Frequently Asked Questions

How do I access my pre-application online?

Go to www.section8listmass.org and go to the 'How to Apply' section or click on the "Apply Online" link on the homepage. You will be required to register and create a username and password.

If I applied with a paper pre-application can I still access my pre-application online?

Yes. Click on 'Register Now' then select the 'Registration for Existing Applicant' link and fill in required information to access your pre-application.

How can I change the information on my pre-application?

You can change your pre-application information online or in writing to a housing authority. To change online, you must register and create a username and password. Once completed you will have access to change the information on your pre-application.

Can I still submit a paper pre-application and written change/status requests to a housing authority?

Yes. Paper pre-applications are still accepted at any participating housing authority. You only need to send in one pre-application to any participating housing authority to submit your application. Written changes of address, preference, family composition or status requests can be made in writing to any participating housing authority, no matter where you applied.

What if I forget my password?

Click on the 'Forgot Password' link on the login page and enter your email address (username). You will receive an email with your password.

How can I change my password?

Click on 'Reset Password' on the login page and enter the required fields. You will receive an email confirmation of your password change. Please note, your password must be at least six (6) characters long.

What if I forget my username?

Click on 'Forgot Username' on the login page. Enter the required information and click 'submit'. Your username will be displayed below. Please note, your username cannot change. Updating your email address does not change your username.

Can I change my username?

No. Once you register, your username cannot change. You can update your email address to change where emails are sent but your log in username will always remain the same.

If I already have a pre-application with the Centralized Waiting List, how can I create a username?

Click on 'Register Now' then select the 'Registration for Existing Applicant' link and fill in required information to access your pre-application.

Do I need my Applicant ID number to create a username?

Yes. If you do not know your Applicant ID number you can retrieve it by clicking on 'Retrieve your Applicant ID' in the 'Registration for Existing Applicants' section of the registration page.

What if the system cannot find my existing pre-application?

The information you enter must match exactly your existing pre-application. If the system does not recognize your information first check it against your application receipt for any typos. You can also contact a participating housing authority (list of participating housing authorities) to confirm your application is already entered in the system and your information is correct.

What if I am not sure if I already have an pre-application on the Centralized Waiting List?

Register as a new user by clicking on 'Register Now' and then completing the required fields in the 'Registration for New Applicant' section. Once logged in, click on 'New Application' and enter your Social Security Number (SSN). If you already have an existing application, the system will prompt you and you can access your current application online.

If my pre-application is Inactive, how can I re-apply?

You can re-apply online. Log onto your online application and click on 'Re-Apply' in the 'My Application Detail' section. If you have not already registered a username, click on 'Register Now' link on the login page and complete the 'Registration for Existing Applicants'.

What does my "Application Status" mean?

Your application status displays the current status of your application. If 'Waiting' is displayed, your are still on the list waiting for a housing authority to contact you. If 'Inactive' is displayed, your application was withdrawn. A reason for your removal will be displayed below your status as well and which housing authority withdrew your application. You will have the option to re-apply by clicking the link under your status. If 'In Process' is displayed, your application is currently being reviewed by a housing authority. The housing authority will be displayed below your status. If you have not received any correspondence from that housing authority, you should contact the housing authority that selected your application for review.

If I think my pre-application was withdrawn in error, can I request a reinstatement?

Yes. If you application was removed by a housing authority please contact that housing authority and ask them to review your withdrawal decision. If you were removed due to no response to an update (withdrawn by Waiting List Administrator) you are able to request a reinstatement during the reinstatement period after an Update Mailing was sent. Visit the 'Waiting List Update' section of www.section8listmass.org for details on how to request a reinstatement. If the deadline has passed you must reapply. Housing authorities are able to review your withdrawal due to no response to an update if you find your name was withdrawn in error.

What is "My Application Activity"?

Click on 'My Application Activity' to view changes that have been made to your application and who made the changes. If you find any discrepancies, please contact a participating housing authority (list of participating housing authorities).

Can I respond to the 'Update' mailing online?

Yes. Log in to your online application and click the link 'Update Response' to submit your reply. If the link does not show, you did not receive an update. Click on 'Change/View Application' and review you application information to assure it's accuracy. If you have not registered for a username, click on 'Register Now' on the login page to complete registration.

I am not receiving email notifications, what should I do?

Our emails may be sent to your 'junk' mail. Please check your 'junk' inbox or your spam settings on your email to assure the emails can come through. Click on 'Forgot Username' to get an email resent with your password. If no email still comes please contact a participating housing authority. (list of participating housing authorities).

Will I be withdrawn if I don't respond to an e-mail?

No. E-mails are an added resource for communication and no response to emails will not affect your application. What if I think there is a discrepancy with my pre-application? Please contact a participating housing authority (list of participating housing authorities) if you believe there is an error with your pre-application.