How to apply for State-Funded Public Housing (Elderly/Handicapped Units) in Massachusetts
Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC), through Local Housing Authorities
Who it's for
Massachusetts has about 41,500 state-funded public housing apartments that rent for much less than the average apartment. More than half are set aside for people over 60 and for people with disabilities. You may be eligible if your household earns 80% or less of the area median income. Apply online in CHAMP (the Common Housing Application for Massachusetts Programs) and pick the housing authorities where you want to live. You can also apply on paper at a Local Housing Authority. Waitlists can be years long, so it helps to apply to several places. For general questions, call 2-1-1.
Income must be 80% or less of the area median income where you apply, and that limit differs by area, so this check cannot confirm it. The Local Housing Authority decides eligibility. Waitlists are often years long.
People who qualify for one senior program often qualify for others. See everything you may qualify for — free, no SSN, about five minutes.
Discover my benefitsWhat you'll need
- An email address to create a CHAMP account (or a paper application at a Local Housing Authority)
- Household and income information for the application
- Later, before you get housing: documents such as a birth certificate, pay stubs, bank statements or a driver's license, as the housing authority asks
Where to apply
Apply online: official application
By phone: 1-617-573-1100
What to say when you call
"Hello, I'm calling to ask about State-Funded Public Housing (Elderly/Handicapped Units). I'd like to know whether I may qualify, what documents I need, and whether I can apply online, by mail, by phone, or in person. I understand I may need an email address to create a CHAMP account (or a paper application at a Local Housing Authority), household and income information for the application, later, before you get housing: documents such as a birth certificate, pay stubs, bank statements or a driver's license, as the housing authority asks — is anything else required? What is the best next step?"
Tip: have a pen ready, ask for the person's name, and write down any case or reference number they give you.
Renewals
annual lease/income review by the housing authority
Not sure if you qualify? Run a free check first.
Discover my benefitsNot legal or financial advice. The agency makes the final eligibility decision.