New York is home to the most expensive rental market in the United States and one of the most complex affordable housing systems in the world. From the five boroughs of New York City — where the average two-bedroom rent exceeds $3,500 — to the high-cost Hudson Valley and Long Island suburbs, to the struggling post-industrial cities of Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, and Utica, housing affordability is a defining crisis across the entire state.
New York’s Section 8 landscape is uniquely layered: the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) alone administers one of the largest public housing and voucher programs on earth, while New York State’s own programs — including the state-funded rental voucher system — add another layer unavailable in most other states. For low-income families, seniors, individuals with disabilities, immigrants, and the millions of working New Yorkers priced out of the private market, Section 8 housing vouchers in New York provide critical — often life-changing — monthly rent relief.
This complete guide covers everything you need to know about Section 8 housing in New York — including who qualifies, New York-specific income limits by region, Fair Market Rents, a full directory of New York Public Housing Authorities, a step-by-step application guide, and answers to the most frequently asked questions.
What Is Section 8 Housing in New York?
Section 8 — officially called the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program — is a federally funded rental assistance program administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
In New York, the program is managed by local Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) across the state’s 62 counties, the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) for the five boroughs, and the New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR), which provides statewide housing oversight, affordable housing financing, and administers the New York State Housing Choice Voucher Program for areas not fully covered by a local PHA.
The program pays a portion of your monthly rent directly to your landlord. You contribute approximately 30% of your adjusted monthly income toward rent, and your New York PHA covers the remainder — up to the local payment standard — each month.
You are free to choose any privately owned rental unit in New York where the landlord agrees to participate and the unit meets HUD’s Housing Quality Standards.
New York Context: New York City’s Section 8 program — administered by NYCHA — has a waitlist of over 250,000 households and has been effectively closed to new general applicants for years. NYC also operates the CityFHEPS program (formerly LINC), a city-funded rental voucher program for homeless and housing-unstable New Yorkers, which functions parallel to federal Section 8.
Outside NYC, major upstate programs include the Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority (BMHA), the Rochester Housing Authority (RHA), the Syracuse Housing Authority (SHA), and county-level PHAs across Westchester, Nassau, Suffolk, Erie, Monroe, and Onondaga counties.
New York State HCR administers HCV directly for many upstate and rural communities. For most New Yorkers outside NYC, applying to both their local city or county PHA and to HCR simultaneously is the most effective strategy.
New York Source-of-Income Protection Law
New York has strong statewide source-of-income (SOI) protections. The New York State Human Rights Law (Executive Law § 296(5)) prohibits housing discrimination based on lawful source of income — explicitly including Section 8 vouchers and other housing subsidies — statewide.
This means:
- New York landlords statewide cannot refuse to rent based on a tenant’s Section 8 voucher or other housing subsidy
- Landlords cannot advertise “No Section 8,” “No DSS,” or similar exclusions
- Landlords cannot impose more burdensome screening on voucher holders than on unsubsidized applicants
- Violations can be reported to the New York State Division of Human Rights (DHR) at dhr.ny.gov or by calling (888) 392-3644
New York City has additional local protections under the NYC Human Rights Law (Admin. Code § 8-107), which is enforced by the NYC Commission on Human Rights (CCHR) at (212) 416-0197 — and NYC’s local law is often considered even broader than the state law.
Important: File a complaint with DHR within one year of the discriminatory act. DHR investigates at no cost and can order remedies including back rent, damages, and civil penalties. In NYC, you can also file with CCHR, which has its own independent enforcement authority and can pursue additional remedies. New York’s SOI law is among the strongest in the country — use it actively.
Who Qualifies for Section 8 Housing Vouchers in New York?
To be eligible for Section 8 housing in New York, you must meet all of the following requirements:
1. Income Limits
Your household’s total gross annual income must fall below HUD’s income limits for your area in New York. These vary dramatically by county — New York City and its suburbs have the highest AMIs in the state, while upstate rural counties run considerably lower.
Below are the approximate [Current_year] income limits for a family of four in major New York areas:
| New York Area | Extremely Low (30% AMI) | Very Low (50% AMI) | Low Income (80% AMI) |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York City (5 boroughs) | ~$47,900 | ~$79,850 | ~$127,750 |
| Nassau / Suffolk counties (Long Island) | ~$57,550 | ~$95,900 | ~$153,450 |
| Westchester County | ~$57,550 | ~$95,900 | ~$153,450 |
| Rockland County | ~$57,550 | ~$95,900 | ~$153,450 |
| Putnam County | ~$57,550 | ~$95,900 | ~$153,450 |
| Dutchess County (Poughkeepsie) | ~$38,150 | ~$63,600 | ~$101,700 |
| Orange County (Middletown / Newburgh) | ~$35,350 | ~$58,950 | ~$94,300 |
| Ulster County (Kingston) | ~$31,700 | ~$52,850 | ~$84,550 |
| Albany / Schenectady / Troy (Capital Region) | ~$31,650 | ~$52,750 | ~$84,400 |
| Erie County (Buffalo) | ~$28,100 | ~$46,850 | ~$74,950 |
| Monroe County (Rochester) | ~$28,750 | ~$47,950 | ~$76,700 |
| Onondaga County (Syracuse) | ~$26,800 | ~$44,650 | ~$71,450 |
| Oneida County (Utica / Rome) | ~$23,050 | ~$38,450 | ~$61,500 |
| St. Lawrence / Franklin / Essex counties (North Country) | ~$20,400 | ~$34,000 | ~$54,400 |
| Rural Upstate / Southern Tier | ~$19,500 | ~$32,500 | ~$52,000 |
Note: Nassau, Suffolk, Westchester, Rockland, and Putnam counties share NYC’s HUD metro area for income limit purposes — a family of four earning up to $95,900 at the Very Low Income level reflects the extraordinary cost of living in New York’s suburban ring.
Rural North Country and Southern Tier counties have some of the lowest income limits in the state. These figures are approximate and updated annually. Always verify at huduser.gov or with your local New York PHA or HCR.
2. Citizenship or Eligible Immigration Status
At least one household member must be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen. Mixed-status households qualify for prorated assistance.
New York — and NYC in particular — has one of the most diverse immigrant populations in the world. Large Dominican, Puerto Rican, Chinese, Mexican, Bangladeshi, West African, Caribbean, and many other communities are heavily served by New York’s PHAs.
3. Family Composition
Section 8 is open to single individuals, couples, families with children, elderly persons (age 62+), and persons with disabilities. Household size determines the voucher bedroom size issued.
4. Criminal Background
Federal mandatory bars apply: lifetime sex offender registration and methamphetamine manufacturing in federally assisted housing.
New York State has fair chance housing protections — individual PHAs must consider the nature and recency of any criminal history and cannot apply blanket denials for most conviction types. NYC’s fair chance housing protections are particularly strong. Contact Legal Aid Society at (212) 577-3300 or Legal Services NYC at (917) 661-4500 if you believe a PHA improperly denied your application based on criminal history.
5. No Outstanding PHA Debt
Any unpaid debt owed to any PHA — in New York or another state — must be resolved before approval.
Pro Tip: Nassau, Suffolk, Westchester, Rockland, and Putnam county PHAs share the same very high income limits as each other ($95,900 Very Low for a family of four) but are separate agencies with separate waitlists. If you work anywhere in the NYC metro area, apply to every suburban county PHA simultaneously alongside NYCHA — suburban PHAs sometimes have shorter waits than NYCHA and still cover the high NYC-area income threshold.
How Much Rent Assistance Will You Receive in New York?
Your Section 8 subsidy in New York is based on your adjusted monthly income, HUD’s Fair Market Rents for your area, and your PHA’s payment standard.
You pay 30% of adjusted income; the PHA covers the rest up to the payment standard.
Here are the approximate [Current_year] Fair Market Rents for major New York markets:
| New York Area | 1 Bedroom | 2 Bedroom | 3 Bedroom | 4 Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York City (5 boroughs) | ~$2,400 | ~$2,800 | ~$3,500 | ~$4,100 |
| Nassau / Suffolk counties (Long Island) | ~$2,200 | ~$2,700 | ~$3,400 | ~$4,100 |
| Westchester County | ~$2,100 | ~$2,600 | ~$3,300 | ~$3,950 |
| Rockland County | ~$1,900 | ~$2,350 | ~$3,000 | ~$3,600 |
| Dutchess County (Poughkeepsie) | ~$1,600 | ~$2,000 | ~$2,550 | ~$3,100 |
| Orange County (Middletown) | ~$1,550 | ~$1,900 | ~$2,450 | ~$2,950 |
| Ulster County (Kingston) | ~$1,450 | ~$1,800 | ~$2,300 | ~$2,800 |
| Albany / Schenectady / Troy | ~$1,250 | ~$1,550 | ~$2,000 | ~$2,450 |
| Monroe County (Rochester) | ~$1,100 | ~$1,350 | ~$1,750 | ~$2,150 |
| Erie County (Buffalo) | ~$1,050 | ~$1,300 | ~$1,700 | ~$2,050 |
| Onondaga County (Syracuse) | ~$1,000 | ~$1,250 | ~$1,600 | ~$1,950 |
| Oneida County (Utica) | ~$850 | ~$1,050 | ~$1,350 | ~$1,650 |
| North Country / Rural Upstate | ~$750 | ~$950 | ~$1,200 | ~$1,500 |
Note: New York City FMRs are among the highest in the United States. NYCHA and NYC-area PHAs may receive HUD approval for exception payment standards above 110% of FMR in response to market conditions. Nassau and Suffolk county FMRs are comparable to NYC in larger bedroom sizes due to Long Island’s extreme housing costs.
Payment standards set by each New York PHA typically range between 90%–110% of these FMR figures. Confirm current payment standards directly with your local PHA or HCR.
New York Public Housing Authorities (PHAs): Complete Directory
Section 8 in New York is administered by dozens of city and county PHAs across the state. Below is a comprehensive directory organized by region.
Statewide Resource
| Organization | Phone | Website | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) | (800) 342-3736 | hcr.ny.gov | Statewide — administers HCV for areas not covered by local PHAs; LIHTC; HOME; affordable housing finance statewide |
New York City PHAs
| PHA Name | Borough / Area | Phone | Service Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) — Section 8 / HCV | All 5 boroughs | (718) 707-7771 | All five NYC boroughs (Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx, Staten Island) — Section 8 vouchers; also operates NYC’s largest public housing portfolio |
| NYC Dept. of Social Services — CityFHEPS Program | All 5 boroughs | (718) 557-1399 | NYC-funded rental voucher program for homeless/shelter residents and housing-unstable households; parallel to federal Section 8; apply through DSS or shelter system |
NYC Suburbs — Long Island & Hudson Valley PHAs
| PHA Name | County / City | Phone | Service Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nassau County Office of Housing | Nassau County | (516) 571-5910 | Nassau County (excluding cities with own PHAs) |
| Hempstead Housing Authority | Hempstead, Nassau | (516) 489-8510 | Town/Village of Hempstead |
| Suffolk County Housing Authority | Suffolk County | (631) 854-3955 | Suffolk County |
| Westchester County Housing Authority | Westchester County | (914) 949-6500 | Westchester County (excluding cities with own PHAs) |
| Yonkers Housing Authority | Yonkers, Westchester | (914) 376-6600 | City of Yonkers |
| White Plains Housing Authority | White Plains, Westchester | (914) 328-1000 | City of White Plains |
| Rockland County Housing Authority | Rockland County | (845) 708-5720 | Rockland County |
| Dutchess County Housing Authority | Dutchess County | (845) 454-5425 | Dutchess County |
| Orange County Housing Authority | Orange County | (845) 342-1797 | Orange County |
| Newburgh Housing Authority | Newburgh, Orange | (845) 562-6600 | City of Newburgh |
| Ulster County Housing Authority | Ulster County | (845) 331-9860 | Ulster County |
Capital Region PHAs
| PHA Name | City / County | Phone | Service Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| Albany Housing Authority (AHA) | Albany | (518) 641-7500 | City of Albany / Albany County |
| Albany County Housing Authority | Albany County | (518) 447-7456 | Albany County (outside city) |
| Schenectady Municipal Housing Authority | Schenectady | (518) 386-7000 | City of Schenectady |
| Troy Housing Authority | Troy | (518) 274-1000 | City of Troy / Rensselaer County |
Western New York PHAs
| PHA Name | City / County | Phone | Service Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority (BMHA) | Buffalo | (716) 855-4100 | City of Buffalo / Erie County |
| Erie County Housing Authority | Erie County | (716) 858-8785 | Erie County (outside Buffalo) |
| Niagara Falls Housing Authority | Niagara Falls | (716) 285-0488 | City of Niagara Falls / Niagara County |
Rochester / Finger Lakes PHAs
| PHA Name | City / County | Phone | Service Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rochester Housing Authority (RHA) | Rochester | (585) 697-5990 | City of Rochester / Monroe County |
| Monroe County Housing Authority | Monroe County | (585) 753-5660 | Monroe County (outside Rochester city) |
Central New York PHAs
| PHA Name | City / County | Phone | Service Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| Syracuse Housing Authority (SHA) | Syracuse | (315) 473-4745 | City of Syracuse / Onondaga County |
| Onondaga County Housing Authority | Onondaga County | (315) 435-3764 | Onondaga County (outside Syracuse city) |
| Utica Municipal Housing Authority | Utica | (315) 735-7578 | City of Utica / Oneida County |
| Rome Housing Authority | Rome | (315) 337-5600 | City of Rome / Oneida County |
Tip: New York’s Section 8 landscape is highly fragmented — city PHAs and county PHAs often serve overlapping geographies. In many New York counties, both a city PHA and a county PHA operate independently with separate waitlists. Always apply to both the city and the county PHA when both exist in your area.
For communities not listed above — particularly rural upstate New York — contact HCR at (800) 342-3736 or hcr.ny.gov. Use HUD’s PHA locator at hud.gov filtered by New York for a complete current list.
How to Apply for Section 8 Housing Vouchers in New York
Here is a complete step-by-step guide to applying for Section 8 housing in New York:
Step 1: Identify Every New York PHA and Program Serving Your Area
In New York City, apply to NYCHA for federal Section 8. Also ask your caseworker or shelter provider about CityFHEPS — NYC’s city-funded voucher program that operates parallel to federal Section 8 and has separate eligibility and availability.
In Nassau, Suffolk, Westchester, Rockland, and other suburban counties, apply to both the county PHA and any city PHAs in your municipality. In upstate cities — Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, Albany, Utica — apply to both the city housing authority and the county housing authority. For rural and smaller-city New York, contact HCR at (800) 342-3736.
Step 2: Check for Open Waitlists
New York PHAs vary enormously in waitlist availability — NYCHA’s general Section 8 waitlist has been effectively closed for years. To stay current:
- Visit nycha.info and nyc.gov/nycha for NYCHA waitlist status and any special openings
- Visit hcr.ny.gov for New York State HCR waitlist and program updates
- Check each county and city PHA’s website directly for upstate New York
- Monitor affordablehousingonline.com for New York waitlist openings statewide
- Contact Legal Aid Society (NYC) at (212) 577-3300 or Empire Justice Center (upstate) at (585) 454-4060 for housing program guidance
- Dial 211 for local referrals to open housing programs
Step 3: Apply Immediately When a Waitlist Opens
NYCHA and major upstate PHA waitlist openings draw enormous numbers of applicants. Act immediately when an opening is announced:
- NYCHA, HCR, and major upstate PHAs offer online pre-applications when waitlists open
- Have all household member information ready: full names, dates of birth, SSNs, income details
- Apply to every open New York city and county PHA simultaneously — and to HCR statewide
- In NYC: also apply for CityFHEPS through your NYC DSS caseworker or shelter provider
Step 4: Maintain Your Waitlist Position
NYCHA (New York City) general Section 8 waitlists have been effectively closed — when open, waits exceeded 10+ years. NYCHA does periodically open waitlists for specific preferences (veterans, homeless, disabled) — check nycha.info regularly.
Nassau and Suffolk county PHAs run approximately 5 to 8 years. Westchester runs approximately 5 to 7 years. Major upstate city PHAs — Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, Albany — run approximately 3 to 6 years. Smaller upstate county PHAs and HCR programs may have shorter waits. While waiting:
- Update your contact information with every PHA every time you move or change your phone number
- Respond promptly to all annual confirmation notices
- Document any priority preference eligibility:
- Currently homeless or residing in an NYC shelter or upstate emergency shelter
- Victim of domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking (VAWA protections apply; NYC has additional DV housing protections)
- Veteran or active-duty service member
- Person with a disability requiring accessible or supportive housing
- Displaced by fire, natural disaster, or government action
Step 5: Complete the Full Application
When your name is reached, gather these documents without delay:
- Photo ID — driver’s license, state ID, or passport for all adult household members
- Birth certificates — for all household members
- Social Security cards — for all household members
- Proof of income — recent pay stubs, Social Security or disability award letters, New York TANF (Family Assistance Program) award letters, or most recent federal tax return
- Bank statements — last 2–3 months for all accounts
- Rental history — landlord names, addresses, and contact info for the past 2–3 years
- Benefit letters — SNAP, New York Medicaid (NY Medicaid / Essential Plan), TANF/Family Assistance, or other New York benefit award letters
Step 6: Attend the Eligibility Interview
A New York PHA or HCR specialist will review your application, verify documents, and conduct an eligibility interview.
If you believe your application was improperly handled, contact Legal Aid Society at (212) 577-3300 (NYC), Legal Services NYC at (917) 661-4500 (NYC), or Empire Justice Center at (585) 454-4060 (upstate) for free housing legal guidance. Report any SOI violations to NYS DHR at (888) 392-3644.
Step 7: Receive Your Voucher and Search for Housing
If approved, you receive your New York Section 8 voucher and typically have 60 to 120 days to find eligible housing. New York’s statewide SOI law means landlords cannot legally refuse your voucher — use this right actively and report any violations to DHR or CCHR immediately.
In NYC’s extremely tight market, request extensions proactively and use NYCHA’s landlord outreach tools. In upstate markets, GoSection8.com and your PHA’s internal landlord list are your best starting points.
Finding Section 8 Housing in New York
New York’s statewide SOI law is a powerful protection. Here are the best resources for finding participating landlords:
- NYCHA Landlord Portal: nyc.gov/nycha — NYCHA maintains an active landlord outreach program and online portal for NYC voucher holders
- HCR Housing Resources: hcr.ny.gov — statewide affordable housing search tools and landlord resources; (800) 342-3736
- HUD Housing Locator: hudhousinglocator.com — search by New York city or ZIP code
- GoSection8.com: national database with strong New York listings statewide
- AffordableHousing.com: filter by New York for voucher-friendly listings
- Your local PHA landlord list: request the internal participating landlord list at your briefing
- NYS Division of Human Rights (DHR): If a landlord refuses your voucher, file a complaint at dhr.ny.gov or call (888) 392-3644
- NYC Commission on Human Rights (CCHR): NYC residents can also file at nyc.gov/cchr or call (212) 416-0197 for additional local enforcement
New York Section 8 Housing: Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Section 8 waitlist in New York?
NYCHA (New York City) general Section 8 waitlists have been effectively closed for general applicants — when previously open, estimated waits exceeded 10+ years. NYCHA periodically opens waitlists for specific preference groups including veterans, people experiencing homelessness, and persons with disabilities. Check nycha.info regularly for any openings.
Nassau and Suffolk county PHAs run approximately 5 to 8 years. Westchester runs approximately 5 to 7 years. Major upstate city PHAs run approximately 3 to 6 years. Smaller upstate county PHAs and HCR programs may run 2 to 4 years when open. Applying to every New York PHA you are eligible for simultaneously — including upstate PHAs with portability later — is the most important strategy.
What is CityFHEPS and how does it differ from Section 8 in NYC?
CityFHEPS (City Fighting Homelessness and Eviction Prevention Supplement) is New York City’s locally funded rental voucher program, separate from federal Section 8. CityFHEPS is primarily accessed through the NYC shelter system, through Department of Social Services caseworkers, or through referral from a homeless services provider.
CityFHEPS has different eligibility requirements than federal Section 8 — it is targeted at homeless households, those fleeing domestic violence, and households at imminent risk of shelter entry. If you or your household are experiencing homelessness or housing instability in NYC, ask your caseworker or shelter provider about CityFHEPS eligibility immediately. Contact NYC DSS at (718) 557-1399 or visit nyc.gov/hra for more information.
Can a New York landlord refuse Section 8?
No — not legally. New York State’s Human Rights Law prohibits landlords statewide from refusing to rent based on a tenant’s lawful source of income, including Section 8 vouchers. In NYC, the NYC Human Rights Law provides additional protections enforced by CCHR.
File a complaint with NYS DHR at (888) 392-3644 or with NYC CCHR at (212) 416-0197 if a landlord refuses your voucher. New York’s enforcement framework is among the strongest in the country.
What is the income limit for Section 8 in New York?
For a family of four, New York’s income limits span an enormous range — from approximately $32,500 in rural upstate counties to $95,900 in Nassau, Suffolk, Westchester, Rockland, and Putnam counties (the NYC suburban ring).
New York City (5 boroughs) is approximately $79,850. Erie County (Buffalo) is approximately $46,850. Monroe County (Rochester) approximately $47,950. Onondaga County (Syracuse) approximately $44,650. Verify current county-specific limits at huduser.gov as they are updated annually.
How much does Section 8 pay for rent in New York?
In New York City, payment standards for a two-bedroom unit are approximately $2,570–$3,080 — among the highest in the United States. In Nassau/Suffolk (Long Island), approximately $2,480–$2,970. In Westchester, approximately $2,390–$2,860.
In the Capital Region (Albany/Schenectady/Troy), approximately $1,425–$1,705. In Rochester (Monroe County), approximately $1,240–$1,485. In Buffalo (Erie County), approximately $1,195–$1,430. In Syracuse (Onondaga County), approximately $1,150–$1,375. Contact your specific PHA or HCR for current exact payment standards.
Are there housing resources for NYC’s large immigrant and mixed-status communities?
Yes. New York City is home to millions of immigrants from around the world. Key resources include Catholic Charities of New York at (212) 419-3700, The Door at (212) 941-9090 for immigrant youth housing, UnLocal at (646) 760-2650 for undocumented immigrant housing support, and the New York Immigration Coalition (NYIC) at (212) 627-2227 for housing referrals and advocacy.
Upstate immigrant communities — including large Burmese, Somali, Congolese, and Latino communities in Buffalo, Rochester, Utica, and Syracuse — are served by local refugee resettlement agencies including International Institute of Buffalo at (716) 883-1900, Catholic Charities of Rochester at (585) 546-7220, and Mohawk Valley Resource Center for Refugees at (315) 733-9464 in Utica.
Are there housing resources specifically for upstate New York’s struggling post-industrial cities?
Yes. Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, Utica, Binghamton, Schenectady, and other upstate cities share a common challenge: deep concentrated poverty in distressed neighborhoods, aging housing stock, and limited rental inventory at safe, affordable price points.
Key upstate resources include PathStone Corporation at (585) 340-3300, which provides affordable housing development and housing services across western and central New York; Binghamton Housing Authority at (607) 772-2321 for the Southern Tier; Home HeadQuarters at (315) 474-1939 for affordable housing in Central New York; and Belmont Housing Resources for WNY at (716) 884-7791 for Buffalo area households. The Empire Justice Center at (585) 454-4060 provides free housing legal assistance across upstate New York.
Can I use my New York Section 8 voucher in another state?
Yes. After living in your initial New York Section 8-assisted unit for at least 12 months, you can port your voucher to another state.
Many NYC voucher holders port to New Jersey, Connecticut, or other nearby states where rents may be lower and inventory higher. Contact your New York PHA or HCR to initiate the portability process. Your subsidy will be recalculated based on the receiving area’s payment standards.
Are there Section 8 vouchers for veterans in New York?
Yes. The HUD-VASH program provides Section 8 vouchers for homeless veterans combined with VA case management.
New York VA facilities administering HUD-VASH include the VA NY Harbor Healthcare System (Manhattan/Brooklyn) at (800) 877-6976, the James J. Peters VA Medical Center (Bronx) at (718) 584-9000, the VA Hudson Valley Healthcare System (Castle Point/Montrose) at (845) 831-2000, the Albany Stratton VA Medical Center at (518) 626-5000, the Buffalo VA Medical Center at (716) 834-9200, the Canandaigua VA Medical Center (Rochester area) at (585) 394-2000, the Syracuse VA Medical Center at (315) 425-4400, and community-based outpatient clinics across the state. Contact your nearest New York VA to inquire about HUD-VASH availability.
What other programs help with housing in New York besides Section 8?
New York has an extraordinarily rich array of state and local housing programs beyond federal Section 8, including CityFHEPS (NYC city-funded vouchers), the NY/NY III Housing Agreement for homeless persons with mental illness, the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative (ESSHI), and HCR’s own New York State Housing Choice Voucher Program.
The Tenant Protection Unit (TPU) enforces rent stabilization and rent control laws for the approximately one million rent-stabilized units in NYC — a parallel system of affordability protection. New York’s HEAP (Home Energy Assistance Program) helps with utility costs, and SNAP and Medicaid (NY Medicaid / Essential Plan) document income eligibility for housing applications. Dial 211 for immediate local referrals anywhere in New York State.
Additional Housing Resources in New York
- New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR): hcr.ny.gov — statewide HCV, LIHTC, HOME, and affordable housing programs; (800) 342-3736
- NYCHA (NYC): nyc.gov/nycha — NYC Section 8 / HCV program; (718) 707-7771
- NYC Dept. of Social Services — CityFHEPS: nyc.gov/hra — NYC’s city-funded rental voucher program; (718) 557-1399
- 2-1-1 New York: Dial 211 — emergency housing, shelter, utility assistance, and social services statewide, 24/7
- NYS Division of Human Rights (DHR): dhr.ny.gov — file SOI and housing discrimination complaints statewide; (888) 392-3644
- NYC Commission on Human Rights (CCHR): nyc.gov/cchr — NYC housing discrimination complaints; (212) 416-0197
- Legal Aid Society (NYC): legalaidnyc.org — free housing legal assistance for NYC residents; (212) 577-3300
- Legal Services NYC: legalservicesnyc.org — free housing legal assistance for NYC residents; (917) 661-4500
- Empire Justice Center (Upstate): empirejustice.org — free housing legal assistance for upstate New York residents; (585) 454-4060
- Coalition for the Homeless (NYC): coalitionforthehomeless.org — NYC homeless advocacy and housing navigation; (212) 776-2000
- PathStone Corporation: pathstone.org — affordable housing development and housing services across western and central New York; (585) 340-3300
- Belmont Housing Resources for WNY (Buffalo): bhrwny.org — housing counseling and navigation in western New York; (716) 884-7791
- Home HeadQuarters (Syracuse): homehq.org — affordable housing development and housing services in Central New York; (315) 474-1939
- HUD-Approved Housing Counselors: Free counseling statewide — find one at hud.gov/housingcounseling
- HUD-VASH for Veterans: Contact VA NY Harbor at (800) 877-6976 (NYC) or Buffalo VA at (716) 834-9200 (WNY) for homeless veteran housing vouchers
Final Thoughts: Getting Section 8 Housing in New York
Securing a Section 8 housing voucher in New York is one of the most challenging housing tasks in the United States — particularly in New York City and the surrounding suburbs, where waitlists are measured in decades and market rents are among the highest in the world.
But New York’s statewide SOI law, its parallel city-funded programs like CityFHEPS, its strong tenant protections including rent stabilization, and the breadth of upstate and HCR programs give New Yorkers more tools than residents of most other states — if you know how to access them.
Here are the most important actions to take right now:
- Apply to every New York PHA you are eligible for simultaneously — city and county PHAs are separate; NYC residents should apply to NYCHA and all NYC-area suburban PHAs; upstate residents should apply to both city and county PHAs and to HCR
- NYC residents: ask about CityFHEPS immediately — if you are in shelter, working with a caseworker, or at risk of homelessness, CityFHEPS may be faster to access than federal Section 8; contact NYC DSS at (718) 557-1399
- Know your SOI rights — New York law prohibits landlords from rejecting your voucher; report violations to NYS DHR at (888) 392-3644 or NYC CCHR at (212) 416-0197
- Check NYCHA’s website regularly at nycha.info for any preference-based waitlist openings — NYCHA periodically opens waitlists for veterans, homeless households, and persons with disabilities even when the general list is closed
- Consider upstate PHAs with portability — applying to Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, or Albany PHAs and porting your voucher after 12 months is a viable strategy for NYC-area residents willing to temporarily relocate
- Dial 211 for immediate help with housing, emergency rental assistance, and other urgent needs while you wait
For the most current waitlist information, contact NYCHA at (718) 707-7771 (NYC), your local upstate PHA directly, or New York State HCR at (800) 342-3736 and hcr.ny.gov.
Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Income limits, Fair Market Rents, payment standards, and program rules are updated annually by HUD. New York State and local housing laws are also subject to change. Always verify current information with your local New York Public Housing Authority, HCR, or a HUD-approved housing counselor before applying.