New York Section 8

In New York, the state agency Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) administers the Housing Choice Voucher Program, formerly known as Section 8, through local program administrators listed by county. New York City has its own agencies: the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) and the Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD). The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) sets the income limits and Fair Market Rents that they use.

Who is eligible for Section 8 in New York?

To be eligible for a Housing Choice Voucher, your household must meet three requirements:¹

• Your income must generally be at or below the very low-income limit for your county and household size.
• You must be a “family,” which includes a single person, and at least one member must be a U.S. citizen or have eligible immigration status.
• You must meet the housing agency’s screening requirements.

What is the income limit for Section 8 in New York?

For a Housing Choice Voucher, a family generally has to be at or below the very low-income limit, which is 50% of the area’s median family income.¹ In New York, that limit for a family of four is between $44,950 and $84,800 a year, depending on the county. For a family of three it is between $40,500 and $76,350.²

At least 75% of new vouchers go to families under the extremely low-income limit, which is 30% of the area median. The calculator above shows all three limits for your county and household size. Your housing agency makes the final decision, and meeting the limit does not guarantee a voucher.

What is the Fair Market Rent in New York?

Fair Market Rent (FMR) is HUD’s estimate of what a modest rental costs in an area, including utilities. In New York, the FY2027 FMR for a two-bedroom unit ranges from $1,014 a month in 7 counties (including Allegany County) to $2,971 in 8 counties (including Bronx County).³ Your housing agency sets a payment standard, usually between 90% and 110% of the FMR, that limits how much of your rent a voucher can cover.⁴

Is Section 8 open in New York?

HCR keeps separate waiting lists, typically organized by county, so the status depends on the local administrator. A household on a NYCHA or HPD list is not on an HCR list and must apply separately. HPD states that it does not accept applications from the general public. Its applicants come through referral partners, such as homeless households referred by the Department of Homeless Services and the Human Resources Administration. Other agencies open their lists only for certain periods, so ask each local agency about the status of its list.

How much does Section 8 pay in New York?

In New York, the rental subsidy is typically calculated as the difference between 30% of the household’s adjusted gross income and the current applicable payment standard.

How do I apply for Section 8 in New York?

There is no cost to apply. Households may review HCR waiting lists and update an application through the HCR MyHousing portal, and paper applications go through the local administrator. Call the HCR call center at (833) 791-2748, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. In New York City, the NYCHA Customer Contact Center is available at 718-707-7771, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. For other areas, apply through the public housing agency that serves the county or city.

1. Find your local PHA. Each county or metropolitan area has its own public housing agency (PHA) with a separate waiting list. You may apply to more than one agency.
2. Join the waiting list. Submit a pre-application when the list is open. Agencies commonly ask for proof of identity, income and household composition.
3. Wait for your turn. The wait varies by agency. An agency may remove an applicant who does not respond to its notices, so keep your contact information current.
4. Receive and use your voucher. The agency inspects the unit before the lease begins. You pay a share of your income toward rent, and the voucher covers the rest up to the agency’s payment standard.⁴

If you need help locating a PHA, call HUD’s PIH Customer Service Center at (800) 955-2232 or look up through the official HUD’s directory of public housing agencies (PHAs).

Can a landlord refuse Section 8 in New York?

HCR states that housing providers cannot refuse to rent to a household because it pays with Section 8 or another lawful source of income.