Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Worcester, Massachusetts
There are 17 open waiting lists in the Worcester area right now. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 2 housing authorities serving Worcester, 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 Worcester, 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 Worcester, Massachusetts
Worcester, Massachusetts is served by 2 housing authorities offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Right now, 17 waiting lists are accepting applications in the Worcester area. There are also 440 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.
Housing programs available in Worcester include Public Housing, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Mainstream, RAD. Of these, the following currently have open waitlists: Public Housing (2 open), PBV (2 open), HCV (1 open).
Latest Opening
Worcester Housing Authority opened its PBV waitlist on Jan 1, 2026.
About Housing in Worcester, Massachusetts
Worcester, Massachusetts offers various affordable housing options managed by two primary housing authorities: the Worcester Housing Authority and The Bridge of Central Massachusetts. Residents seeking assistance can explore a diverse range of programs. Currently, there are 16 waiting lists open for applications, while 6 are closed.
Available programs include Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), and Public Housing. State-level programs such as the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP) and various State Alternative Housing Vouchers (Mobile) are also offered. Other specialized programs like Federal Mixed Elderly/Handicapped and Federal Wheelchair accessible units are sometimes available. The state housing agency overseeing many of these initiatives is the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD). The Worcester area has approximately 6,341 assisted housing units.
To be eligible for many programs, applicants must meet specific income requirements. For instance, the Very Low Income limit for a family of four in the Worcester, MA HUD Metro FMR Area for FY2025 is $62,350 annually. It is advisable to carefully review the requirements for each program and apply to all relevant open waiting lists to maximize your opportunities.
Housing Authorities in Worcester
The Bridge of Central Massachusetts
Worcester, Massachusetts · MA188
Worcester Housing Authority
Worcester, Massachusetts · MA012
How to Apply for Section 8 in Worcester
To apply for housing assistance in Worcester, Massachusetts, submit an application directly to one of the 2 housing authorities serving the Worcester area (listed above). Right now, 17 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 $62,350/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 Worcester include Public Housing, other, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Other (State Mass Rental Voucher - Mobile), Other (State Mass Rental Voucher Mobile), State Alternative Housing Voucher (Mobile), State Mass Rental Voucher (Mobile), Federal Mixed Elderly/Handicapped, Federal Wheelchair, State Family, Elderly/Handicapped, Rental Voucher (State), Other (State Alternative Housing Voucher Mobile), MRVP, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Other (State Alternative Housing Voucher - Mobile), Emergency Solution Grant, BSAS SOR Rapid Rehousing, Federal Elderly Only, A Place to Live, RAD, Other, Permanent Supportive Housing, Justice-Focused Housing and Support, Mainstream, Other Housing Programs. 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).
Worcester, Massachusetts Section 8 Income Limits
To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Worcester, Massachusetts, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the Worcester, MA HUD Metro FMR Area area. A family of four must earn less than $62,350 per year (Very Low Income) to be eligible for most programs. The area median family income is $122,200.
| Household Size | Extremely Low 30% AMI |
Very Low 50% AMI |
Low Income 80% AMI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $26,200 | $43,650 | $69,850 |
| 2 Persons | $29,950 | $49,900 | $79,800 |
| 3 Persons | $33,700 | $56,150 | $89,800 |
| 4 Persons | $37,400 | $62,350 | $99,750 |
| 5 Persons | $40,400 | $67,350 | $107,750 |
| 6 Persons | $43,400 | $72,350 | $115,750 |
| 7 Persons | $48,650 | $77,350 | $123,700 |
| 8 Persons | $54,150 | $82,350 | $131,700 |
How do income limits affect my eligibility?
Housing authorities in Worcester 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 Worcester and have active housing programs.