What the Town of Hempstead Housing Authority does

The Town of Hempstead Housing Authority is a public agency that runs housing programs in the Town of Hempstead, which covers most of western Nassau County on Long Island, New York. It administers Section 8 vouchers, public housing units, and other rental information. The Authority is separate from the Nassau County Housing Authority, which serves the rest of the county.

The Authority's main job is to manage a waiting list, verify tenant income and household composition, conduct inspections of rental units, and pay landlords on behalf of tenants who hold vouchers. It does not build or own most of the housing — it contracts with private landlords to accept vouchers and with property owners to lease public housing units.

If you live in the Town of Hempstead and need rental help, the Housing Authority is the body you contact. It is located in Hempstead, New York, and you can reach it by phone or by visiting in person during business hours.

Key Takeaways

  • The Town of Hempstead Housing Authority runs Section 8 vouchers and public housing for the western part of Nassau County, separate from the county authority.
  • The Authority maintains a waiting list for both vouchers and public housing units, and the wait time varies depending on the program and current demand.
  • To use a Section 8 voucher, you must find a landlord willing to accept it, and the Authority will inspect the unit before the lease begins.
  • The Authority verifies your income, household size, and citizenship or immigration status before you can receive a voucher or public housing unit.
  • You must recertify your income and household information every year to keep your voucher or public housing lease active.

Section 8 vouchers through Hempstead Housing Authority

A Section 8 voucher is a rent subsidy that pays part of your rent directly to your landlord. The Authority issues the voucher to you, and you use it to rent from any private landlord in the Town of Hempstead who agrees to participate. You pay the difference between the voucher amount and the actual rent.

The voucher amount is set by the Authority based on the size of your household and the local rent market. If you find an apartment that rents for less than the voucher amount, you pay less. If the rent is higher, you pay the difference out of pocket — the voucher does not increase.

To get on the waiting list, you must contact the Authority directly. The waiting list is typically closed, meaning the Authority is not accepting new applications. When it reopens, you must explore in person or by mail during the open period. The wait time after you are added to the list can be several years, depending on household size and priority status.

Public housing units managed by the Authority

The Town of Hempstead Housing Authority also owns and manages public housing apartments. These are units where you pay rent based on your income — typically 30 percent of your gross monthly income. The Authority sets the rent, not a private landlord.

Public housing units are separate from the Section 8 waiting list. You explore for public housing through the Authority's public housing program. The waiting list for public housing is also typically closed, and reopens periodically. Wait times vary by unit size and location.

Once you are assigned a public housing unit, you sign a lease with the Authority. You must recertify your income every year. If your income rises above the program limit, you may be asked to leave or to pay market rent.

Income limits and household verification

The Authority sets income limits based on household size and the area median income for Nassau County. These limits change each year. To find the current limits, contact the Authority directly — they vary by program and are updated annually.

When you explore, you must provide proof of income for all household members. This includes recent pay stubs, tax returns, Social Security statements, or unemployment benefits letters. If you are self-employed, you will need to show business tax returns and profit-and-loss statements.

You must also verify your household composition — who lives with you — and your citizenship or immigration status. The Authority will ask for a birth certificate or passport for each household member and a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).

How to contact the Town of Hempstead Housing Authority

The Authority's main office is located in Hempstead, New York. You can reach them by phone during business hours to ask about waiting list status, process procedures, and current programs. The phone number and office address are available through the Town of Hempstead website or by calling the Town's main line.

You can also visit the office in person to pick up an process or to ask questions. Bring identification and proof of income if you are ready to explore. Some programs may allow you to submit applications by mail, but you should confirm this with the Authority before sending documents.

If you are already a voucher holder or public housing resident, you can contact the Authority to report maintenance issues, request a lease renewal, or report a change in your household or income.

Annual recertification and reporting changes

Whether you hold a Section 8 voucher or live in public housing, you must recertify your income and household information every 12 months. The Authority will send you a notice with the date you must complete recertification. If you miss the important date, your voucher or lease may be terminated.

You must report certain changes to the Authority within 30 days, even if recertification is not due. These include a change in household members (someone moving in or out), a change in income, a change in employment, or a change in your address. Failure to report changes can result in overpayment of rent or termination of your information.

To recertify, you will submit updated income documents, proof of household composition, and any other information the Authority requests. You may do this in person, by mail, or online if the Authority offers that option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Town of Hempstead Housing Authority the same as Nassau County Housing Authority?

No. The Town of Hempstead Housing Authority serves only the Town of Hempstead, which is the western part of Nassau County. The Nassau County Housing Authority serves the rest of the county. If you live outside the Town of Hempstead, you contact the county authority instead.

How long is the waiting list for a Section 8 voucher?

Wait times vary and change based on demand and available funding. The waiting list is typically closed, meaning new applications are not being accepted. Contact the Authority to ask when the list will reopen and what the current wait time is for your household size.

Can I use my Section 8 voucher outside the Town of Hempstead?

No. A Section 8 voucher issued by the Town of Hempstead Housing Authority can only be used to rent within the Town of Hempstead. If you move outside the town, your voucher ends. Some vouchers can be transferred to another housing authority through a process called "portability," but you must request this and the receiving authority must approve it.

What happens if my income increases while I have a voucher?

Your voucher amount does not change if your income increases. You will continue to pay the same amount to the landlord, and the Authority will continue to pay the same subsidy. However, at your next annual recertification, the Authority may adjust your rent contribution based on your new income, or you may be asked to leave the program if your income exceeds the limit.

Do I need to be a U.S. citizen to get a voucher or public housing?

You do not need to be a U.S. citizen, but you must have a valid immigration status. The Authority will verify your status using your Social Security number or ITIN. Some immigration statuses do not make you may be able to access. Contact the Authority to ask about your specific situation.