Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8)

Boston Housing Authority

Waitlist Rental Assistance

About This Program

Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8) is available to renters in Boston, MA.

The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) program provides rental assistance to eligible low-income families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities. The Boston Housing Authority administers the program locally. Voucher holders pay approximately 30% of their adjusted gross income toward rent, with the voucher covering the remainder up to the payment standard.

Tenant pays ~30% of income; voucher covers the rest up to Fair Market Rent

Official source site checked live on 2026-06-22.

Data last verified 2026-04-03. How we verify our data.

In Boston, MA, you can combine this program with other local help to cut your cost:

Key Details

  • Covers difference between 30% of income and Fair Market Rent
  • Waitlist may be long, apply when open
  • Can be used at any qualifying rental property

How to Apply

Get free help applying Visit Official Program Page Track this program

(617) 988-4000

A grant-savvy contractor in Boston, MA can handle the paperwork, inspections, and timelines so your funding releases on schedule. Getting matched is free.

Your application paperwork

The Housing Choice Voucher program (Section 8) is federal rental assistance run locally by the Housing Authority of the City of Austin (HACA), where qualifying renters pay about 30 to 40 percent of their income toward rent and the voucher covers the rest. It helps people rent housing, so it is not a home improvement grant for homeowners, and you apply through HACA when its waitlist is open (it is currently closed).

Steps to apply

  1. Confirm the program fits your need: this is rental assistance for tenants, not a grant for repairing a home you own.
  2. Watch the official HACA prospective-resident page for the waitlist to reopen, since HACA says its own website is the only accurate source for how to apply.
  3. When the waitlist opens, complete HACA's free online pre-application during the open window (HACA last opened the list briefly in September 2018).
  4. Provide household and income information as requested, and later check your waiting list number through HACA after applying.
  5. Never pay a fee or use a third party site, because HACA never charges to apply and warns that any site claiming to take pre-applications on its behalf is fraudulent.
Get the official form

Documents you will likely need

  • Government issued photo ID for the head of household
  • Social Security numbers or documents for all household members
  • Proof of income for everyone in the household (pay stubs, benefit letters)
  • Proof of current address and household size
  • Immigration or citizenship documentation as requested by HACA
Download this checklist (PDF)

Requirements vary by program and locality. Confirm the exact rules on the official program page. We can help you prepare your paperwork, but you submit it yourself.

Deadline: Waitlist, check for open enrollment periods

Questions about this program?

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Frequently asked questions

Who qualifies for Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8) in Boston?

Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8) is open to renters in Boston, MA.

How do I apply for Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8) in Boston, MA?

Apply directly with Boston Housing Authority using the official program link on this page or call (617) 988-4000. There is no middleman and no fee.

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