For Tenants

FHEPS vs CityFHEPS: What's the Difference?

VoucherKing Editorial·March 18, 2026·6 min read

Both FHEPS and CityFHEPS are NYC city-funded rental assistance programs administered by HRA. They're often confused because the names sound similar, but they serve different populations and have very different payment standards.

Quick Comparison

Factor	CityFHEPS	FHEPS
Full name	City Fighting Homelessness and Eviction Prevention Supplement	Family Homelessness and Eviction Prevention Supplement
Who it's for	Adults and families in shelter or at risk of homelessness	Families with children in DHS shelter or facing eviction
Income limit	At or below 200% Federal Poverty Level	Cash Assistance recipients or DHS shelter residents
1 BR payment standard	$2,696/mo	$1,620/mo
2 BR payment standard	$3,247/mo	$1,945/mo
Children required?	No	Yes — at least one child under 18
Waitlist	None — need-based	None — need-based

Who Should Apply for CityFHEPS?

CityFHEPS is the better option if you qualify — it has significantly higher payment standards ($2,696 vs $1,620 for 1BR) and doesn't require children in the household. If you're an adult without children who is in shelter or at imminent risk of homelessness, CityFHEPS is the primary option.

Who Should Apply for FHEPS?

FHEPS applies specifically to families with children who are either in DHS shelter or have a pending eviction case. The lower payment standards mean it's harder to find eligible apartments, but it's a path for families who may not meet CityFHEPS eligibility criteria.

You cannot receive both FHEPS and CityFHEPS simultaneously. If you qualify for both, your caseworker will determine which is more appropriate given your situation.

Can I get CityFHEPS if I have children?

Yes. CityFHEPS does not exclude families with children — it just doesn't require them. Families with children can qualify for CityFHEPS if they meet the income and housing status requirements.

Which program has more available apartments?

CityFHEPS. Because the payment standards are higher, more apartments in NYC fall within CityFHEPS limits. FHEPS renters face a much harder search since the $1,620 1BR cap is tight for most NYC neighborhoods.

My eviction case just started. Which program should I apply for?

Apply immediately through your HRA center or shelter case manager. If you have children, FHEPS may apply. If you or an adult in your household qualifies for CityFHEPS (income at or below 200% FPL, at imminent risk of shelter entry), that's typically the preferred path because of the higher payment standards.