Last Updated
21 hours ago
About Wakefield Housing Authority
The Wakefield Housing Authority (PHA Code: MA074) provides housing assistance in Wakefield, Middlesex County, Massachusetts. This authority manages approximately 418 assisted housing units, comprising 378 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV) and 40 Public Housing units. While the Public Housing program waitlist is currently open for applications, the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program waitlist is closed.
Applicants for Public Housing should note that the Very Low Income limit for a family of four in the Boston-Cambridge-Quincy, MA-NH HUD Metro FMR Area is $82,700 per year. Eligibility for assistance is based on income, family size, and other criteria established by HUD and the housing authority. Interested parties should contact the Wakefield Housing Authority directly for application details and specific program requirements.
Public Housing Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
State-aided housing applicants must meet state income limits; Harts Hill requires applicants to be 60+ or disabled. Local and veteran preferences apply for state housing; federal housing requires applicants to be 62+ or disabled and meet federal income limits. Specific property applications for Crystal View, Lincoln School House, Hart's Hill Heights, and Congregate Housing are available.
Other Programs
1 programThese programs are administered by this housing authority but do not have active waitlist openings at this time. Statuses are verified nightly and subscribers will be notified when changes are detected.
The WHA has paused issuing new Section 8 vouchers due to funding. Applicants that work or reside in Wakefield have a priority on the waiting list. Currently there is approximately a five year wait for people with a local preference.
Status History
Official Application
Apply directly through the official Wakefield 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 Wakefield Housing Authority
Check Current Status
Wakefield Housing Authority currently has 1 open waiting list (Public Housing). Application windows can close with little notice, so apply as soon as possible.
Gather Required Documents
For Section 8 voucher programs at Wakefield 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 $82,700/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 Wakefield 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 Wakefield Housing Authority, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. Wakefield Housing Authority manages approximately 418 assisted housing units (378 Section 8, 40 Public Housing), and wait times depend on turnover and demand in Wakefield. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.
Programs at Wakefield Housing Authority
Public Housing Public Housing open
Public Housing units at Wakefield Housing Authority are owned and operated directly by the housing authority. Rent is set at 30% of your adjusted monthly income. Wakefield Housing Authority manages approximately 40 Public Housing units in Wakefield. You may request a transfer to other Public Housing developments but cannot use this benefit at private rental properties.
HCV Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) closed
The Housing Choice Voucher program at Wakefield 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 Wakefield. This program serves approximately 378 households. Vouchers are portable — you can take them with you if you move to a different city or state.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is applying at Wakefield Housing Authority free?
How long is the wait at Wakefield Housing Authority?
Can I apply to other housing authorities while on this waitlist?
How do I contact Wakefield Housing Authority?
What are the income limits for Wakefield Housing Authority?
Wakefield Housing Authority Income Limits
Income limits for programs at the Wakefield Housing Authority are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for Boston-Cambridge-Quincy, MA-NH HUD Metro FMR Area. For a household of four, the current limit for Section 8 eligibility (Very Low Income) is $82,700. 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 | $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 |
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 Wakefield Housing Authority — including across state lines.