Over time, Massachusetts has added extra benefits to the Federal MTW Section 8/HCVP program. However, the state can no longer afford to continue offering these extra benefits. Starting soon, Massachusetts will follow the regular HUD policies for this program instead.

These changes will begin at a tenant’s next regular or interim rent certification, whichever comes first on or after May 1, 2025.

Beginning on that date, the Section 8/HCVP Moving to Work program will:

• No longer pay for a household’s security deposit when moving or signing a new lease.
• No longer deduct the first $5,000 of earned income when calculating rent.
• Stop paying utility allowances for cooking and hot water.
• Apply lower payment standard changes right away, without giving an extra grace period.
• Count $480 of a full-time student’s earned income.

The Commonwealth understands that these changes may increase costs for some households. These decisions were made to ensure the program can continue helping as many households as possible with the limited federal funding available.