IMPORTANT update to Section 8 Debit Card users only. Starting June 1st, 2023, the payment method on your utility allowance will change to check mailed to your address of record. click here

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Tenants

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:

  • Comply with Section 8 program rules and regulations,
  • Comply with the terms of the lease with the property owner,
  • Allow Housing Quality Standards inspections and provide the Section 8 property owner to make any needed repairs, and
  • Complete the annual recertification, and report family changes, on a timely basis.

A summary of program requirements can be found in the Housing Choice Voucher Program Guide for Voucher Holders.

Special Programs – Family Self-Sufficiency Program

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.

Reasonable Accommodation

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.

Housing Discrimination is Illegal

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:

  • You are a resident of a two-family house where the owner or a member of the owner’s family resides in that house and the available housing accommodation was not advertised.
  • You rent a room or rooms in non-government assisted housing where the owner resides.

Reporting Fraud

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.

Tenant Self-Service

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

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.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)