Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Bristol, Rhode Island
All waiting lists in Bristol are currently closed. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 1 housing authority serving Bristol, Rhode Island 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 Bristol, 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 Bristol, Rhode Island
Bristol, Rhode Island is served by 1 housing authority offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Currently, all waitlists in Bristol are closed. Openings can happen with as little as 48 hours notice, so monitoring is critical. There are also 274 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.
Housing programs available in Bristol include Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Public Housing.
Open Lists Nearby
While no waitlists are open in Bristol right now, there are 274 open lists within 50 miles. Most housing authorities accept applications from non-residents, so applying in neighboring cities is a practical strategy. Scroll down to "Nearby Cities" below for options.
About Housing in Bristol, Rhode Island
Seeking affordable housing assistance in Bristol, Rhode Island involves understanding the local resources. The Bristol Housing Authority (BHA) is the primary agency serving this area. Currently, all 2 housing waitlists managed by the BHA are closed. These include programs for Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV) and Public Housing, each with one closed list. There are approximately 494 assisted housing units available in the Bristol area.
Eligibility for these programs depends on income and family size. For instance, a family of four in the Providence-Fall River, RI-MA HUD Metro FMR Area is considered Very Low Income if their annual household income is at or below $57,150, based on FY2025 limits. The state housing agency, Rhode Island Housing, also contributes to statewide housing efforts.
Since waitlists are currently closed, prospective applicants should regularly check for updates directly with the Bristol Housing Authority. Information on when waitlists might reopen is typically announced by the housing authority itself. Being prepared with necessary documentation can help expedite the application process once lists become available again.
Housing Authorities in Bristol
How to Apply for Section 8 in Bristol
To apply for housing assistance in Bristol, Rhode Island, submit an application directly to Bristol Housing Authority, the housing authority serving this area. All waitlists are currently closed, but openings happen with as little as 48 hours 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 $57,150/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 Bristol include Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Public Housing. 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).
Bristol, Rhode Island Section 8 Income Limits
To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Bristol, Rhode Island, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the Providence-Fall River, RI-MA HUD Metro FMR Area area. A family of four must earn less than $57,150 per year (Very Low Income) to be eligible for most programs. The area median family income is $114,300.
| Household Size | Extremely Low 30% AMI |
Very Low 50% AMI |
Low Income 80% AMI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $24,050 | $40,050 | $64,050 |
| 2 Persons | $27,450 | $45,750 | $73,200 |
| 3 Persons | $30,900 | $51,450 | $82,350 |
| 4 Persons | $34,300 | $57,150 | $91,450 |
| 5 Persons | $37,650 | $61,750 | $98,800 |
| 6 Persons | $43,150 | $66,300 | $106,100 |
| 7 Persons | $48,650 | $70,900 | $113,400 |
| 8 Persons | $54,150 | $75,450 | $120,750 |
How do income limits affect my eligibility?
Housing authorities in Bristol 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 Bristol and have active housing programs.