New York City's Section 8 waiting lists are closed to new applications, and have been for years
The New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) stopped accepting new Section 8 applications in 2009 and has not reopened them since. If you are not already on a waiting list, you cannot join one through NYCHA. The waiting list for people already enrolled is extremely long — current wait times are measured in decades, not months or years.
This does not mean Section 8 housing is unavailable in New York City. It means the main pathway — applying directly to NYCHA — is not open. Other programs and housing resources do exist, and some have shorter wait times or different rules. Understanding which doors are actually open matters more than waiting for NYCHA's list to reopen.
Key Takeaways
- NYCHA's Section 8 waiting list has been closed since 2009 and remains closed; you cannot apply to join it.
- People already on NYCHA's waiting list wait an average of 18 to 20 years before receiving a voucher.
- New York City has other rental assistance programs, including the Rental Assistance for Individuals and Families (RAIF) program and Emergency Rental Assistance, which have different may be able to access rules and shorter timelines.
- The Housing Connect portal lists available public housing and Section 8 units that current voucher holders can use to search for apartments.
- If you need housing now, contacting your local housing authority or calling 211 can connect you to programs currently accepting people.
Why NYCHA's Section 8 list closed and stayed closed
NYCHA closed its Section 8 waiting list in 2009 because the demand far exceeded the number of vouchers available. At that time, the list already had over 200,000 people on it. Adding more names would only have pushed wait times further into the future without creating any new vouchers.
The number of Section 8 vouchers available in New York City has not grown significantly since then. NYCHA receives a fixed federal budget for vouchers, and that budget has not increased enough to clear the existing backlog or accept new applicants. Reopening the list would require either a major increase in federal funding or a decision to reduce wait times for people already waiting — neither of which has happened.
Current wait times for people already on the list
If you are already on NYCHA's Section 8 waiting list, your wait time depends on when you joined and your priority status. People with priority status — such as those experiencing homelessness, living in NYCHA public housing, or meeting other criteria — move faster than people on the general list. Even with priority, wait times are typically 10 to 15 years. On the general list, you may wait 18 to 20 years or longer.
NYCHA publishes an annual report on its waiting list, but the exact position and timeline for any individual applicant varies. If you are on the list, you can contact NYCHA directly to ask about your status, though they cannot predict when a voucher will become available.
Other rental assistance programs open in New York City
While NYCHA's Section 8 program is closed, New York City runs other rental assistance programs that may help. The Rental Assistance for Individuals and Families (RAIF) program provides one-time payments to help people pay rent, arrears, or move-in costs. It is not a voucher program — it does not provide ongoing monthly assistance — but it can help you stay in housing or move to a new place.
The city also administers Emergency Rental Assistance for people facing eviction or housing instability due to hardship. This program prioritizes people with arrears and active eviction cases. Both programs have income limits and require documentation, but they do not have the same multi-decade waiting lists as Section 8.
New York State also runs the Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) Section 8 program, which is separate from NYCHA. HCR administers vouchers in some parts of New York State, though its waiting lists are also closed in most areas. Checking HCR's website can tell you whether any upstate programs are open, which matters if you are considering moving outside New York City.
How to search for Section 8 apartments if you have a voucher
If you already hold a Section 8 voucher from NYCHA or another program, you can search for available apartments using the Housing Connect portal. This is NYCHA's online listing service where landlords post units that accept Section 8. You can filter by neighborhood, number of bedrooms, and rent price. Housing Connect also shows which buildings have available units and allows you to contact landlords directly.
Not all landlords accept Section 8, and some neighborhoods have fewer participating units than others. The voucher gives you the ability to search and negotiate with landlords, but finding an apartment that accepts the voucher and fits your needs still takes time and effort.
What to do if you need housing now
If you need housing immediately and cannot wait for Section 8, contact your local housing authority or call 211 to learn about programs currently accepting people. These include emergency rental assistance, rapid rehousing programs, and supportive housing for people experiencing homelessness. Each program has different rules, wait times, and income limits.
Your local community board or neighborhood housing office can also connect you to nonprofits that help with housing searches, rental negotiation, and tenant rights. Many of these organizations know which landlords are most likely to work with people on tight budgets or with housing barriers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get on NYCHA's Section 8 waiting list if I move to New York City?
No. NYCHA's waiting list is closed to new applicants regardless of where you live. If you are moving to New York City and need rental assistance, contact 211 or your local housing authority to learn about other programs that may be open.
What if I was on the waiting list years ago but never got a voucher?
If you applied before the list closed in 2009, you may still be on it. Contact NYCHA directly with your application number or name to confirm your status and ask about your position. If you are on the list, you do not need to reapply — NYCHA will contact you when a voucher becomes available.
Is there any chance NYCHA will reopen the Section 8 waiting list?
There is no announced plan to reopen it. Reopening would require either a significant increase in federal funding for vouchers or a policy decision to prioritize new applicants over people already waiting. Neither has occurred. Waiting for the list to reopen is not a reliable housing strategy.
How do I know if I am may be able to access for other rental assistance programs?
Income limits, household size, and housing status determine may be able to access for most programs. Calling 211 or visiting your local housing authority's office can tell you which programs you may be able to use. Bring recent pay stubs, lease, and proof of any hardship to speed up the process.
Can I use a Section 8 voucher from another state in New York City?
Yes, Section 8 vouchers are portable. If you hold a voucher from another state, you can request a transfer to New York City and use it to search for apartments here. Contact your current housing authority to start the transfer process.