Applications for Section 8 are now open. Here’s what you need to know.

New Yorkers can now apply for the Housing Choice Voucher Program, better known as Section 8, after the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) program was closed for 15 years.  Section 8 assists 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.

The program works as a rental subsidy, allowing families to pay a reasonable amount of their income toward their rent while the program covers the balance.

The application will be open until Sunday, June 9, 2024, at 11:59 PM.

Who can qualify for Section 8?

U.S. citizens and noncitizens who have eligible immigration status.

Family eligibility requirements: The household must meet HUD’s definition of a “family.” Click here for more information.

Income limits: The household’s annual income must not exceed the applicable income limit as established by HUD in the jurisdiction where the family leases a unit. Click here for more information.

Student status: Higher education students who do not live with their parents must meet additional eligibility criteria. Click here for more information.

Citizenship status: The applicant’s family must have eligible immigration status with supporting documentation. Each household’s citizenship status only needs to be verified once at the time of admission. Click here for more information.

I’m an immigrant from Haiti. Can I still apply?

Yes, however you must have legal immigration status. Eligibility for Federal housing assistance is limited to U.S. citizens and noncitizens who have eligible immigration status.

When some family members have eligible immigration status and others do not, the family is considered a mixed family. Mixed families receive prorated assistance based on the percentage of family members who qualify.

What if I’m on TPS or entered through the Biden Parole Program? Can I still apply?

Yes. A non-citizen who has been lawfully admitted for permanent residence as an immigrant. This includes special agricultural workers granted lawful temporary resident status and noncitizens who indicate that they have satisfactory immigration status, such as VAWA self-petitioners, whose verification of eligibility or appeal of a determination as to permanent residence is pending with DHS.

Read more here.

How do I apply?

The fastest and most efficient way to apply for the HCV Program is online. You may visit a local library if you do not have internet access.

https://on.nyc.gov/section8-application

Are applications only available online?

No. However, paper applications will only be made available as a reasonable accommodation.

You can request a reasonable accommodation from Monday, June 3, 2024, through Friday, June 7, 2024 (8 AM to 5 PM) by calling (718) 218-1525 to have an application mailed to you or by visiting one of the locations below to get an application in person:

The paper application must be postmarked by Friday, June 28, 2024, and sent only by US Mail to the address on the application.

How much will I have to pay in rent?

Eligible families will receive a voucher to begin searching for housing. Generally, families will pay no more than 40 percent of their adjusted monthly income toward their rent share.

What are the program requirements to maintain Section 8?

Section 8 participants must comply with all program requirements, including completing their annual certification, accommodating Housing Quality Standards inspections, allowing property owners to make any needed repairs, and adhering to the terms of their lease.

What are the income limits?

For more information on applying for Section 8, click here.