For Tenants

What Is CityFHEPS? Your Complete 2026 Guide to NYC Rental Assistance

VoucherKing Editorial·March 1, 2026·8 min read

CityFHEPS (City Fighting Homelessness and Eviction Prevention Supplement) is a New York City rental assistance program administered by the Department of Social Services (DSS). It provides monthly rental subsidies to help low-income individuals and families find and keep stable housing in NYC, with the goal of preventing and ending homelessness.

Who Qualifies for CityFHEPS?

To be eligible for CityFHEPS, you must be a New York City resident who is experiencing homelessness or at imminent risk of homelessness. Key eligibility requirements:

Currently residing in a DHS or HRA shelter, or at imminent risk of shelter entry
Income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level
Receiving Cash Assistance (or eligible for it) — or meeting emergency eligibility criteria
Not enrolled in another rental subsidy program that covers the full rent

How Much Does CityFHEPS Pay in 2026?

CityFHEPS covers the difference between your tenant portion (typically 30% of adjusted monthly income) and the contract rent — up to the program's payment standard. As of 2026, the NYC-wide payment standards are:

Unit Size	Monthly Maximum
Studio	$2,387/mo
1 Bedroom	$2,696/mo
2 Bedrooms	$3,247/mo
3 Bedrooms	$4,002/mo
4 Bedrooms	$4,637/mo

These are citywide rates — the same cap applies whether you're renting in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, or Manhattan.

How to Apply for CityFHEPS

Contact your HRA benefits center or shelter case manager
Complete the CityFHEPS application (DSS-7s form)
Provide documentation: government-issued ID, proof of income, any eviction notices or shelter placement letters
Wait for eligibility determination — typically 30–60 days
Once approved, receive your voucher and begin apartment-hunting

Finding a CityFHEPS-Approved Apartment

Not every landlord will immediately say yes to CityFHEPS — but NYC Local Law 63 prohibits landlords from refusing to negotiate with voucher holders based on their lawful source of income. If a landlord rejects you solely because of your CityFHEPS voucher, that's illegal discrimination.

VoucherKing filters listings to units whose contract rent falls within the CityFHEPS payment standard for your bedroom size, so you can search confidently without doing the math yourself. Every client is also assigned a dedicated agent who specializes in voucher placements.

How Long Does CityFHEPS Last?

CityFHEPS vouchers renew annually. As long as you continue to meet eligibility requirements — primarily income limits and NYC residency — you can keep your subsidy. Annual recertification requires updated income documentation submitted to your HRA center.

Can any landlord in NYC accept CityFHEPS?

Yes. Any landlord can work with CityFHEPS. NYC Local Law 63 prohibits landlords from refusing to rent to voucher holders based solely on their source of income. If a landlord turns you away because of your CityFHEPS voucher, you can file a complaint with the NYC Commission on Human Rights.

How do I apply for CityFHEPS?

CityFHEPS applications are processed through the NYC Department of Social Services (DSS). You typically need to be in a shelter or at imminent risk of homelessness, meet income requirements (at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level), and receive or be eligible for Cash Assistance. Contact your HRA center or shelter case manager to apply.

What if the rent is above the CityFHEPS payment standard?

If the contract rent exceeds the payment standard, you'll be responsible for the difference on top of your normal tenant portion. Most program rules limit how much above the cap you can pay. Ask your caseworker about the 'reasonable rent' threshold before signing any lease.

How long does it take from voucher to lease?

Once you have your CityFHEPS voucher, finding an apartment and completing the HRA inspection typically takes 30–90 days. Landlords who've worked with the program before move faster. Your caseworker can sometimes expedite inspections for urgent cases.

Is CityFHEPS renewable?

Yes. CityFHEPS vouchers renew annually as long as you continue to meet eligibility requirements — primarily income limits and continued NYC residency. Annual recertification requires updated income documentation submitted to your HRA center.