Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Somerville, Massachusetts
There are 7 open waiting lists in the Somerville area right now. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 1 housing authority serving Somerville, 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 Somerville, 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 Somerville, Massachusetts
Somerville, Massachusetts is served by 1 housing authority offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Right now, 7 waiting lists are accepting applications in the Somerville area. There are also 419 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.
Housing programs available in Somerville include Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Mainstream, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Public Housing. Of these, the following currently have open waitlists: HCV (1 open), Mainstream (1 open), PBV (1 open), Public Housing (1 open).
Latest Opening
Somerville Housing Authority opened its Inclusionary Housing Program waitlist on Feb 2, 2026. Applications close Mar 2, 2026 — apply early.
About Housing in Somerville, Massachusetts
For those seeking affordable housing in Somerville, Massachusetts, the primary agency serving the area is the Somerville Housing Authority. This authority, along with other local programs, currently offers opportunities across seven open waiting lists. These programs aim to assist various individuals and families in securing stable housing within the city.
Currently, seven distinct waiting lists are open for new applications through the Somerville Housing Authority and other programs. These include Elderly/Disabled Housing, Housing Choice Voucher (HCV), Inclusionary Housing Program, Mainstream, Project-Based Voucher (PBV), Public Housing, and Single Room Occupancy (SRO) housing. With approximately 1,939 assisted housing units in the area, these programs contribute to the city's housing resources.
Understanding income limits is crucial when applying. For instance, the Very Low Income limit for a family of four in the Boston-Cambridge-Quincy HUD Metro FMR Area for FY2025 is $82,700 per year. Eligibility for these programs is determined by household size, income, and other specific requirements. The Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) oversees state-level housing initiatives and can provide further information on broader state programs.
How to Apply for Section 8 in Somerville
To apply for housing assistance in Somerville, Massachusetts, submit an application directly to Somerville Housing Authority, the housing authority serving this area. Right now, 7 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 Somerville include Inclusionary Housing Program, Elderly/Disabled Housing, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Mainstream, SRO, Public Housing, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Inclusionary 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).
Somerville, Massachusetts Section 8 Income Limits
To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Somerville, 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 |
How do income limits affect my eligibility?
Housing authorities in Somerville 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 Somerville and have active housing programs.