Last Updated
21 hours ago
About Watertown Housing Authority
The Watertown Housing Authority (PHA Code: MA093) serves Watertown, Middlesex County, Massachusetts. This agency administers housing assistance programs, including approximately 220 Housing Choice Vouchers, which help eligible families afford housing in the private market.
Currently, the Watertown Housing Authority is accepting applications for its Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program and its Public Housing program. The Project-Based Voucher (PBV) program is closed to new applicants, and the status of the VASH program is not known at this time.
Eligibility for these programs is based on income and other criteria. For example, a family of four seeking Very Low Income assistance in the Boston-Cambridge-Quincy, MA-NH HUD Metro FMR Area must have an annual income of $82,700 or less. Applicants should verify specific income limits and program requirements when applying.
Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Waitlist
Status
open
Open Date
Jan 6, 2003
How to Apply
Online, Mail, Phone
Additional Notes
Watertown Housing Authority participates in the Massachusetts NAHRO Centralized Section 8 Waiting List. The wait time is approximately 10-12 years. HUD-VASH vouchers are available for homeless veterans.
Public Housing Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Online, Phone
Additional Notes
Waitlist is open for 1BR units; applicants must be 62+ or disabled. Preferences exist for homelessness due to natural disaster, public action, medical emergency, or abusive situations.
Other Programs
2 programsThese 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.
This waitlist was for Senior Section 8 Project-Based Voucher rental assistance at St. Joseph's Hall.
Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing combines HUD rental assistance with VA supportive services for homeless veterans. Participants receive a housing voucher along with case management, health care, and mental health services through the VA.
Status History
Official Application
Apply directly through the official Watertown 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 Watertown Housing Authority
Check Current Status
Watertown Housing Authority currently has 2 open waiting lists (HCV, Public Housing). Application windows can close with little notice, so apply as soon as possible.
Gather Required Documents
For Section 8 voucher programs at Watertown 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 Watertown 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 Watertown Housing Authority, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. Watertown Housing Authority manages approximately 220 assisted housing units (220 Section 8), and wait times depend on turnover and demand in Watertown. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.
Programs at Watertown Housing Authority
HCV Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) open
The Housing Choice Voucher program at Watertown 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 Watertown. This program serves approximately 220 households. Vouchers are portable — you can take them with you if you move to a different city or state.
Public Housing Public Housing open
Public Housing units at Watertown Housing Authority 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.
PBV Project-Based Voucher closed
Project-Based Vouchers at Watertown Housing Authority are attached to specific apartment complexes or units in Watertown. 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.
VASH Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing closed
The HUD-VASH program at Watertown Housing Authority combines Housing Choice Vouchers with VA supportive services for homeless veterans in Watertown. Referrals are made through the local VA Medical Center — contact the VA to begin the application process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is applying at Watertown Housing Authority free?
How long is the wait at Watertown Housing Authority?
Can I apply to other housing authorities while on this waitlist?
How do I contact Watertown Housing Authority?
What are the income limits for Watertown Housing Authority?
Watertown Housing Authority Income Limits
Income limits for programs at the Watertown 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 Watertown Housing Authority — including across state lines.