Worcester Housing Authority
Worcester, Massachusetts
Last Updated
3 hours ago
About Worcester Housing Authority
Worcester Housing Authority (HUD agency code MA012) is the public housing agency serving Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts. It administers 2,508 public housing units and 3,700 Housing Choice Vouchers.
Section 8 Waitlist tracks 18 waiting lists at this agency, covering AHVP, MRVP, Other, Senior, HCV, PBV, Public Housing. As of Feb 12, 2026, 11 are open and 5 are closed. Status is unconfirmed for 2 further lists.
Income eligibility is set by HUD for the Worcester, MA HUD Metro FMR Area. A four-person household qualifies as Very Low Income at or below $62,350 per year, and as Low Income at or below $99,750 (HUD FY2025 limits). Most waiting lists at this agency apply the Very Low Income threshold.
Section 8 Waitlist has recorded 33 status changes at this agency, most recently on May 18, 2026. Always confirm current status with the agency directly before applying.
Alternative Housing Voucher Program (AHVP) Waitlist
Mobile
Status
open
How to Apply
Online (CHAMP)
Additional Notes
This waitlist is managed through the Common Housing Application for Massachusetts (CHAMP).
State Alternative Housing Voucher - Mobile
Status
open
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
Waiting list is ALL OPEN as of February 1, 2026, through the CHAMP (Common Housing Application for Massachusetts). Preferences and income limits apply.
State Alternative Housing Voucher Mobile
Status
open
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
Applications for this program are submitted through CHAMP (Common Housing Application for Massachusetts Public Housing). Status as of February 1, 2026, indicated 'ALL OPEN - CHAMP'. Preferences and priorities apply.
Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP) Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
Administered by WHA as part of State & Federal Leased Housing Programs. General preferences apply.
Other Programs Waitlist
Federal Wheelchair
Status
open
Additional Notes
Waiting list is currently open as of February 1, 2026, but some bedroom sizes may be closed
Rental Voucher (State)
Status
open
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
State Mass Rental Voucher (Project Based) waiting lists are all open through CHAMP (Common Housing Application for Massachusetts Public Housing).
State Mass Rental Voucher (Mobile)
Status
open
How to Apply
Online (CHAMP)
Additional Notes
This waitlist is managed through the Common Housing Application for Massachusetts (CHAMP).
State Mass Rental Voucher - Mobile
Status
open
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
Waiting list is ALL OPEN as of February 1, 2026, through the CHAMP (Common Housing Application for Massachusetts). Preferences and income limits apply.
State Mass Rental Voucher Mobile
Status
open
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
Applications for this program are submitted through CHAMP (Common Housing Application for Massachusetts Public Housing). Status as of February 1, 2026, indicated 'ALL OPEN - CHAMP'. Preferences and priorities apply.
Senior Housing Waitlist
Federal Mixed Elderly/Handicapped
Status
open
Additional Notes
Waiting list is currently open as of February 1, 2026, but some bedroom sizes may be closed
State Family, Elderly/Handicapped
Status
open
Additional Notes
Waiting list is currently open as of February 1, 2026, but some bedroom sizes may be closed
Other Programs
6 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.
The website indicates that the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) waitlist is closed.
Additional programs administered by this housing authority that do not fall under a standard federal voucher or public housing category.
The website indicates that the Project-Based Voucher (PBV) waitlist is closed.
The website indicates that the Public Housing waitlist is closed.
Waiting list is currently closed as of February 1, 2026
Status of Mass Rental Voucher Program waiting list is not explicitly stated as open or closed in the provided information, but applications are processed via CHAMP or by mail.
The Worcester Housing Authority refers to applying for state public housing and Mass Rental Voucher programs online on CHAMP, but specific open/close dates for WHA's administration of these programs are not provided.
Status History
Official Application
Apply directly through the official Worcester Housing Authority 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 Worcester Housing Authority
Check Current Status
Worcester Housing Authority currently has 11 open waiting lists (Alternative Housing Voucher Program (AHVP), Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP), Other Programs, Senior Housing). Application windows can close with little notice, so apply as soon as possible.
Gather Required Documents
For Section 8 voucher programs at Worcester 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 $62,350/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 Worcester Housing Authority portal. Applications are free — never pay to apply.
After You Apply
Once accepted onto the waiting list at Worcester Housing Authority, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. Worcester Housing Authority manages approximately 6,208 assisted housing units (3,700 Section 8, 2,508 Public Housing), and wait times depend on turnover and demand in Worcester. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.
Programs at Worcester Housing Authority
AHVP Alternative Housing Voucher Program (AHVP) open
The Alternative Housing Voucher Program (AHVP) program at Worcester Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Worcester. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
MRVP Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP) open
The Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP) program at Worcester Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Worcester. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Other Other Programs open
The Other Programs program at Worcester Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Worcester. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Senior Senior Housing open
The Senior Housing program at Worcester Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Worcester. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
HCV Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) closed
The Housing Choice Voucher program at Worcester 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 Worcester. This program serves approximately 3,700 households. Vouchers are portable — you can take them with you if you move to a different city or state.
PBV Project-Based Voucher (PBV) closed
Project-Based Vouchers at Worcester Housing Authority are attached to specific apartment complexes or units in Worcester. 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.
Public Housing Public Housing closed
Public Housing units at Worcester Housing Authority are owned and operated directly by the housing authority. Rent is set at 30% of your adjusted monthly income. Worcester Housing Authority manages approximately 2,508 Public Housing units in Worcester. You may request a transfer to other Public Housing developments but cannot use this benefit at private rental properties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is applying at Worcester Housing Authority free?
How long is the wait at Worcester Housing Authority?
Can I apply to other housing authorities while on this waitlist?
How do I contact Worcester Housing Authority?
What are the income limits for Worcester Housing Authority?
Worcester Housing Authority Income Limits
Income limits for programs at the Worcester Housing Authority are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for Worcester, MA HUD Metro FMR Area. For a household of four, the current limit for Section 8 eligibility (Very Low Income) is $62,350. 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 | $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 |
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 Worcester Housing Authority — including across state lines.