Programs
Elderly and Handicapped Housing
The elderly/handicapped housing (Chapter 667) provides housing for qualified low-income elderly and handicapped person, as defined in Massachusetts General Law Chapter 121B. Net income and age are the basis for eligibility. Income limits are set at 80% of the median income for the area in which the community is located. They are set every two years. An applicant’s net income is calculated by totaling each household member’s gross income less any applicable deductions. Tenants who live in state-aided Chapter 667 elderly/handicapped housing pay 30% of their income for rent. Heat and electricity are included.
Family Housing
The family housing program (Chapter 705) provides housing for low-income families.
Families having incomes within the established income limits are eligible. Income limits are set at 80% of the median income for the area in which the community is located, varying by household size and location. An applicant’s net income is calculated by totaling each household member’s (above 18 years old) gross income less any applicable deductions. Tenants who live in state-aided family housing pay 27% of their income for rent. The tenants are responsible for their own utilities.
MA Rental Voucher Project Based Program (MRVP)
Project Based vouchers are assigned to a specific housing unit or development. The owner rents these units to a program eligible tenant, and Project Based tenants who move forfeit the subsidy. An applicant whose household income does not exceed 50% of Area Median Income is eligible for this program. The participant pays 35% of their adjusted gross income. Utilities are not included.
Once a household has been determined financially eligible it must then be determined qualified for state-aided public housing using the guidelines established by the Department of Housing and Community Development’s eligibility and selection criteria regulation. Persons meeting these requirements are placed on a waiting list and offered housing in accordance with the guidelines. All applicants are screened for CORI prior to being admitted to any program.