For Tenants

Section 8 Income Limits in NYC: 2026 Eligibility Guide

VoucherKing Editorial·March 12, 2026·6 min read

To qualify for Section 8 (Housing Choice Voucher) in New York City, your household income must fall below HUD's income limits for the NYC area. These limits are updated annually and vary by household size. Understanding where you stand is the first step in knowing which programs you qualify for.

2026 NYC Section 8 Income Limits (Estimates)

Household Size	Very Low Income (50% AMI)	Extremely Low Income (30% AMI)
1 person	~$56,950	~$34,200
2 people	~$65,100	~$39,100
3 people	~$73,250	~$43,950
4 people	~$81,350	~$48,800
5 people	~$87,900	~$52,700
6 people	~$94,400	~$56,600

These are 2026 estimates based on HUD's NYC Area Median Income. Always verify current limits at hud.gov/program_offices/comm_planning/affordablehousing/programs/hcv/psd or with your administering agency.

What Do These Limits Mean?

Section 8 generally targets households at or below 50% of Area Median Income (Very Low Income). By law, 75% of new Section 8 vouchers must go to households at or below 30% AMI (Extremely Low Income). If your income is between 30% and 50% AMI, you may still qualify but will compete with lower-income households for vouchers.

What If You're Over the Limit?

If your income exceeds 50% AMI, you're ineligible for Section 8 but may still qualify for other programs. NYC has income-restricted affordable housing (Mitchell-Lama, 80/20 buildings, LIHTC) targeted at 60–80% AMI. The NYC Housing Connect platform (housingconnect.nyc.gov) lists all active affordable housing lotteries.

Income vs. CityFHEPS Eligibility

CityFHEPS uses a different income threshold: households must be at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). For a single person in 2026, that's approximately $30,120. For a family of 4, approximately $62,400. CityFHEPS income limits are lower than Section 8's 50% AMI threshold in most cases.

Does working affect my Section 8 eligibility?

No. Having a job does not disqualify you from Section 8. Your income determines your personal rent contribution — if your income increases, your portion goes up, but the voucher remains active as long as you're within the 50% AMI limit.

Is Social Security or disability income counted?

Yes. All income sources are counted for eligibility purposes: wages, Social Security, SSI, disability, alimony, child support, and any regular cash assistance. Certain deductions (medical expenses for elderly/disabled households, childcare) may reduce your calculated income.

What if my income changes after I get a voucher?

You report income changes to the administering agency at your annual recertification (or within 30 days for significant changes). Your personal portion adjusts accordingly. You lose your voucher only if income exceeds the 50% AMI limit — and even then, there's typically a phase-out period.