Section 8 programs & vouchers in New York, NY
Renters in New York, NY often search for the Housing Choice Voucher program — commonly called Section 8. Vouchers help very low-income households afford rent in private housing. In this city or town, HUD rules are usually applied through a Public Housing Authority (PHA) serving Bronx County, Kings County, New York County, Queens County and Richmond County.
Expanded local guide
Section 8 in New York City — NYCHA, Waiting Lists & Local Programs
Local Section 8 overview for NYC renters: NYCHA's voucher program, current waiting list status, CityFHEPS, payment standards, and how to estimate voucher help.
Updated May 26, 2026
NYCHA Section 8 in New York City
NYCHA operates the largest local Housing Choice Voucher program in the nation:
- Over 85,000 units under contract with more than 25,000 participating property owners across all five boroughs. (NYCHA Self-Service FAQs)
- A Furman Center analysis estimates roughly 123,000 households citywide use Housing Choice Vouchers across all administering agencies, with about 99,000 using tenant-based vouchers.
- NYCHA also administers Emergency Housing Vouchers (EHV) — roughly 5,200 EHV participants as of March 2026. (NYCHA Updates)
Income Limits & Payment Standards
HUD income limits for Section 8 in NYC are set at the metropolitan area level and change annually:
- Your household income must generally fall below 50% of the Area Median Income (AMI) for the NYC metro, with at least 75% of new vouchers targeted to households below 30% AMI.
- NYCHA uses payment standards based on HUD’s Fair Market Rents and, increasingly, Small Area Fair Market Rents (SAFMRs) by ZIP code, so the maximum rent a voucher covers varies across neighborhoods.
- Most Section 8 households pay about 30% of adjusted monthly income toward rent and utilities.
Check your estimated eligibility and voucher amounts →
Waiting List Status
NYCHA’s Section 8 waiting list is among the most competitive in the country:
- NYCHA reopened its HCV waitlist in June 2024 for the first time in nearly 15 years, accepting online applications for one week. (ABC7 NY)
- 200,000 households were selected via lottery for the new waitlist. (NYCHA Press Release)
- Due to funding limits and extreme demand, NYCHA is not currently issuing new tenant-based vouchers to everyone on the waitlist; average waits can span years.
Tips: Also check CityFHEPS eligibility, explore NYCHA public housing waitlists (separate from Section 8), and look for affordable lottery units on Housing Connect.
Additional Affordable Housing Resources in NYC
Beyond standard Section 8 vouchers, New York City offers:
- CityFHEPS — City-funded rent supplements for up to 5 years, usable anywhere in New York State. Apply through DSS/HRA.
- Housing New York — HPD’s plan to create or preserve 300,000 affordable homes, including affordable lottery units on Housing Connect.
- Expedited housing approvals — New fast-track procedures to accelerate affordable housing production.
- NYCHA public housing — Separate waitlists from Section 8, managed directly by NYCHA.
- Supportive housing and project-based vouchers — For people with serious mental illness, chronic homelessness, or other deep needs.
- FHEPS and other state programs — NYC 311 can help navigate available options.
Read our full deep-dive: Section 8 Neighborhoods in New York City →
Estimate voucher help in New York
Because New York may sit in a multi-county HUD area, use our ZIP-based calculator to confirm your county, income limits, and estimated monthly voucher help before you contact a housing authority.
Open Section 8 calculatorHousing Choice Voucher program
A Section 8 voucher in the New York area does not pay your full rent. You pay a tenant share (often about 30% of adjusted income), and the voucher covers part of the rent up to the local payment standard, which is based on HUD Fair Market Rents for Bronx County, Kings County, New York County, Queens County and Richmond County.
Most PHAs near New York run waiting lists that open only periodically. Eligibility depends on income, household size, and local preferences — not on applying first online alone.
- Project-based Section 8 — Project-based Section 8 — subsidy stays with specific buildings (different application path).
- Tenant-based vouchers (HCV) — Tenant-based vouchers (HCV) — you find a unit; the voucher moves with you in many cases after initial lease-up.
- Local preferences — Local preferences — veterans, elderly, disabled, or working families may get priority on some lists.
Section 8 guides for New York renters
These guides explain vouchers, income limits, and rent math for households in New York and across New York. Each links to our calculator so you can run numbers for your ZIP.
How to Apply for Section 8 — Waiting Lists & PHA Steps
Step-by-step overview of Section 8 waiting lists, PHA applications, and what to do while you wait for a voucher.
Voucher programHousing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8) Explained
What the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program is, how PHAs run it, and how vouchers differ from public housing.
RentSection 8 Rent Calculator — How Much Will I Pay With a Voucher?
Estimate your Section 8 tenant share (TTP), payment standard, and maximum voucher subsidy. Includes rent above payment standard examples.
Income limitsSection 8 Income Limits Explained by Household Size
HUD very low and low income limits determine Section 8 eligibility. See how limits vary by ZIP, county, metro area, and family size.
BasicsHow Section 8 Housing Works (2026 Guide)
Learn how the Housing Choice Voucher program works — eligibility, PHAs, payment standards, and what renters pay vs what the voucher covers.
Apply near New York
- Confirm income limits with the calculator.
- Find your PHA via the HUD PHA contact directory (New York / Bronx County, Kings County, New York County, Queens County and Richmond County).
- Join the waiting list when the PHA opens applications — many lists close for years at a time.
- When selected, find a rental at or below the payment standard and complete inspection.
FAQ — Section 8 in New York
Can I use Section 8 in New York, NY?
Many renters in New York can apply if they meet HUD income limits and the local PHA has an open waiting list. Vouchers are portable in some cases, but you must apply through the housing authority that serves your area — often tied to Bronx County, Kings County, New York County, Queens County, Richmond County.
How much rent will I pay with a voucher near New York?
Your minimum share is the Total Tenant Payment (TTP) — typically the greater of 30% of adjusted monthly income, 10% of gross income, or a small PHA minimum. Use our calculator with your ZIP to see an estimate for Bronx County, Kings County, New York County, Queens County, Richmond County.
Where do I apply for Section 8 in New York?
Applications are handled by your local Public Housing Authority, not this website. Search HUD's PHA contact directory for authorities serving Bronx County, Kings County, New York County, Queens County, Richmond County, then follow their waiting list instructions.
Does New York have its own income limits?
HUD publishes income limits and Fair Market Rents by county or metro area. New York uses the limits for Bronx County, Kings County, New York County, Queens County, Richmond County. Enter your ZIP in our calculator to pull the current HUD figures for your household size.