Section 8, also known as the Housing Choice Voucher Program, provides funding for rent subsidies for eligible low-income families for decent, safe, and affordable housing. Families can select housing within a neighborhood of their choice from a landlord willing to participate in the program. Rent subsidies (vouchers) allow families to pay a reasonable share of their income toward rent while the program, within specific limits, makes up the difference.

HPD’s Section 8 program is the fourth largest in the United States. We administer approximately 29,000 Section 8 vouchers serving New Yorkers in all five boroughs. Over 6,000 landlords currently participate in the program.

HPD’s Section 8 vouchers are reserved for eligible applicants who fall within specific HPD preference categories or special admission programs. Applications are not accepted from the general public, and must be submitted through designated intermediaries from different divisions within the agency, management staff from various housing providers, and staff from other governmental agencies.

HPD Section 8 Program Statistics  (PDF)