Westerly, RI

Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Westerly, Rhode Island

There is 1 open waiting list in the Westerly area right now. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 1 housing authority serving Westerly, 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 Westerly, 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.

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Open Now
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Closed

Affordable Housing in Westerly, Rhode Island

Westerly, Rhode Island is served by 1 housing authority offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Right now, 1 waiting list is accepting applications in the Westerly area. There are also 111 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.

Housing programs available in Westerly include Public Housing, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV). Of these, the following currently have open waitlists: Public Housing (1 open).

Latest Opening

Town of Westerly Housing Authority opened its Public Housing waitlist on May 13, 2021.

About Housing in Westerly, Rhode Island

Westerly, Rhode Island provides affordable housing resources primarily through the Town of Westerly Housing Authority. For individuals and families seeking housing assistance, it's helpful to understand the current status of programs in the area. Presently, one waiting list is open for affordable housing in Westerly, while another is closed. The Town of Westerly Housing Authority currently has an open waiting list for its Public Housing program. The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program does not currently have an open waiting list through this authority.

There are approximately 321 assisted housing units available in the Westerly area. Eligibility for these programs is based on income, among other factors. For instance, the Very Low Income limit for a family of four in the Westerly-Hopkinton-New Shoreham, RI HUD Metro FMR Area is $61,850 per year for FY2025. Rhode Island Housing serves as the state housing agency, providing statewide resources and information. Applicants should always verify specific income requirements and application procedures directly with the Town of Westerly Housing Authority and check for updates regularly.

How to Apply for Section 8 in Westerly

To apply for housing assistance in Westerly, Rhode Island, submit an application directly to Town of Westerly Housing Authority, the housing authority serving this area. Right now, 1 waiting list is 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 $61,850/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 Westerly include Public Housing, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV). 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).

Westerly, Rhode Island Section 8 Income Limits

To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Westerly, Rhode Island, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the Westerly-Hopkinton-New Shoreham, RI HUD Metro FMR Area area. A family of four must earn less than $61,850 per year (Very Low Income) to be eligible for most programs. The area median family income is $123,700.

Household Size Extremely Low
30% AMI
Very Low
50% AMI
Low Income
80% AMI
1 Person $26,000 $43,300 $69,300
2 Persons $29,700 $49,500 $79,200
3 Persons $33,400 $55,700 $89,100
4 Persons $37,100 $61,850 $98,950
5 Persons $40,100 $66,800 $106,900
6 Persons $43,150 $71,750 $114,800
7 Persons $48,650 $76,700 $122,700
8 Persons $54,150 $81,650 $130,650
Source: HUD FY 2025 Income Limits Area Median Income: $123,700 Effective April 1, 2025
How do income limits affect my eligibility?

Housing authorities in Westerly 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there open Section 8 waiting lists in Westerly?
Yes — there are currently 1 open waiting list in Westerly, Rhode Island. Click into any housing authority above marked "Open" for application details and official portal links.
Can I apply for Section 8 in Westerly if I don't live there?
In most cases, yes. While some PHAs give preference to local residents, there is no federal rule requiring you to live in a city to apply for its waiting list. Many applicants apply to housing authorities in multiple cities and states simultaneously to increase their chances of receiving assistance.
How long is the wait for Section 8 in Westerly?
Wait times vary depending on demand, funding, and your priority status. National averages range from 6 months to 5+ years. Westerly wait times depend on the specific housing authority and program type. Contact the PHA directly for current estimates, and consider applying to multiple PHAs to improve your chances.
All housing authorities in Rhode Island