About the Program
The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCVP) is the Federal Government’s major program for assisting low-income families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities to afford decent, safe, and sanitary housing in the private market.
Since housing assistance is provided on behalf of the family or individual, participants are able to find their own housing, including single-family homes, townhouses, and apartments. Participants are free to choose any housing that meets the requirements of the program.
Housing Choice Vouchers are administered by RCAP Solutions to renters throughout Central Massachusetts. RCAP Solutions receives federal funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to administer these vouchers.
A family that is issued a Housing Choice Voucher is responsible for finding a suitable housing unit of their choice, where the landlord agrees to rent under the program. This unit may include the family’s present residence. Rental units must meet minimum standards of health and safety.
A housing subsidy is paid to the landlord directly by RCAP Solutions on behalf of the participating family. The family then pays the difference between the actual rent charged by the landlord and the amount subsidized by RCAP Solutions.
Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCVP) FAQs
- To apply for the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCVP), complete the pre-application found below:
- Completed documents should be emailed to: RentalAssistance@rcapsolutions.org or faxed to: (508) 519-0779
- Eligibility is based on the family’s total gross income. At least 75% of all vouchers issued by RCAP Solutions must be targeted to households whose total income does not exceed 30% of the area median income (AMI). HUD establishes income limits.
- PLEASE NOTE: Because the demand for Section 8 vouchers often exceeds the limited available resources, long waiting lists exist. If you need immediate help with your rent, the RAFT program can help those who meet the eligibility requirements.
- In Massachusetts, families can also apply to over 100 local housing authorities that also administer the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCVP). Lists are frequently closed due to the number of families waiting.
- RCAP Solutions has identified several listing services with available apartments in the area. Click here to be directed to our page with tools to finding housing.
- RCAP Solutions offers economic opportunity programs for current voucher holders which can assist individuals and families on their path to self-sufficiency. Click here to be directed to our page with a list of opportunities.
- Discriminating against someone because they receive public assistance is illegal. If you are a tenant who has been denied housing due to your Section 8 voucher or if your landlord has refused RAFT or other rental assistance payments, the Massachusetts Fair Housing Center can help. Visit www.massfairhousing.org for more information.
Helpful Links
- Find Housing: Find available apartments throughout Central Massachusetts.
- HCVP Payment Standards: The Applicable Payment Standards (APS) information is at the bottom of the page.
- HUD Income Limits: Section 8 income limits for your city can be found by using this lookup tool.
- HCVP Information for Landlords: Resources and information for landlords/property owners.
Have questions? Looking for assistance?
If you have any questions or are interested in learning more about these services, please contact us via email: RentalAssistance@rcapsolutions.org or phone: (978) 630-6668