Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Winchester, Massachusetts
There are 4 open waiting lists in the Winchester area right now. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 1 housing authority serving Winchester, 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 Winchester, 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 Winchester, Massachusetts
Winchester, Massachusetts is served by 1 housing authority offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Right now, 4 waiting lists are accepting applications in the Winchester area. There are also 421 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.
Housing programs available in Winchester include Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Public Housing. Of these, the following currently have open waitlists: HCV (1 open), Public Housing (1 open).
Latest Opening
Winchester Housing Authority opened its HCV waitlist on Jan 6, 2003.
About Housing in Winchester, Massachusetts
Affordable housing assistance in Winchester, Massachusetts is primarily managed by the Winchester Housing Authority, which serves residents seeking support. The area currently has approximately 147 assisted housing units. There are four housing waitlists actively open for applications, providing various opportunities for eligible individuals and families.
Current programs with open waiting lists include the AHVP (Alternative Housing Voucher Program), the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program, Public Housing, and an "Other" program type. Eligibility for these programs typically involves income requirements. For example, a very low-income family of four in the Boston-Cambridge-Quincy, MA-NH HUD Metro FMR Area must not exceed an annual income of $82,700 for FY2025 to qualify. The Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) oversees state housing initiatives.
Prospective applicants should contact the Winchester Housing Authority directly for comprehensive information regarding specific eligibility criteria, application procedures, and current availability for these open programs. Applying to all programs for which you are eligible can increase your chances of receiving housing assistance.
How to Apply for Section 8 in Winchester
To apply for housing assistance in Winchester, Massachusetts, submit an application directly to Winchester Housing Authority, the housing authority serving this area. Right now, 4 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 Winchester include Other, Public Housing, AHVP, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), State Family Housing, State Elderly Housing, FSS. 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).
Winchester, Massachusetts Section 8 Income Limits
To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Winchester, 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 Winchester 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 Winchester and have active housing programs.