Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 23, 2013
Contact: media@nycha.nyc.gov

NYCHA Enhances Customer Service for Public Housing Applicants and Section 8 Voucher Holders

The online Self Service Portal now enables applicants and voucher holders to access and update their information

The New York City Housing Authority has initiated another feature to improve customer service for public housing applicants and Section 8 voucher holders so that they can access their application status and update basic information online In April 2013, NYCHA launched its Self Service Portal, an Internet-based site that gives applicants easy access to view basic information about their public housing or Section 8 application without needing to visit in-person or call the Customer Contact Center. New York City residents can also now apply for public housing online, as well, with applications available in English, Spanish, Chinese and Russian.

The Self-Service Portal has been enhanced to give public housing applicants the ability to view and immediately update their information on their current application, such as address, telephone numbers, reasons for applying and borough of preference. Earlier improvements included being able to view their current application status; eligibility interview date; eligibility status; and verify if certified to a public housing development waiting list. The Self-Service Portal also enables Section 8 voucher holders to access their basic tenancy information, including contract rent; annual recertification date; and the inspection date for their home. They can also reschedule their inspection date and request a special inspection for their building or unit.

To use the Self Service Portal Section 8 voucher holder and applicants must register. To register they must be either a Section 8 voucher holder, or have a public housing or Section 8 application on file; be the person listed as the head of household; and have a valid e-mail address and Social Security number.

To access the page, public housing and Section 8 applicants can go to NYCHA's website at www.nyc.gov/nycha. Public housing applicants choose "Applying for Public Housing" on the left-side menu. From there, they can click on "Check my Application Status." Those applying for public housing for the first time can click on "Apply Here" and after they have applied they can register on the Self-Service Portal to monitor the status of their application. Section 8 voucher holders choose "Section 8 Assistance" on the left-side menu. From there, they can click on “Tenant Self-Service Portal for Section 8 Voucher Holders.”