Application Instructions for New York Section 8
Step 1
The New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) administers Section 8 services for individuals and households. These programs are directed by the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Locally, 151 public housing authorities in cities throughout New York take applications for the following Section 8 services:
- Housing Choice Voucher program
- Public housing
If you are currently living in a home or are able to find housing, but unable to afford it, consider the Housing Choice Voucher program. This New York Section 8 program provides households with a subsidy to help them afford rent. The household is responsible for paying up to 30 percent of their monthly income toward rent. The subsidy, which goes directly to the landlord, covers the remainder. The Housing Choice Voucher program gives you the freedom to choose where you will live. You are able to transfer your HCV to another public housing authority area if your account is in good standing, and with permission from your PHA agent.
Public housing in New York is provided for individuals and households without housing. This may be due to involuntarily displacement, domestic violence, or homelessness. Additionally, if someone in your household is elderly or disabled you will be given preference on the application process.
To receive either the Housing Choice Voucher benefits or public housing you will need to apply for Section 8 in New York.
Who can Qualify for Section 8?
Anyone who is need of housing in New York may be eligible for Section 8 services. However, you will need to pass certain qualifications to be approved:
- Your household income must not exceed the low-income limits to be approved for the Housing Choice Voucher program.
- You must be at least 18 to apply for services.
- Everyone in your household must be US citizens or permanent immigrants with legal status.
- You must be able to pass a background check for criminal history, i.e. no sexual offenses or drug convictions.
The application requires you to submit documents verifying all of this information, so you must be able to provide those for all members of your household. Please note you will be required to complete an eligibility interview with your PHA agent. During this interview you will have to clarify and explain all of the documentation and information listed on your application. If you are disabled or unable to travel to the interview location you can request a telephone interview. The state of New York provides multi-lingual staff to accommodate language barriers among applicants.
How to Apply
You will apply for Section 8 at a local public housing authority. Contact your nearest PHA to get an application. Once you submit your application you will be placed on a waitlist. You will also receive notification that your application was processed, which will arrive within two weeks. Once you apply for Section 8 in New York, your application will be active for two years after it is accepted.
The next step is to be placed on a waitlist. Sixteen waitlists for the Housing Choice Voucher program are currently open to applicants. Most of the 84 waitlists for public housing in New York are now open. Waitlists can have a waiting period of months or years. You can apply to more than one waitlist to increase your chances of being selected for housing services via Section 8.
Once you are chosen for the Housing Choice Voucher program, you are responsible for finding affordable housing that meets Section 8 requirements in New York. Households selected for public housing will be directed on where to move along with a move-in date.
As you complete the application process, or if you have questions about New York Section 8 programs, you can reach your HUD rep at the:
- New York Regional Office
- Albany Field Office
- Buffalo Field Office
You can also contact a regional housing authority to receive assistance regarding your Section 8 application or eligibility.