Hanssen
Ware, Massachusetts
Last Updated
2 hours ago
About Hanssen
Hanssen (HUD agency code MA088) is the public housing agency serving Ware, Hampshire County, Massachusetts. It administers 103 Housing Choice Vouchers.
Section 8 Waitlist tracks 6 waiting lists at this agency, covering HCV, Other, Public Housing, Senior. As of Feb 9, 2026, 4 are open. Status is unconfirmed for 2 further lists.
Income eligibility is set by HUD for the Amherst Town-Northampton, MA MSA. A four-person household qualifies as Very Low Income at or below $59,800 per year, and as Low Income at or below $95,650 (HUD FY2025 limits). Most waiting lists at this agency apply the Very Low Income threshold.
Section 8 Waitlist has recorded 5 status changes at this agency, most recently on Feb 23, 2026. Always confirm current status with the agency directly before applying.
Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
Applications can be made to the centralized wait list for Section 8.
Other Programs Waitlist
Chapter 705 family housing
Status
open
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
Applications are available outside the office at 20 Valley View, Ware, or online at mass.gov/dhcd. Open to the elderly, disabled and low-income families. Preferences may include: veteran, displaced by government action, working/disabled, and victim of domestic violence.
Public Housing Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
Applications are available outside the office at 20 Valley View, Ware, or online at mass.gov/dhcd. Programs include Chapter 667 Housing for elderly and disabled (86 units as of 04/30/22) and Chapter 705 family housing (25 units as of 04/30/22).
Senior Housing Waitlist
Chapter 667 Housing for elderly and disabled
Status
open
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
Applications are available outside the office at 20 Valley View, Ware, or online at mass.gov/dhcd. Open to the elderly, disabled and low-income families. Preferences may include: veteran, displaced by government action, working/disabled, and victim of domestic violence.
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.
Applications are available outside the office at 20 Valley View, Ware. This program is for elderly and disabled.
Applications are available outside the office at 20 Valley View, Ware. This program is for family housing.
Status History
Official Application
Apply directly through the official Hanssen 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
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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 Hanssen
Check Current Status
Hanssen currently has 4 open waiting lists (Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV), Other Programs, Public Housing, Senior Housing). Application windows can close with little notice, so apply as soon as possible.
Gather Required Documents
For Section 8 voucher programs at Hanssen, 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 $59,800/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 Hanssen portal. Applications are free — never pay to apply.
After You Apply
Once accepted onto the waiting list at Hanssen, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. Hanssen manages approximately 103 assisted housing units (103 Section 8), and wait times depend on turnover and demand in Ware. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.
Programs at Hanssen
HCV Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) open
The Housing Choice Voucher program at Hanssen 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 Ware. This program serves approximately 103 households. Vouchers are portable — you can take them with you if you move to a different city or state.
Other Other Programs open
The Other Programs program at Hanssen provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Ware. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Public Housing Public Housing open
Public Housing units at Hanssen are owned and operated directly by the housing authority. Rent is set at 30% of your adjusted monthly income. You may request a transfer to other Public Housing developments but cannot use this benefit at private rental properties.
Senior Senior Housing open
The Senior Housing program at Hanssen provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Ware. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is applying at Hanssen free?
How long is the wait at Hanssen?
Can I apply to other housing authorities while on this waitlist?
How do I contact Hanssen?
What are the income limits for Hanssen?
Hanssen Income Limits
Income limits for programs at the Hanssen are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for Amherst Town-Northampton, MA MSA. For a household of four, the current limit for Section 8 eligibility (Very Low Income) is $59,800. 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 | $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 |
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 Hanssen — including across state lines.