How to Apply for Subsidized Housing in Boston

Boston residents may qualify for one of six subsidized housing programs in the city.

In the city of Boston, the Boston Housing Authority (BHA) provides 60 subsidized housing developments with funding assistance from both the state and federal governments. To qualify for a subsidized home in Boston, applicants must be able to prove low-income status, disability or senior status, which in Boston is considered to be age 60 or older. The types of subsidized housing include wheelchair accessible, family, senior or grandparent housing, and tenant- or rehabilitation-based Section 8 housing.

Instructions

1. Determine your eligibility for one or more of the BHA's six subsidized housing programs. A list of each program's eligibility requirements, including income level charts, is available online.

2. Apply online at BHA's website to one or more of the six subsidized housing programs. Applications can be filled out electronically and submitted directly to the BHA. If your application is accepted, you will receive a "notice of preliminary eligibility" within four to six weeks.

3. To check the status of your subsidized housing application, call the BHA at 617-988-4200, or 800-545-1833, ext. 420, if you are hearing impaired. Applicants may also check their status with BHA's online submittal form.

Tips & Warnings

• When you receive your "notice of preliminary eligibility" in the mail, make sure to write down your client control number, which will be required throughout the application process. If you are accepted into the program, you will have to undergo a personal interview and will be required to bring in personal documents such as proof of income, citizenship and other eligibility requirements, as needed.

References

• Boston Housing: Housing Services
• Boston Housing: Apply for BHA Housing
• Boston Housing: What's Next

Resources

• Boston Housing: Check Status by Email
• Boston Housing: Important Contacts