The Housing Choice Voucher program, also known as Section 8, is a federally funded program that provides assistance to eligible low- and moderate-income families to rent housing in the private market. Eligibility for this program is based on a family's gross annual income and family size. To remain eligible for continued assistance, participants must:
A summary of program requirements can be found in the Housing Choice Voucher Program Guide for Voucher Holders.
The Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) program is a great opportunity for Section 8 families to achieve economic independence. There are many resources offered through this program, including a savings account for participants that grows as their household earned income increases.
For more information, please call 718-289-8100 or visit
OpportunityNYCHA.
If you or a household member has a medical condition or disability that requires a change, modification, or alteration in policy, procedure, or practice which allows you to participate fully in the Housing Choice Voucher program, you may be eligible for a reasonable accommodation. Please call the Customer Contact Center at 718-707-7771 for more information.
The NYC Commission on Human Rights enforces the City Human Rights Law and protects individuals from discrimination in housing based on the protected classes under the Law, promoting equal opportunity and prohibiting discriminatory practices that unfairly limit the housing choices of protected groups or individuals.
One of the protected classes covered includes:
Lawful Source of Income (including housing subsidies): The term lawful source of income includes without limitation income derived from social security, or any form of federal, state or local public assistance or housing assistance including section 8 vouchers.
Under the NYC Human Rights Law, the only entities not covered by the source of income law are as follows:
You are not covered by the Law if:
Committing fraud is a violation of the Section 8 program's rules and responsibilities. NYCHA will take action against applicants, program participants, and owners who commit fraud, bribery, or other corrupt or criminal acts. Program participants who commit fraud could be required to repay all overpaid rental assistance, arrested, fined and/or imprisoned, or have their Section 8 assistance terminated.
If you know someone who commits fraud, bribery, or other corrupt or criminal acts, please make an anonymous complaint by calling NYCHA's Inspector General’s office at 212-306-3355, Monday - Friday, 9:00a.m. - 5:00p.m.
Section 8 tenants can view their information and complete select transactions online, any time— 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Log in to the self-service portal to get started.
Voucher payment standards and utility allowance schedules are the maximum amount of subsidy NYCHA will pay to the property owner on behalf of a voucher holder. NYCHA’s payment standard schedule is based on the Fair Market Rent established by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for each unit size. These standards can be set between 90 percent and 110 percent of the published Fair Market Rent. Please view the voucher payment standards and utility allowance schedules for the most up-to-date information.