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Section 8 Housing
for residents of Massachusetts
- an overview -
Section 8 housing is a federal assistance program that helps low-income Massachusetts residents pay for their housing. Section 8 rental vouchers help Massachusetts tenants pay their rent; Section 8 homeownership assistance helps pay mortgage loans; and project-based Section 8 subsidies help keep rents low in specific private housing developments in Massachusetts. Section 8 is also called the Housing Choice Voucher Program.
Section 8 Tenant-Based Vouchers
With a Section 8 tenant-based voucher, a family may choose its own apartment. The apartment must be safe and clean, and the rent must be reasonable. Families usually pay 30% of their income for rent, and the Section 8 program pays the rest. If the family moves, they may use their voucher for a different apartment.
Section 8 Project-Based Affordable Housing
With project-based Section 8 affordable housing, a family must live in a specific Section 8 subsidized housing unit. These subsidized housing units are privately owned, but the owners get help from the government in return for low rents. Families usually pay 30% of their income for rent, and Section 8 pays the rest. If the family moves, the next family that rents that apartment gets the reduced rent.
Section 8 Homeownership Vouchers
A family that has had a Section 8 rental voucher for at least a year and decides to buy their own home may be allowed to use their voucher to help pay for the mortgage. To qualify, the family must be a first-time homebuyer and must buy a house that meets the Section 8 program standards.
Rental Assistance Eligibility Check
The Rental Assistance Eligibility Check is an easy way for you to find out if you are likely to qualify for Section 8 tenant-based vouchers, by answering questions about your family, your income, and your expenses. You will see the results of the eligibility check right away, on your computer screen.