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Voucher Payment Standards and Utility Standards
Voucher Payment Standards (VPS) and Utility Allowance Schedules are the maximum amount of subsidy NYCHA will pay to the owner on behalf of a voucher holder. NYCHA’s payment standard schedule is based on the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for each unit size established by HUD. These standards can be set between 90% and 110% of the published FMR.
Important Note on NYCHA Exception Payment Standards
Effective July 1, 2026, NYCHA will discontinue the use of Exception Payment Standard (EPS) ZIP codes for its tenant-based Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program and all special purpose vouchers, including Veteran Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH), Non-Elderly Disabled, Family Unification Program (FUP), Stability, and others. NYCHA will apply the standard voucher payment standards below across all ZIP codes for all new rentals and transfers.
Payment Standards
Below are the Payment Standards effective January 1, 2026, for annual recertifications.
| Bedroom Size | Payment Standard |
|---|---|
| 0 bedrooms | $2,646 |
| 1 bedroom | $2,762 |
| 2 bedrooms | $3,058 |
| 3 bedrooms | $3,811 |
| 4 bedrooms | $4,111 |
| 5 bedrooms | $4,728 |
| 6 bedrooms | $5,345 |
| 7 bedrooms | $5,962 |
| 8 bedrooms | $6,579 |
Below are the Payment Standards effective January 1, 2026, for new rentals and transfers.
| Bedroom Size | Payment Standard |
|---|---|
| 0 bedrooms | $2,604 |
| 1 bedroom | $2,734 |
| 2 bedrooms | $2,997 |
| 3 bedrooms | $3,753 |
| 4 bedrooms | $4,077 |
| 5 bedrooms | $4,689 |
| 6 bedrooms | $5,301 |
| 7 bedrooms | $5,913 |
| 8 bedrooms | $6,524 |
Housing Choice Voucher Program Utility Allowance Rates (Effective January 1, 2026)
Cooking Gas and Electric (No Electric Stove)
| Number of Bedrooms | 0 bedrooms | 1 bedroom | 2 bedrooms | 3 bedrooms | 4 bedrooms | 5 or more bedrooms |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cooking Gas ($) | $29 | $33 | $39 | $45 | $51 | $57 |
| Electric ($) | $96 | $108 | $142 | $176 | $210 | $244 |
| Total (Cooking Gas & Electric) ($) | $125 | $141 | $181 | $221 | $261 | $301 |
Oil Heat and Hot Water
| Number of Bedrooms | 0 bedrooms | 1 bedroom | 2 bedrooms | 3 bedrooms | 4 bedrooms | 5 or more bedrooms |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oil Hot Water Only ($) | $28 | $32 | $47 | $61 | $76 | $90 |
| Oil Heat Only ($) | $91 | $107 | $122 | $138 | $153 | $168 |
| Total (Oil Heat & Hot Water) ($) | $119 | $139 | $169 | $199 | $229 | $258 |
Gas Heat and Hot Water
| Number of Bedrooms | 0 bedrooms | 1 bedroom | 2 bedrooms | 3 bedrooms | 4 bedrooms | 5 or more bedrooms |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gas Hot Water Only ($) | $22 | $26 | $38 | $49 | $61 | $72 |
| Gas Heat Only ($) | $73 | $86 | $100 | $110 | $122 | $134 |
| Total (Gas Heat & Hot Water) ($) | $95 | $112 | $138 | $159 | $183 | $206 |
Electric Heat and Hot Water
| Number of Bedrooms | 0 bedrooms | 1 bedroom | 2 bedrooms | 3 bedrooms | 4 bedrooms | 5 or more bedrooms |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electric Hot Water Only ($) | $37 | $44 | $56 | $68 | $80 | $93 |
| Electric Heat Only ($) | $52 | $62 | $82 | $103 | $123 | $144 |
| Total (Electric Heat & Hot Water) ($) | $89 | $106 | $138 | $171 | $203 | $237 |
Note: The electric heat allowance applies to Section 8 tenants who are responsible for paying their own electric heat. The figures do not include an allowance for cooking by gas or electric, or for electric lighting and household appliances.
Electric
| Number of Bedrooms | 0 bedrooms | 1 bedroom | 2 bedrooms | 3 bedrooms | 4 bedrooms | 5 or more bedrooms |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Including Electric Cooking Range ($) | $111 | $126 | $167 | $209 | $251 | $293 |
Note: This allowance includes electric service and use of the electric stove.
Heat Pump
| Number of Bedrooms | 0 bedrooms | 1 bedroom | 2 bedrooms | 3 bedrooms | 4 bedrooms | 5 or more bedrooms |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| All Heat Pumps ($) | $31 | $37 | $40 | $47 | $55 | $65 |
Note: This allowance applies to heat pumps in apartment buildings and single-family homes.