Massachusetts
Section 8
Housing Choice Voucher
Centralized Waiting List

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Call toll-free at
1-877-868-0040


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Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher
Frequently Asked Questions

How can I find out where I am on the list?

This is one waiting list that is sorted differently by 79 individual housing authorities. Many housing authorities have a set of preferences to rank applicants; these preferences are based on the needs in the community. On the other hand, some housing authorities sort the list only by date and time of application. Because the list could be sorted 79 different ways, your “number on the list” is different at each housing authority. Your "number on the waiting list" doesn't matter. Instead of providing you with a number, it is more realistic for a housing authority to confirm that you are active on the list and possibly give you an estimate of the wait time based on its average agency turnover. It is important to keep your information current with the housing authority and you will be notified when you reach the top of the list.  Complete a Request for Status form and send it to a participating housing authority near you.

How do I report a change of address?

Complete a Change of Address form and return it to a participating housing authority near you.  All participating housing authorities are able to look up and update any applicant’s record, regardless of where the application was first entered into the system. 

I applied to several housing authorities’ Section 8 waiting lists in the past.  Will I be removed from those lists if I apply to the Centralized Waiting List?

No. If your name is already on an existing list at one or more housing authorities, it will not be removed
 
UNLESS:
- you voluntarily ask to be removed.
- you do not respond to a mailing from the housing authority.
 


Once I am selected by a housing authority and receive a voucher, do I have to use my voucher in that housing authority’s town?

No. If you receive a voucher in Massachusetts you can use it anywhere.

What is MassNAHRO's role in the Centralized Waiting List?

MassNAHRO is the oversight agency of the waiting list. Its function is to maintain the operation of the waiting, provide technical support to the housing authorities, and provide information to users. MassNAHRO also performs an update of the waiting list every other year. MassNAHRO does not run a Section 8 program.

How often is the waiting list updated?

MassNAHRO performs an update of the waiting list every 2 years. If you do not respond to an update your name is removed from the waiting list. The latest update mailing was sent on February 29, 2008 with a deadline of April 4, 2008 . For more information about the update go to Waiting List Update.

Any other questions?

Call toll-free 1-877-868-0040 or visit www.section8listmass.org.


 
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