 Project-based Voucher Programs, including units at Pequot Highlands, New Point, Leefort, and in conjunction with North Shore ARC. An online application portal is available for these programs.
Public Housing Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
Effective May 1, 2020, the Housing Authority switched to accepting online applications only. Applicants who have successfully submitted their waitlist application can check their status online. Links to the online application and waitlist status are available on the home page and under the Programs tab. Income limits and veteran preference information are also provided.
View original notice — salemhousingauthority.orgSupportive Living Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
Located at 27 Charter Street, this program offers one-bedroom apartments with 24/7 supportive services for elders to age in place, in collaboration with AgeSpan. Applications are accepted.
Status History
Official Application
Apply directly through the official Salem Housing Authority portal. Applications are free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.
Go to Official SiteWARNING: DO NOT PAY ANYONE TO APPLY FOR HOUSING
Contact Information
Important Notices
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Waiting lists can close without notice once a specific number of applications is reached.
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Ensure your contact information is always up to date with the PHA to avoid being removed from the list.
How to Apply at Salem Housing Authority
Check Current Status
Salem Housing Authority currently has 5 open waiting lists (Congregate Housing, HCV, PBV, Public Housing, Supportive Living). Application windows can close with little notice, so apply as soon as possible.
Gather Required Documents
For Section 8 voucher programs at Salem 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 $70,650/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 Salem Housing Authority portal. Applications are free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf. If applying online, take a screenshot of your confirmation page for your records.
After You Apply
Once accepted onto the waiting list at Salem Housing Authority, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. Salem Housing Authority manages approximately 1,383 assisted housing units (1,344 Section 8, 39 Public Housing), and wait times depend on turnover and demand in Salem. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.
Programs at Salem Housing Authority
Congregate Housing open
The Congregate Housing program at Salem Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Salem. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
HCV Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) open
The Housing Choice Voucher program at Salem 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 Salem. This program serves approximately 1,344 households. Vouchers are portable — you can take them with you if you move to a different city or state.
PBV Project-Based Voucher open
Project-Based Vouchers at Salem Housing Authority are attached to specific apartment complexes or units in Salem. Unlike the standard Housing Choice Voucher, PBV assistance stays with the property — not with you. However, after one year of occupancy, you may request a standard portable voucher. PBV waitlists often move faster because fewer applicants know about them.
Public Housing Public Housing open
Public Housing units at Salem Housing Authority are owned and operated directly by the housing authority. Rent is set at 30% of your adjusted monthly income. Salem Housing Authority manages approximately 39 Public Housing units in Salem. You may request a transfer to other Public Housing developments but cannot use this benefit at private rental properties.
Supportive Living open
The Supportive Living program at Salem Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Salem. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is applying at Salem Housing Authority free?
How long is the wait at Salem Housing Authority?
Can I apply to other housing authorities while on this waitlist?
How do I contact Salem Housing Authority?
What are the income limits for Salem Housing Authority?
Salem Housing Authority Income Limits
Income limits for programs at the Salem Housing Authority are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for Lawrence, MA-NH HUD Metro FMR Area. For a household of four, the current limit for Section 8 eligibility (Very Low Income) is $70,650. 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 | $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 |
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 Salem Housing Authority — including across state lines.