Where to Apply and What You Need to Know First
In New York, you apply for Section 8 through your local Public Housing Authority (PHA), not through a state office or online portal. New York City residents apply through the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA). People in other parts of the state apply through their county or regional PHA — for example, Westchester County residents use the Westchester County Housing Authority, and Rochester residents use the Rochester Housing Authority.
The first step is to contact your local PHA directly to ask whether they are currently taking new applications. Many PHAs in New York have closed their waiting lists because demand far exceeds available vouchers. Some have waiting lists that are years long. A few periodically reopen for short periods. The PHA can tell you in one phone call whether you can apply right now or whether you need to wait for them to reopen.
If the waiting list is open, you can usually start the process by phone, mail, or in person at the PHA office. NYCHA and most other New York PHAs now offer online pre-applications on their websites, which speeds up the initial step. However, you will still need to visit in person or mail documents to complete the full process.
Key Takeaways
- You apply through your local Public Housing Authority — NYCHA if you live in New York City, or your county PHA elsewhere — and many have closed waiting lists, so call first to confirm they are taking applications.
- You must prove your household income is at or below 50 percent of the area median income (the exact dollar amount varies by county and household size), and you will need recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer.
- You must provide a signed lease or letter from a landlord confirming you can rent from them, proof of citizenship or legal residency, and a photo ID for the head of household.
- After you submit your application, the PHA will contact you for an interview, which usually happens within a few weeks to several months depending on how busy the office is.
- If you are approved, you receive a voucher that covers the difference between 30 percent of your income and the fair market rent for your area, and you then have a set time (usually 60 to 120 days) to find a landlord who will accept it.
Income Limits and How They Are Calculated
Section 8 in New York is limited to households earning at or below 50 percent of the area median income (AMI) for your county. This is not a fixed dollar amount — it changes based on household size and location. A single person in New York City has a different income limit than a single person in rural upstate New York. A family of four has a higher limit than a family of two.
The PHA uses your household's gross monthly income to determine whether you meet the income limit. Gross income includes wages, self-employment income, Social Security, unemployment benefits, child support, and most other regular money coming in. The PHA will ask for recent pay stubs (usually the last 30 days), recent tax returns (usually the last two years), and a letter from your employer confirming your job and pay rate. If you are self-employed, you will need tax returns and possibly bank statements.
You can contact your local PHA or visit their website to find the exact income limit for your household size and location. NYCHA publishes income limits on its website. Most other New York PHAs do as well, though the format varies. If you cannot find it online, call the PHA and ask them to tell you the limit for your household size.
Documents You Must Bring or Mail
The PHA will ask for several categories of documents. Have them ready before you apply, because missing documents will delay your application.
| Document Category | What Counts |
|---|---|
| Proof of income | Recent pay stubs (last 30 days), last two years of tax returns, letter from employer on company letterhead confirming job and pay rate, Social Security statement, unemployment award letter, child support order and proof of receipt |
| Proof of residency and lease | Signed lease showing your name and the landlord's name, or a letter from a landlord stating they will rent to you if you receive a voucher, or proof you currently live somewhere (utility bill, mail from a government agency) |
| Citizenship or legal residency | Birth certificate, passport, green card, visa, or employment authorization document (EAD); if you are a non-citizen, you must have a Social Security number |
| Photo ID for head of household | Driver's license, passport, state ID, or other government-issued photo ID |
| Social Security numbers | Social Security card or Social Security statement for all household members |
If you do not have a lease yet, many PHAs will let you submit a letter from a landlord saying they are willing to rent to you once you have a voucher. This is called a "landlord letter" or "letter of intent to rent." The landlord does not have to sign a full lease before you are approved — that happens after you receive your voucher.
If you are currently homeless or living in a shelter, tell the PHA when you apply. You may still be able to proceed, though the process for proving residency is different. Ask the PHA what documents they will accept in your situation.
The Application and Interview Process
After you submit your application, the PHA will review it to make sure you have provided all required documents. If something is missing, they will contact you and ask you to send it. This can add weeks to the timeline.
Once your application is complete, the PHA will schedule an interview. The interview is usually conducted in person at the PHA office, though some PHAs now offer phone or video interviews. During the interview, a staff member will ask you questions about your household, income, housing history, and any criminal history. They will also verify the information you provided on your application.
The interview typically takes 30 to 60 minutes. Bring the same documents you submitted with your application, in case the interviewer wants to see originals. If you have a representative (a lawyer, social worker, or family member) who can attend with you, you can bring them.
After the interview, the PHA will make a decision on your application. This usually takes two to eight weeks, depending on how busy the office is. You will receive a letter in the mail telling you whether you have been approved, denied, or placed on the waiting list. If you are approved, the letter will tell you when your voucher becomes active and how long you have to find a rental unit.
What Happens After You Are Approved
If you are approved, you receive a Section 8 voucher. The voucher is not money — it is a document that tells a landlord the PHA will pay part of the rent directly to them. You are responsible for paying the rest (usually 30 percent of your income, though this varies).
Once you have your voucher, you have a set amount of time to find a rental unit. In New York, this is usually 60 to 120 days, depending on your PHA. During this time, you search for an apartment on your own. The landlord must be willing to accept Section 8. Not all landlords do — some refuse because they believe the voucher process is slow or because they have other reasons.
When you find an apartment, the landlord signs a lease with you and the PHA. The PHA then inspects the unit to make sure it meets housing quality standards (safe, clean, no major repairs needed). If it passes, the PHA and landlord sign a contract, and the PHA begins paying their share of the rent directly to the landlord each month. You pay your share to the landlord.
If you do not find a unit within your time limit, you can usually ask for an extension. Contact your PHA to ask about their extension policy.
Reasons the PHA May Deny Your Application
The PHA can deny your application if your household income is above the limit, if you do not have proof of citizenship or legal residency, or if you have certain criminal convictions. New York law prohibits the PHA from denying you solely because of a criminal record, but they can deny you if the conviction is for drug manufacturing or distribution, or if you are a registered sex offender.
The PHA can also deny you if you have a history of not paying rent, damaging rental units, or violating lease terms. If you were evicted in the past, the PHA may ask about it during your interview. Having an eviction on your record does not automatically disqualify you, but it may slow down your approval.
If your application is denied, the PHA will send you a letter explaining why. You have the right to request a hearing to appeal the decision. The letter will tell you how to request a hearing and what the deadline is (usually 10 to 30 days from the date of the denial letter).
Waiting List Status and Timeline
If your local PHA has a closed waiting list, you cannot apply until they reopen. Some PHAs reopen their lists every few years. Others have not reopened in over a decade. Check your PHA's website or call them every six months to ask whether they have reopened.
If the waiting list is open and you are approved, you move to the active voucher holder list. From that point, you usually have 60 to 120 days to find a unit. If you are on a waiting list (meaning the PHA is not currently issuing new vouchers), you may wait months or years before your name comes up and you receive a voucher.
Some PHAs prioritize certain groups — for example, people experiencing homelessness, people with disabilities, or people fleeing domestic violence. Ask your PHA whether they have preferences and whether you may have access to for any of them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply if I have an eviction on my record?
Yes. An eviction does not automatically disqualify you. The PHA will ask about it during your interview and may request documentation. They will consider the reason for the eviction and how long ago it happened. Recent evictions for non-payment may make approval harder, but it is not a may provide denial.
What if I am currently homeless or living in a shelter?
You can still apply. Tell the PHA you are homeless when you submit your application. You may not need a signed lease — the PHA can work with you on proving residency. Some PHAs have expedited processes for people experiencing homelessness. Ask your PHA what documents they will accept and whether they have a faster track.
How long does the whole process take from application to moving into an apartment?
It varies widely. If the PHA is processing applications quickly and you find a unit right away, it can take three to six months. If the PHA is backlogged or you have trouble finding a landlord who accepts Section 8, it can take a year or longer. The biggest variable is how long it takes you to find an available unit after you receive your voucher.
What if I cannot find a landlord who will accept my voucher?
Contact your PHA. They can sometimes help you search or connect you with landlords who have accepted Section 8 in the past. Some PHAs have lists of participating landlords. If you still cannot find a unit before your time runs out, ask for an extension. Most PHAs will grant at least one extension if you can show you have been actively searching.
Do I have to use my voucher in the city or county where I applied?
Usually yes, but it depends on your PHA's rules. Most New York PHAs require you to use your voucher within their jurisdiction. Some allow portability, which means you can move to a different PHA's area and transfer your voucher. Ask your PHA about their portability policy before you apply.