Public housing is a subsidized housing program established to provide decent and safe rental housing for eligible low-income families, elderly and persons with disabilities. The Worcester Housing Authority manages close to 3,000 apartments of federal and state subsidized public housing units.
The WHA ensures that every applicant to its public housing programs meet specific eligibility criteria. To be eligible for the public housing programs administered by the WHA, the applicant must, at a minimum:
- Have at least one household member that is either a citizen of the United States or has eligible immigration status;
- Have an income level at or below the specified limits to receive subsidized housing assistance.
In order to see the maximum household income for State or Federal public housing, please CLICK HERE
In addition, the WHA has other eligibility criteria that is program specific and will be reviewed and discussed with each applicant family during the initial stages of the application screening process.
Each applicant must also meet WHA suitability criteria. Although an applicant may be eligible for housing assistance, they may not be deemed suitable. In determining suitability, the WHA contacts former landlords and takes into consideration an applicant’s past history of meeting:
- Financial obligations, especially rent
- Disturbing the neighbors
- Destroying property
- Living and housekeeping habits which could adversely affect the health, safety or welfare of other tenants
- Criminal activity
Once an applicant is determined eligible and suitable for WHA's housing programs and they reach the top of the program waiting list, an apartment offer is made to the applicant.
Eligibility For Leased Housing
The WHA serves close to 4,000 families by providing vouchers that pay a portion of the rent with qualified private property owners. Commonly referred to as the Section 8 program, the residents’ “suitability” is determined by the private property owner. Eligibility requirements are very similar to our public housing program.
In order to see the income limits for Section 8 Program, Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP) in Worcester, and the Alternative Housing Voucher Program (AHVP), please CLICK HERE
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