Boston Housing Authority - Step IV: What's Next?

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Home > Housing Services > Apply for BHA Housing > Step IV: What's Next?

Step IV: What's Next?

1. Notice of Preliminary Eligibility

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 priority, 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.

2. Check Your Status

Phone: If you need to check on the status of your application or your place on the wait list you may call the BHA Status Lines at:

617-988-4200

TDD 800-545-1833 x420

Online: Applicants may check their status by filling out a web form:
Check Status by E-mail

In person: Applicants may check their status at:
John F. Murphy Housing Service Center
56 Chauncy Street (at Bedford Street)
Boston, MA 02111

All those entering BHA offices and developments are required to show a picture ID (no exceptions).

The center is open from 9:00am to 5:00pm from Monday to Friday.

See map and get driving directions (no free parking available)

The John F. Murphy Housing Service Center is adjacent to Chinatown, Downtown Crossing, Park Street, South Station, and State MBTA stations. MBTA route 7, 11, 43, 55, 92, 93, Silver Line, MassPike express and Ted Williams express buses also stop near the center. See www.mbta.com for more information.

3. Screening

As an applicant nears the top of the waiting list, he or she will receive written notification of a personal interview. This interview will take place with a BHA staff member. Included with this notification will be a Final Application Form and list of verifying documents that the applicant should bring to the personal interview. This is part of what is commonly referred to as screening. It is a necessary part of the application process. It is important that the applicant brings his or her completed Final Application Form and the documents listed below to the personal interview.

Birth certificate or adoption documents (original copy for all household members)

Social Security card or documentation that a card has not been issued (original copy for all household members)

Picture identification of head of household and co-head if applicable (original copy)

Appropriate documentation of United States citizenship or eligible non-citizenship status (original copy for all household members)

Documentation of guardianship, if applicable (original copy)

Proof of annual income for all household members

Proof of assets for all household members

Proof of income exclusions and deductions for all household members, if applicable

Verification of veteran status, if applicable (original copy)

Verification of Boston residency, if applicable

Names, addresses and phone numbers of landlords and/or housing providers for the last three years for all household members

Documentation of the need for any specialized housing accommodations

The BHA also checks an applicant's immigration status, housing history, and criminal record, and verifies income to help determine if an applicant is eligible for housing.

4. Rental Assisance (Section 8) Voucher Extension

The BHA issues rental assistance (Section 8) vouchers with an initial term of 120 days with no extensions. Vouchers expire in 120 days unless the initial term is tolled or extended for specific reasons. It is up to the recipient to apply for an extension.

See Policy on Rental Assistance Voucher Extensions

5. Appeals

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 Office of Civil Rights.

Applicants can also appeal to:

United States Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD)
10 Causeway Street
Boston, MA 02222
617-565-5308
TTY: 617-565-5453)

Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD)
Room 601
1 Ashburton Place
Boston, MA 02108
617-994-6000
TTY: 617-994-9196

Massachusetts Department of Housing & Community Development (DHCD)
Room 1804
100 Cambridge Street
Boston, MA 02202
617-727-7765

Next Steps

Return to Apply for BHA Housing

Step V: Change Application Information