How many developments does the BHA have?
The BHA has 64 developments in almost every neighborhood in the City of Boston. There are 37 elderly/disabled and 27 family developments. The BHA also has some scattered site condominium units throughout the city. The Grandparents Housing Program is located at the Franklin Field Elderly/Disabled development off of Blue Hill Avenue in Dorchester.
What areas are part of the City of Boston?
The City of Boston includes the neighborhoods of Allston, Back Bay, Beacon Hill, Brighton, Charlestown, Chinatown, Dorchester, Downtown, East Boston, Fenway-Kenmore, Hyde Park, Jamaica Plain, Mattapan, Mission Hill, North End, Roslindale, Roxbury, South Boston, South End and West Roxbury.
Can anyone apply for housing in the Grandparents Housing Program?
No. The head or co-head of the family must be at least 60 years old. Household composition must be appropriate for a 2BR unit. Household must consist of grandparent(s) with permanent custody of no more than 2 minor grandchildren or 1 minor grandchild and 1 non-minor grandchild who qualifies as a full-time student as defined by state regulations. No parents of the grandchildren may be members of the household.
Who decides what size apartment I need?
The BHA is required to follow certain occupancy standards that limit the number of residents according to the number of bedrooms. The following is a basic guide (exceptions follow):
Family size/ eligible for:
1 person/ 0-1 BR
2 people/ 1-2 BR
3 people/ 2-3 BR
4 people/ 2-4 BR
A living room will not be counted as a bedroom, except in studios. The head of household and spouse or partner shall be entitled to one bedroom. Household members under 25 who are of the same gender shall share a bedroom, with the following exemptions:
A. If one houshold member is over 14, s/he may not be required to share a bedroom with a member who is more than 10 years younger.
B. Household members of different genders or generations are not required to share bedrooms.
Can I apply for the Grandparents Housing Program, elderly/ disabled public housing, family public housing and rental assistance (Section 8)?
Yes, but two separate applications must be completed [one for all public housing and one for rental assistance (Section 8)].
Can I choose the development I would like to live in?
No, the Grandparents Housing Program is only located at the Franklin Field elderly/disabled devlopment. However, if you also apply for the elderly/disabled housing program, you may select a maximum of three choices, one of which may be the family citywide list. Choices are not ranked.
How do I apply?
The forms necessary to apply for the Grandparents Housing Program are available on this website. The next pages will explain in greater detail what forms are required and how to complete and submit them.
What happens after I apply?
Within 4 to 6 weeks from the date of receipt, you will be mailed a "Notice of Preliminary Eligibility" from the BHA. This notice certifies that your application has been processed and confirms your placement on the waiting list based only on the income and family composition information you provided. This notice will contain your client control number. This number should be used for ALL future correspondence with the BHA.
What is a client control number?
A client control number is a number assigned to every BHA applicant and resident. This number will be requested by BHA staff anytime an applicant or resident speaks with a BHA staff member. It can also be used to check on an applicant's place on the waiting list.
Does the BHA check an applicant's past history in order to determine if he/she is eligible for housing?
Yes. The BHA checks an applicant's past rental history and also does a criminal records check to help determine if an applicant is eligible for housing. If an applicant is determined not eligible for housing, the applicant has the right to file an appeal with the BHA. For more information on filing an appeal, applicants may call the BHA's Office of Civil Rights at 617-988-4383.
I’ve already applied for public housing and am wondering what my placement on the waiting list or my status is. Is there a number I can call to find out?
Yes. If you are an applicant you may call 617-988-4200 to check your application status. Please have your client number ready.
You may also check your status using a form online at: Check Status by E-mail. You will receive a response through e-mail.
How long does it take to receive a housing offer from the BHA?
The amount of time it takes to receive BHA housing depends on the level of priority, date of application, unit size needed and current demand. Therefore, it is very difficult for the BHA to predict how long a housing offer will take.
What will I be expected to pay for rent?
Residents of BHA public housing are expected to pay 30% of their total household income for rent. Residents can also elect to pay a flat rent in the federally funded developments. The current flat rents are:
$468 for studios
$526 for 1 BRs
$659 for 2BRs
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