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Applying for Section 8
Section 8 Waitlist is Closed
The New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) waitlist is currently closed to new applicants.
If you previously submitted a Section 8 housing application, you may log on to the Self-Service Portal to check the status of the application and update your information.
Emergency Housing Voucher (EHV) Transition Updates
Temporary Pause in Voucher Issuance for Applicants on the General Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Section 8 Program Waitlist, Effective August 1, 2025
Effective August 1, 2025, NYCHA paused active outreach, including activities related to the application process and voucher issuance for applicants on the general HCV waitlist.
Applicants who did not receive a voucher were returned to their original position on the waitlist. NYCHA has not removed applicants from the waitlist. NYCHA will contact applicants when it resumes issuing vouchers to applicants on the general waitlist.
Applicants on the general waitlist do not need to take any action at this time; however, they should ensure their contact information is up to date. To make updates, visit NYCHA’s Self-Service Portal at selfserve.nycha.info.
Applicants who need assistance updating their information can contact the Customer Contact Center at 718-707-7771, Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
NYCHA will continue to accept and process referrals under the following Special Admission Programs:
- Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH)
- Stability Vouchers
For questions, please refer to the Section 8 Program Updates.
Things You Should Know When Completing a Section 8 Application
If you are on an existing waitlist, you may be asked to update your preliminary application or submit a complete application. Don’t risk your chances of receiving federally assisted housing by providing false, incomplete, or inaccurate information on your application forms.
Learn more about what information you must provide before applying for Section 8 on the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) website (opens in new tab).
Denial of Assistance
If you are denied assistance, you will be notified by NYCHA and will be given the opportunity to appeal the reason.
Income Limits
You must be income-eligible at the time of voucher issuance. Below are the current income limits for Section 8 applicants:
| Family Size | Annual Income ($) |
|---|---|
| 1 Person | $56,700 |
| 2 Persons | $64,800 |
| 3 Persons | $72,900 |
| 4 Persons | $81,000 |
| 5 Persons | $87,500 |
| 6 Persons | $94,000 |
| 7 Persons | $100,450 |
| 8 Persons | $106,950 |
Self-Service Links
You can view your information and complete certain transactions online. Log on to the self-service portal using your computer, smartphone, tablet, or other internet-enabled device to get started.
Where Can You Rent
Finding affordable housing in New York City is often difficult. NYCHA is helping to make the search easier by offering a listing of properties available to voucher holders seeking units in the private market. The listing is maintained by AffordableHousing.com, the largest rental listing service provider for the Section 8 housing market. If you have any questions about viewing property listings, please contact AffordableHousing.com at 866-466-7328.
View Section 8 rental listings on AffordableHousing.com.
Housing Discrimination Is Illegal
It is illegal for your landlord to refuse your voucher or public rental assistance.
If you believe you have been discriminated against, call 311 and ask for the NYC Commission on Human Rights, or call the Commission’s hotline directly at 718-722-3131. For more information, please visit nyc.gov/fairhousingnyc (opens in new tab) or review the “Know Your Rights as a Recipient of Housing Assistance” notice: English (PDF) | Español (PDF) | 中文 (繁體 (PDF) / 简体 (PDF)) | Русский (PDF)