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Housing
The information below can help people with disabilities find housing-related resources, services, and benefits.
You can also download our Access Housing Guide, which is available in English and Español.
Affordable Housing
Housing Connect (HPD/HDC)
Housing Connect's affordable housing developments have income and credit requirements, which vary by development. Most income requirements range from $20,000 to $120,000. Applications are picked through a lottery system. When an applicant is chosen through the lottery, the next step is an eligibility review where the applicant must submit all required documents needed to prove eligibility. Once found eligible, applicants are offered apartments based on log number order. Being picked for an eligibility review does not guarantee an apartment. NYC's affordable housing is comprised of newly constructed and renovated buildings around the city. Applicants can apply online or request a paper application. The lotteries have set asides for people with mobility (5%) and hearing/vision (2%) disabilities. Other preferences exist on a per development basis.
Apply for Affordable Housing Online
Request Paper Applications
- HPD: 212-863-7990
- HDC: 212-227-6411
The Housing Ambassadors can help with the application process.
Low-Income Housing
NYC Housing Authority (Public Housing)
Provides rent subsidized housing for those who meet HUD's Section 8 eligibility requirements. Tenants' rent is 30% of their monthly gross income. Due to long waiting lists, priority is given to individuals and families applying from shelters and other agencies.
NYCHA Website
Main Info Line: 718-707-7771
NYCHA Disability Services: 212-306-4652
Project-Based Section 8
HUD
The US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) subsidizes apartments in buildings around the city. A number of these buildings are designated for those with disabilities. You will need to contact each building directly to request an application. To get a listing, contact HUD's Multi-Family Clearinghouse or use the online search tool to search by city or zip code.
HUD's Development Search
Multi-Family Clearinghouse: 800-685-8470
HPD
HPD maintains a list of Project-Based Section 8 developments. You will need to contact each building directly to request an application.
nyc.gov/hpd-pbv - then click on 'Project-Based Vouchers'
Mitchell-Lama (Section 8/236 Rentals)
Supportive Housing
Applying for Supportive Housing
More than a dozen NYC nonprofits currently have contracts to provide supportive housing. Generally, this housing is for people with mental/psychiatric disabilities, substance use disorders, or are high-cost Medicaid users. The criteria to live in these apartments varies based on the government agency funding them. The HRA 2010e is the application for Supportive Housing in NYC. This application can only be completed by an authorized professional. A person interested in applying for Supportive Housing should work with the professionals they see to get the HRA 2010e submitted.
HRA's Accessing Supportive Housing
Shared Housing
Home Sharing
A program run by the NY Foundation for Senior Citizens that matches adults with a roommate. The program requires that one party be a senior, so it can help to match seniors with a non-senior, or non-seniors with a senior. The program uses a personality and habits questionnaire to find roommates that will be a good match.
Home Sharing Webpage
Phone: 212-962-7559 (Ask for 'Home Sharing')
Family-Type Homes for Adults
A state program akin to foster-care for adults in need. It is a supportive-housing type program for adults who cannot live alone due to advanced age, developmental disabilities, or physical or mental health (but who do not require skilled medical or nursing services), where a licensed caregiver provides housing and services in their private home. People who use wheelchairs do not qualify, as private homes in NYC are not required to be wheelchair accessible.
Services include:
- A furnished room
- Meals
- Housekeeping and laundry
- Assistance with some personal care tasks
NYS Family-Type Home for Adults Frequently Asked Questions
Intake: 212-971-2615 or 212-971-0139
Housing Subsidies & Rent Assistance
HRA Rental Assistance Programs
Tenant-Based Section 8
Housing Choice Vouchers, also referred to as Section 8 Vouchers, are managed by multiple agencies in New York City. The waiting lists for these vouchers are very long, so they open very occasionally. You can check the status of waiting lists in the area by going to the list of open waiting lists in New York at affordablehousingonline.com. The following information can help those who already have a voucher or have applied.
NYCHA Section 8 Inquiries and Complaints
NYCHA Section 8 Customer Contact
Phone: 718-707-7771
Portability Unit: 212-306-4149
HPD Section 8 Inquiries and Complaints
HPD Section 8 Webpage
Helpline: 917-286-4300
DHCR Section 8
DHCR Section 8 Webpage
Phone: 212-480-6672
Nursing Home Transition and Diversion Medicaid Waiver Program (NHTD)
This is a program for people with physical/medical disabilities who qualify for 'nursing-home level care'. This is not strictly a housing program! NHTD provides the at-home services needed to live in the community and a housing voucher is one of those services. To apply, call the Regional Resource Development Center (RRDC) and request an NHTD application. Once processed, a Visiting Nurse will be assigned to meet with the applicant to determine their eligibility. Once approved, the applicant will be given a list of local providers to choose from. The local provider will do an assessment of their needs and then apply for the housing voucher.
More NHTD Info
RRDC Phone: 718-816-3555
RRDC Fax: 914-682-8518
NHTD Complaints
Complaints regarding the NHTD Program are addressed by the RRDC Complaint Line. Complaints about the RRDC itself are handled by the NYSDOH NHTD Program.
RRDC Complaint Phone: 718-816-3555 (Program Complaints)
RRDC Complaint Email: mdattilo@wilc.org (Program Complaints)
NYSDOH NHTD: 518-474-5271 (RRDC Complaints)
NHTD Complaint Process
Disability Rent Increase Exemption (DRIE)
Allows tenants who qualify to have their rent frozen, making them exempt from future rent increases. To qualify, the applicant must be 18 or older; receive some kind of disability related benefit (SSI, SSDI, etc.); have a total household gross income of $50,000 or less; and be named on the lease in a rent regulated apartment or HDFC CoOp.
NYC Rent Freeze Website
Phone: 311
DRIE Ombudsperson
Their job is to help identify and resolve issues with applications or benefits. The ombudsperson is here to help after you have completed the application process.
Rent Freeze Help
Phone: 311
'One Shot Deal' Emergency Assistance Program
Helps people who cannot meet an expense, usually due to an unexpected situation or event. Emergency assistance is provided for, but not limited to, the following situations:
- Homelessness
- Dispossess/Eviction
- Utility disconnected or pending termination
- Fire disaster
- Domestic violence
- Circumstances that affect the health and safety of the individual or family
Access HRA Emergency Assistance Webpage
Phone: 718-557-1399
Programs for Specific Populations
Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities
The New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) has a few programs that assist individuals with developmental disabilities and their income-eligible families find a home of their choice. Start by contacting your local Front Door.
Get Started Accessing Services
OPWDD Info Line: 866-946-9733
Front Doors
- Bronx: 718-430-0757
- Brooklyn: 718-642-8576
- Manhattan: 646-766-3220
- Queens: 718-217-6485
- Staten Island: 718-982-1913
- Full List of Front Door Sites
AHRC Info and Referral Line
Staffed by professionals who can provide valuable information for families of people with developmental disabilities, professionals wishing to make a referral for services, and persons with disabilities.
Phone: 212-780-4491
AHRC Referral Center
Quality Services for the Autism Community (QSAC)
QSAC is a New York-based nonprofit that supports children and adults with autism, together with their families, in achieving greater independence.
qsac.com
Phone: 718-7-AUTISM (718-728-8476)
Email: info@qsac.com
Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities Complaints
For complaints regarding any programs for adults or children with intellectual or developmental disabilities, call the New York State Justice Center.
NYS Justice Center: 855-373-2122
Veterans
To help end veteran homelessness, incentives are being offered to landlords, brokers, and supportive housing providers who provide permanent housing to veterans. For help finding housing, Veterans can reach out to the Mission Home Call Center.
Mission Home: 212-232-0560
DHS Veterans Resources
HIV/AIDS Service Administration (HASA)
Persons living with HIV or AIDS may receive essential benefits and social services through HASA, a program of the New York City Human Resources Administration. HASA offers a rent subsidy for clients in private market apartments. Eligible clients contribute 30% of their income towards rent and HASA pays the rest.
HASA Webpage
Phone: 212-971-0626
Formerly Incarcerated
There are organizations who support successful re-entry from prison and promote alternatives to incarceration.
Fortune Society
FortuneSociety.org/#programs
Phone: 212-691-7554
For Homeowners
Disabled Homeowners Exemption (DHE)
Provides a property tax exemption to disabled owners of 1, 2, and 3 family houses, condominiums, or cooperative apartments. To be eligible, at least one owner must have a documented physical or mental disability that is not caused by alcohol or drug use. The combined income of the owner(s) and their spouse(s) cannot exceed $58,399 and the property must be the owners' primary residence.
STAR Credit Program
The New York State Department of Taxation and Finance offers this program. The Basic and Enhanced (seniors) STAR Credit benefits save most New York homeowners hundreds of dollars annually. If you're eligible, you'll receive a check for the amount of your STAR savings. Find out more and how to register on the website or by calling.
NYS STAR Credit Webpage
Phone: 518-457-2036
Home Repair & Modifications
Rebuilding Together NYC
An organization that provides financial assistance to homeowners or renters who need accessibility modifications to better access their homes. Examples include: wheelchair ramps and lifts, handrails, easy-to-reach kitchen work and storage areas, lever handles on doors, roll-in showers with grab bars, etc.
RebuildNYC.org
Phone: 718-488-8840
Doorways to Independence – ADAPT Community Network
Simple home alterations can be life changing, helping individuals adapt to their home environment. These modifications help people stay in their homes rather than a nursing home or institutionalized settings, while also increasing independence and mobility.
AdaptCommunityNetwork.org
Phone: 877-827-2666
Adele Friedman Housing Accessibility Fund
The Adele Friedman Housing Accessibility Fund was established in 2016 by the Fair Housing Justice Center (FHJC) for the purpose of providing targeted financial assistance to benefit low and moderate income persons with disabilities who need reasonable modifications made to the housing they occupy to make it accessible.
For more information, see the Adele Friedman Housing Accessibility Fund webpage or contact the FHJC at fhjc@fairhousingjustice.org.
Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)
Assists income-eligible families and individuals to reduce their heating and cooling costs by addressing health and safety issues in their homes through energy-efficiency measures. Weatherization services reduce the amount of energy required to heat and cool homes and provide hot water, thus reducing energy consumption. Household energy-use reductions result in an average annual savings of more than 20%.
Services may include, but are not limited to:
- sealing cracks and holes to reduce air infiltration;
- insulation of attics and walls; heating system repairs or replacement;
- hot water tank and pipe insulation;
- installation of energy-efficient lighting and refrigerators;
- window and outside door repair or replacement;
- minor repairs to ensure that the installed weatherization materials will perform correctly; and,
- mitigation of energy-related health and safety issues (indoor air quality improvements, correction of ventilation problems that can lead to mold growth, and identification of lead paint hazards).
HCR Weatherization Program Webpage
Email: weatherization@nyshcr.org
Phone: 518-474-5700
Free Fire Alarm Program
The Red Cross and FDNY have collaborated on a program to provide free state-of-the-art smoke and carbon dioxide detectors for New Yorkers. Accessible units are also available. Request one online, by phone, or by email.
Fire Prevention Campaign Webpage
Phone: 877-733-2767
FDNYGetAlarmedNYC@fdny.nyc.gov
Utilities & Public Services
Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)
HEAP is a federally funded program that assists low-income New Yorkers with the cost of heating their homes. HEAP also offers an emergency benefit for households in a heat or heat related energy emergency.
HEAP Webpage
Phone: 800-342-3009
Cooling Assistance Benefit
The Cooling Assistance benefit helps eligible households buy and install an air conditioner or fan up to a cost of $800, including installation. The Cooling Assistance benefit typically opens in May. Air conditioners are provided on a first-come, first-served basis to eligible applicants. Applicants are only eligible for a Cooling Assistance benefit once every five years. If eligible, a household can get only one air conditioner or one fan. If an air conditioner cannot be safely installed, a fan will be provided.
Cooling Assistance Benefit
Phone: 212-835-7216
Public Service Commission
State agency that takes complaints about public utility companies. They do not take complaints against cell phone companies.
Phone: 800-342-3377
Con Ed Special Services
Find out about free services for Con Ed customers with disabilities.
ConEd Special Services
Phone: 800-293-5680
Homelessness Prevention & Shelters
Homebase
Homebase will help develop a personalized plan to overcome an immediate housing crisis and achieve housing stability. May be eligible if:
- Are at imminent risk of entering the shelter system
- Are low-income
- Want to remain stably housed in your community
HPD Emergency Housing Services
The Emergency Housing Services (EHS) unit provides emergency relocation services and rehousing assistance to households who have been displaced from their homes because of fires or City-issued vacate orders. Displaced households are placed in family centers and single-room-occupancy hotels in Manhattan, Bronx, Brooklyn, and Queens.
HPD Emergency Housing
Phone: 212-863-8561
General Shelter Info
The intake facilities for single adults are open 24 hours, seven days a week, including holidays.
- Interpreters will be made available for people who do not speak English.
- People with disabilities are encouraged to bring medical documentation to request reasonable accommodations. After going through intake, people with disabilities will be transferred to a shelter facility that most suits their needs.
Shelter Complaints
DHS Ombudsman
DHS Ombudsman Webpage
Phone: 800-994-6494
NYS Division of Shelter Oversight and Compliance
NYS Shelter Oversight Webpage
Phone: 518-486-4040
Intake Centers
Single Women
Franklin Women's Intake Center
1122 Franklin Ave. - Bronx, NY
Phone: 347-417-8240
Single Men
30th Street Intake Center
400-430 E. 30th St. - New York, NY
DHS Single Adults Shelter Info
Families with Minor Children
Prevention Assistance and Temporary Housing (PATH)
151 E. 151st Street - Bronx, NY
DHS Families with Children Info
Adult Families
Adult Family Intake Center (AFIC)
400-430 E. 30th Street
New York, NY 10016
Safe Horizons (Domestic Violence - HRA)
Assists New Yorkers who are experiencing domestic violence to move from crisis to confidence by providing legal services and shelter placement. Time limited stays, clients are transferred to DHS shelter after time limit.
Contact Safe Horizons
Phone: 800-621-4673
Housing-Related Complaints
311
The following housing-related complaints can be made through 311:
- Residential Maintenance Complaints
- Elevator or Escalator Complaints
- Indoor Air Quality Complaints
nyc.gov/311
Phone: 311
Rent-Regulated Apartment Complaints
Call the State's Department of Homes and Community Renewal with issues around rent regulation.
Contact DHCR
Phone: 718-739-6400
Nursing Home Complaints
Nursing home complaints can be filed with the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) online or by calling the Hotline.
Submit Nursing Home Complaint
Hotline: 888-201-4563
Hours: Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 4:45 pm
Discrimination
The City Commission on Human Rights enforces the New York City Human Rights Law and protects people who have experienced discrimination. They also assist folks in the process of negotiating reasonable accommodations in the areas of housing, employment, public services etc. For general questions, call the main number. To file a complaint, call the number for scheduling appointments.
Similarly, the New York State Division of Human Rights enforces the State's Human Rights laws. If someone feels they have been discriminated against they can file a complaint with the Division of Human Rights. Once a complaint is filed, the Division of Human Rights will investigate and may present the case in a public hearing.
In addition, an Americans with Disabilities Act complaint can be filed with the US Department of Justice alleging disability discrimination against a State or local government or a public accommodation (including restaurants, doctor's offices, retail stores, hotels, etc.) online, by mail, or fax.
NYC Human Rights
nyc.gov/cchr
Main: 212-306-7450
Intake: 718-722-3131
NYS Human Rights
Filing a Complaint with DHR
Phone: 888-392-3644
Department of Justice - ADA Complaint
Filing an ADA Complaint
ADA Complaint Form
HUD Fair Housing
HUD's Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity investigates the following types of complaints: discrimination under the Fair Housing Act (including housing that is privately owned and operated); discrimination and other civil rights violations in housing and community development programs, including those funded by HUD.
File a Fair Housing Complaint
Phone: 800-669-9777
Source of Income (SOI) Discrimination Unit
The Department of Social Services has a unit that is dedicated to fighting landlords who discriminate against New Yorkers with rental subsidies. It is illegal for any housing provider (landlord, managing agent, broker, real estate agent, etc.) to deny an apartment to someone based on their source of rental payments.
Phone: 929-221-6576
Email: soi@dss.nyc.gov
Public Advocate
The Office of the Public Advocate assists with complaints and inquiries involving government-related services and regulations. From resolving housing complaints to combating abuse by agencies, the Office helps thousands of New Yorkers annually by improving transparency and accountability of City government.
Need help now? Use our Constituent Help Desk Intake Form. You may also contact the Office of the Public Advocate by phone, email, mail, fax or visit in person:
- Advocate.nyc.gov
- Telephone Hotline: 212-669-7250
- Email: gethelp@pubadvocate.nyc.gov
- Address: 1 Centre Street, 15 Floor North. New York, NY 10007
- Walk-in Office Hours: Monday thru Thursday from 10:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M.
- Fax: 212-669-4701
Post Office Complaints
For complaints regarding mail fraud or postal service, call the following number.
Postal Inspector Complaint
Phone: 877-876-2455
Legal Resources for Housing
Housing Court Answers
Educates and empowers NYC tenants and small homeowners through Information Tables and a hotline. They can explain Housing Court and housing law, rent arrears assistance, and homeless prevention guidance. They also assist NYCHA tenants with an Information Table at 250 Broadway.
HousingCourtAnswers.org
Phone: 212-962-4795
HRA's Office of Civil Justice (OCJ)
If you are facing eviction, if you need help with an immigration matter, if you are a worker facing wage theft or other workplace violations, or if you are facing other legal challenges, you may have access to free legal assistance through HRA's Office of Civil Justice (OCJ).
Mayor's Office to Protect Tenants (MOPT)
They want to make sure all renters have the resources they need to understand their rights and responsibilities—-and have the tools they need.
Other Resources
Office of the Taxpayer Advocate
The Office of the Taxpayer Advocate is independent from other parts of the Department of Finance and reports directly to the Commissioner of Finance. They recommend policy changes or request that the Department of Finance act on behalf of NYC taxpayers.
About the Taxpayer Advocate
Phone: 212-312-1800
BCID's Open Doors Program
A program that assists people in institutional settings (nursing home, group home, etc.) to transition into community-based housing options.
Phone: 844-545-7108
DFTA – Senior Housing
You can get information about housing options for seniors aged 60 and older who live in New York City and are frail or living with Alzheimer's, dementia, or disabilities. These housing options provide personal care or health care services to residents.
Housing options include:
- Nursing homes
- Adult homes
- Assisted living
- Enriched housing
Services may include:
- Activities
- Bathing and dressing assistance
- Group meals
- Housekeeping
- On-site medical and nursing care
- Supervision
The appropriate options depend on the senior's needs, health condition, and financial situation. You must provide your daytime phone number or email address so the Department for the Aging (DFTA) can follow up with you. Details about the different options and referrals to facilities will be provided.
Contact Aging Connect
Phone: 212-Aging-NYC (212-244-6469), or call 311