For Tenants

HUD-VASH Voucher in NYC: A Complete Guide for Homeless Veterans

VoucherKing Editorial·April 8, 2026·7 min read

HUD-VASH (Housing and Urban Development — Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing) combines a Section 8 rental voucher with VA case management services specifically for homeless veterans. In New York City, it is one of the most effective programs for getting veterans off the street and into stable housing.

Who Qualifies for HUD-VASH?

Must be a veteran (honorable or general discharge — some discharges may be reviewed)
Must be homeless or at risk of homelessness
Must be enrolled in VA healthcare (or agree to enroll)
Must meet HUD income eligibility (typically at or below 50% of Area Median Income)
Must agree to participate in VA case management services

How to Apply in NYC

Contact the VA New York Harbor Healthcare System: 800-877-6976
Ask to be screened for HUD-VASH by the homeless outreach team
Alternatively, contact SSVF (Supportive Services for Veteran Families) providers in NYC — they can refer to HUD-VASH
The NYC Department of Veterans' Services (NYC DVS) at 212-416-5380 can also connect you to HUD-VASH services
If currently unsheltered: contact NYC's Veterans Crisis Line at 988, press 1

How HUD-VASH Works

Once approved, you receive a housing voucher (administered by NYCHA or HPD) that works like Section 8 — you find an apartment in the private market, the unit is inspected, and the subsidy is paid directly to the landlord. The difference is that HUD-VASH includes ongoing VA case management: a VA case manager helps with housing stability, mental health, substance use treatment, and other services.

Finding a HUD-VASH Apartment in NYC

HUD-VASH vouchers work at any qualified private market apartment that passes HQS inspection and whose rent is within the payment standard. VoucherKing accepts HUD-VASH and can match you with landlords open to working with veteran voucher holders.

NYC Local Law and NYC Human Rights Law both prohibit landlords from refusing HUD-VASH vouchers. If a landlord refuses your veteran voucher, file a complaint with the NYC Commission on Human Rights.

Is HUD-VASH the same as Section 8?

HUD-VASH uses the Section 8 voucher mechanism (Housing Choice Voucher) but is specifically for homeless veterans and comes with VA case management. Administratively, NYCHA and HPD manage the vouchers using the same HQS inspection and HAP contract process as Section 8.

Can family members live with me on a HUD-VASH voucher?

Yes. The voucher covers a unit sized for your household. If you have a spouse, children, or other dependents, the voucher is sized accordingly and family members can live with you.

What if I have a criminal record?

HUD-VASH has specific rules about criminal history. Generally, the program cannot admit applicants on the sex offender registry or those convicted of methamphetamine production on federal housing premises. Other criminal records are reviewed individually — contact the VA housing team for a specific determination.