For Tenants

NYC Housing Voucher Programs: CityFHEPS, Section 8, FHEPS, HASA Compared

VoucherKing Editorial·March 5, 2026·9 min read

New York City has multiple overlapping housing subsidy programs, each with different eligibility requirements, payment standards, and application processes. Understanding which program you qualify for is the first step toward stable housing.

Program Overview

Program	Who It's For	Administered By	Waitlist?
CityFHEPS	Households in shelter or facing homelessness; income ≤200% FPL	NYC HRA/DSS	No waitlist — need-based
Section 8 (HCV)	Low-income households (any housing situation)	NYCHA / HPD	Closed — 100,000+ waiting
FHEPS	Families with children in DHS shelter or facing eviction	NYC HRA/DSS	No waitlist — need-based
HASA	NYC residents with HIV/AIDS experiencing housing instability	NYC HASA	No waitlist — need-based

CityFHEPS

CityFHEPS is currently the most accessible housing voucher in NYC. With no traditional waitlist and citywide payment standards that exceed Section 8 in most boroughs, it's the best option for households that need assistance now. Eligibility requires being in shelter or at imminent risk, with income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level.

Section 8 (Housing Choice Voucher)

Section 8 is the federal rental assistance program. NYC's waitlists (both NYCHA and HPD) are currently closed — getting to the top could take a decade or more. If you're already on a waitlist, check your status regularly. If you have a voucher, use it — it's portable and federally backed.

FHEPS

FHEPS (Family Homelessness and Eviction Prevention Supplement) is specifically for families with children. You must have an active eviction case or be in a DHS shelter. Payment standards ($1,620 for 1BR, $1,945 for 2BR) are lower than CityFHEPS, but it's another option if you don't qualify for CityFHEPS.

HASA

HASA (HIV/AIDS Services Administration) provides housing assistance exclusively to NYC residents with HIV/AIDS. HASA payment standards ($2,736 for 1BR, $3,456 for 2BR) are higher than standard Section 8 rates and include supportive services. Contact HASA at 212-971-0626 or visit a HASA field office.

You can only receive one housing subsidy at a time. Apply for the program you currently qualify for — you can always transition later if your circumstances change.

Can I apply for more than one program at once?

You can apply for and be on waitlists for multiple programs simultaneously. However, you can only actively use one rental subsidy at a time. Once you receive a voucher and sign a lease, other pending applications should be maintained until you decide to withdraw.

What if I don't qualify for any of these programs?

Other options include NYCHA public housing (also has waitlists), HUD-VASH (for veterans), NYC rental assistance emergency vouchers, and non-profit affordable housing applications. Contact 311 or HRA Benefits Access Center for a full eligibility review.

How do I apply for CityFHEPS if I'm not in a shelter?

If you're facing imminent homelessness — a court-ordered eviction, loss of housing due to domestic violence, or unsafe conditions — you may qualify for CityFHEPS without shelter entry. Contact your HRA center or call 311 for a DSS Benefits Access intake.