Somersworth Housing Authority
Somersworth, New Hampshire
Last Updated
20 hours ago
About Somersworth Housing Authority
Somersworth Housing Authority (PHA Code: NH006) serves residents in Somersworth, Strafford County, New Hampshire, by providing essential assisted housing programs. The authority oversees the management of approximately 356 assisted housing units, which specifically include 356 Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers.
Applicants interested in housing assistance will find that several programs are currently open. These include Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), which provide rental assistance tied to specific units, and the Public Housing program, which recently changed from closed to open. The Rental Assistance and Rental Assistance - 3-Bedroom programs are also accepting applications, alongside the RAD (Rental Assistance Demonstration) program. For a family of four, the Very Low Income limit for the Portsmouth-Rochester, NH HUD Metro FMR Area is $70,250 annually. These programs aim to help eligible households secure affordable housing.
Project-Based Voucher (PBV) Waitlist
Status
open
Open Date
Jul 17, 2024
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
Applicants are placed on the waiting list by date and time the application is received. Income limits apply; specific preferences are not confirmed.
Public Housing Waitlist
Status
open
Open Date
May 1, 2025
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
Applicants are placed on the waiting list by date and time the application is received; income limits apply. Priority may be given to families with children, elderly applicants, and disabled individuals, and required documents include birth certificates, social security cards, and picture IDs.
View original notice — somersworthhousing.orgRental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) Waitlist
Status
open
Open Date
May 1, 2025
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
The waiting lists reopened on May 1, 2025, for 1, 2, and 4-bedroom units, with applicants placed by date and time received; income limits apply, and families with children, elderly, and disabled individuals may receive priority placement.
Rental Assistance Waitlist
Status
open
Open Date
Jul 17, 2024
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
Accepting applications for 3-Bedroom apartments. Applicants are placed on the waiting list by date and time the application is received.
Rental Assistance - 3-Bedroom Waitlist
Status
open
Open Date
Jul 17, 2024
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
The Somersworth Housing Authority is accepting waiting list applications for 3-Bedroom apartments. Applications can be submitted in person at the SHA Central Office, by mail, fax, or by dropping off documents.
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.
The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program waiting list is currently closed and not scheduled to open anytime soon.
Status History
Official Application
Apply directly through the official Somersworth 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 Somersworth Housing Authority
Check Current Status
Somersworth Housing Authority currently has 5 open waiting lists (PBV, Public Housing, RAD, Rental Assistance, Rental Assistance - 3-Bedroom). Application windows can close with little notice, so apply as soon as possible.
Gather Required Documents
For Section 8 voucher programs at Somersworth 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 $70,250/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 Somersworth 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 Somersworth Housing Authority, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. Somersworth Housing Authority manages approximately 356 assisted housing units (356 Section 8), and wait times depend on turnover and demand in Somersworth. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.
Programs at Somersworth Housing Authority
PBV Project-Based Voucher open
Project-Based Vouchers at Somersworth Housing Authority are attached to specific apartment complexes or units in Somersworth. 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 open
Public Housing units at Somersworth 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.
RAD Rental Assistance Demonstration open
The Rental Assistance Demonstration program at Somersworth Housing Authority converts Public Housing units to project-based assistance with long-term contracts. RAD units in Somersworth maintain the same resident protections as Public Housing while enabling capital improvements to the properties.
Rental Assistance open
The Rental Assistance program at Somersworth Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Somersworth. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Rental Assistance - 3-Bedroom open
The Rental Assistance - 3-Bedroom program at Somersworth Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Somersworth. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
HCV Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) closed
The Housing Choice Voucher program at Somersworth 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 Somersworth. This program serves approximately 356 households. Vouchers are portable — you can take them with you if you move to a different city or state.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is applying at Somersworth Housing Authority free?
How long is the wait at Somersworth Housing Authority?
Can I apply to other housing authorities while on this waitlist?
How do I contact Somersworth Housing Authority?
What are the income limits for Somersworth Housing Authority?
Somersworth Housing Authority Income Limits
Income limits for programs at the Somersworth Housing Authority are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for Portsmouth-Rochester, NH HUD Metro FMR Area. For a household of four, the current limit for Section 8 eligibility (Very Low Income) is $70,250. 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 | $29,550 | $49,200 | $72,950 |
| 2 Persons | $33,750 | $56,200 | $83,400 |
| 3 Persons | $37,950 | $63,250 | $93,800 |
| 4 Persons | $42,150 | $70,250 | $104,200 |
| 5 Persons | $45,550 | $75,900 | $112,550 |
| 6 Persons | $48,900 | $81,500 | $120,900 |
| 7 Persons | $52,300 | $87,150 | $129,250 |
| 8 Persons | $55,650 | $92,750 | $137,550 |
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 Somersworth Housing Authority — including across state lines.