Knowing how to apply for low-income housing is key to getting low-income housing in Massachusetts. This article is specifically written to teach you how to apply for low-income housing in Massachusetts.
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Low-income housing in Massachusetts is typically state-aided public housing for the elderly, handicapped, or earn no more than 80 percent of the area’s median income. However, there are different types of housing available for low-income families, elderly persons, and those with disabilities. Congregate and supportive housing with assisted living services may also be available.
These low-income houses are State-aided and owned by Local Housing Authorities (LHAs) throughout 240 cities and towns in Massachusetts. Note that the term “state-aided public housing” does not include state or federal rental payment vouchers or federal public housing programs.
How to Apply for Low Income Housing in Massachusetts
If you are eligible, follow these instructions below to apply for low-income housing in Massachusetts using the online or offline method of application.
- Visit the Common Housing Application for Massachusetts Public Housing (CHAMP) website for an online application for low-income housing in Massachusetts
- For offline, go to the office to complete a printed paper application. Both the online and paper applications are available in English, Chinese, Haitian Creole, Khmer, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish and Vietnamese.
- For an online application, create an account on the website and set your login details and password.
- Ensure you pay close attention to the asterisked (*) sections. If these questions are left blank, your application will be incomplete and it will not be fully processed.
- Please note that state-aided Congregate Elderly/Handicapped public housing waitlists are not managed in CHAMP. If you are interested in living in a shared or group environment with roommates, complete the Application for Congregate State-Aided Housing and return it directly to the Local Housing Authority you would like to apply to.
- For disabled persons, you have a right to request a reasonable accommodation during the application process.
- At the end of the CHAMP application, you will need to select housing programs at each Local Housing Authority where you would like to apply. It is important to only apply for housing programs at Local Housing Authorities where you want to live.
- When you have completed the entire paper application, mail or hand deliver it to a Local Housing Authority. You will only need to send your application to one LHA even if you have applied for housing programs at another.
- Once your completed paper CHAMP application has been received by a Local Housing Authority, they will enter your information into the CHAMP database and you will be able to access it online using your Application ID Number. The Local Housing Authority will also provide you with an application receipt.
Note: Your information will be verified by a Local Housing Authority for authenticity and validation before any offer for housing is made.
