Where to start: New York's public housing authorities

In New York, you apply for Section 8 through your local public housing authority, not through a state office or online portal. Which authority handles your application depends on where you live. 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 housing authority — there are separate authorities for Nassau County, Westchester County, Buffalo, Rochester, and other areas.

The first step is finding your local authority's contact information and learning whether they are currently accepting new applications. Many authorities have closed their waiting lists because they have more people waiting than they can serve. Some reopen periodically when funding allows. Calling your local authority directly is the fastest way to find out whether you can apply right now.

If your local authority's waiting list is closed, ask when they expect to reopen it and whether you can request notification when they do. Some authorities maintain a pre-application list for people who want to be contacted if the list opens again.

Key Takeaways

  • You apply through your local public housing authority, which varies by county and city — NYCHA for New York City, and separate authorities for other regions.
  • Many authorities have closed waiting lists, so your first step is calling to find out whether they are currently accepting applications.
  • You will need proof of income, citizenship or immigration status, Social Security numbers for all household members, and a photo ID.
  • The waiting list can be years long even after you are accepted, and your priority depends on factors like homelessness, disability, and how long you have been waiting.
  • Once you receive a voucher, you have a limited time to find a landlord who accepts Section 8 before the voucher expires.

Documents you need to bring or submit

When you apply, have these documents ready. You will need proof of income for all working household members — recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer showing your salary. If you receive benefits, bring documentation of those as well. You also need proof of citizenship or immigration status: a birth certificate, passport, or immigration documents.

Bring a photo ID for yourself and the person applying. You will need Social Security numbers for every person in your household, including children. If anyone in your household is not a U.S. citizen, you will need their immigration status documentation — this can include a green card, work permit, or visa.

Some authorities also ask for proof of residence, such as a utility bill or lease in your name. If you are currently homeless or living in temporary housing, bring whatever documentation you have of your current situation. Call your local authority before you go in to confirm exactly what they need, since requirements can vary slightly between authorities.

The application process and timeline

Most authorities let you apply in person at their office, and some also accept applications by mail or online. When you apply in person, you will fill out a form with your household information, income, and housing needs. The staff will review your documents and answer questions about your situation. Bring extra copies of everything — originals plus at least one copy.

After you submit your application, the authority will verify your information. This can take several weeks. They will contact your employer, check your income, and confirm your household composition. Once they verify everything, you go on the waiting list. The authority will send you written confirmation that you are on the list and give you a reference number.

How long you wait depends on your priority and how many people are ahead of you. Priorities vary by authority but typically include people who are homeless, have a disability, are elderly, or have been waiting the longest. Some authorities use a lottery system for part of their list. Even after you are accepted, waiting times in New York can range from months to several years.

What happens after you are called from the waiting list

When an opening comes up and your name reaches the top of the list, the authority will contact you. They will schedule an appointment to issue your voucher — a document that shows a landlord that Section 8 will pay part of your rent. At this appointment, staff will explain how the voucher works, what your rent share will be, and how to find a place.

You then have a set amount of time — usually 60 to 90 days depending on your authority — to find a landlord who accepts Section 8 and sign a lease. Not all landlords accept Section 8 vouchers. You will need to search for apartments, contact landlords, and explain that you have a voucher. Once you find a place and sign a lease, the landlord submits paperwork to the authority, and Section 8 begins paying their portion of the rent.

If you cannot find a place within your time limit, you can usually request an extension, but it is not may provide. If your voucher expires before you use it, you lose it and go back on the waiting list if you still need housing.

Income limits and how much you will pay

Section 8 has income limits that vary by county and household size. In general, your household income cannot exceed 50 percent of the area median income for your county. These limits change yearly. Your local authority can tell you the current limit for your household size.

If you are accepted, you will pay 30 percent of your household income toward rent, and Section 8 pays the rest up to a limit called the fair market rent. The fair market rent also varies by county and bedroom size. If you find an apartment that rents for less than the fair market rent, you pay 30 percent of your income and Section 8 pays the difference. If the apartment costs more, you have to pay the extra amount yourself, or you cannot use the voucher there.

Your rent share is recalculated every year based on your current income. If your income goes down, your share goes down. If your income goes up, your share goes up, but there are limits on how much it can increase in one year.

What to do if your local authority's list is closed

If your local authority is not currently accepting applications, you have a few options. First, ask to be added to a pre-application or notification list so they contact you when they reopen. Second, look into other housing programs that might help you now while you wait for Section 8. These include emergency rental assistance, public housing (which is different from Section 8), and nonprofit housing programs.

Third, if you live in New York City, you can contact the Housing Connect hotline at 311 to learn about all available housing programs and get referrals. If you live outside the city, your county's Department of Social Services can point you toward local programs. Some counties have their own rental assistance or affordable housing programs that do not have waiting lists.

Do not pay anyone to put you on a waiting list or to speed up your application. Section 8 is free, and no legitimate program charges a fee to apply or to get on a list.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply for Section 8 if I have an eviction on my record?

It depends on your authority's policy. Some authorities will not accept applications from people with recent evictions, while others consider the circumstances. Call your local authority and ask about their policy on eviction history. If you were evicted due to circumstances beyond your control — like a job loss or medical emergency — explain that when you apply.

What if I move to a different county in New York?

You cannot transfer your application or waiting list spot to a different authority. If you move, you must apply to your new county's housing authority as a new applicant. Your time on the previous list does not carry over. Some people apply to multiple authorities if they are considering moving, but each application is separate.

Do I have to live in New York to apply?

Most authorities require you to be a New York resident or to have a job in their county. Some have specific residency requirements — for example, you may need to have lived in the county for a certain amount of time. Ask your local authority about their residency rules before you apply.

What if my household income is slightly over the limit?

If your income exceeds the limit, you cannot be accepted into the program. There is no flexibility on income limits. However, some authorities count income differently — for example, they may not count student loan payments or child support you pay. Ask your authority how they calculate income to see if any deductions apply to your situation.

Can I apply if I am not a U.S. citizen?

You must be a U.S. citizen or have may be able to access immigration status. This includes green card holders and some visa holders. Undocumented immigrants are not may be able to access. Bring your immigration documents when you apply so the authority can verify your status.