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Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in New York, New York
There are 4 open waiting lists in the New York area right now. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 3 housing authorities serving New York, New York and updates statuses nightly. Below you will find every PHA in the area with current waitlist status, program types, and direct application links.
If no lists are currently open in New York, we recommend applying to nearby cities as well. There is no limit to the number of waiting lists you can join, and many housing authorities accept applications from non-residents.
Affordable Housing in New York, New York
New York, New York is served by 3 housing authorities offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Right now, 4 waiting lists are accepting applications in the New York area. There are also 267 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.
Housing programs available in New York include RAD, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Public Housing, Mainstream. Of these, the following currently have open waitlists: RAD (1 open), PBV (1 open).
Latest Opening
New York City Housing Authority opened its PBV waitlist on Mar 3, 2020.
About Housing in New York, New York
New York, New York offers a variety of affordable housing opportunities administered by multiple agencies. The city is served by the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA), alongside state-level bodies like the NYS Housing Trust Fund Corporation and the NYS Housing Finance Agency. Overall, the region has approximately 318,682 assisted housing units available to qualifying residents.
Currently, there are 5 open waiting lists and 4 closed lists for various programs. Programs with open waitlists include Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Public Housing, and Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) initiatives. Other programs, such as Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), the Housing Access Voucher Program (HAVP), and Mainstream vouchers, currently have closed waiting lists. The income limit for a very low-income family of four in the New York, NY HUD Metro FMR Area is $81,000 per year for FY2025. Applicants are encouraged to review specific eligibility criteria for each program through the administering agency, including NYCHA and the state housing agency, NY State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR), to ensure their applications align with program requirements.
Housing Authorities in New York
NYS Housing Trust Fund Corporation
New York, New York · NY904
New York City Housing Authority
New York, New York · NY005
NYS Housing Finance Agency
New York, New York · NY912
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How to Apply for Section 8 in New York
To apply for housing assistance in New York, New York, submit an application directly to one of the 3 housing authorities serving the New York area (listed above). Right now, 4 waiting lists are accepting applications — apply as soon as possible, as open enrollment periods can close with short notice. Applications are always free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.
Before applying, gather the following documents for all household members: government-issued photo ID, Social Security cards, birth certificates for minors, proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, benefit statements), and proof of current address. For a family of four in this area, income must be below $81,000/year (Very Low Income threshold) to qualify for most programs. Having these ready before a waitlist opens can be the difference between getting on the list and missing the window.
Housing programs available in New York include Mitchell-Lama, Other, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), RAD, Housing Trust Fund Corporation, Public Housing, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Emergency Housing Voucher (EHV), EHV, Mainstream, Housing Access Voucher Program (HAVP). Applying to multiple program types simultaneously improves your chances of receiving assistance. After submitting, you will be placed on the waiting list based on the date of your application and any applicable preferences (veterans, elderly, disabled, working families, or local residents).
New York, New York Section 8 Income Limits
To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in New York, New York, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the New York, NY HUD Metro FMR Area area. A family of four must earn less than $81,000 per year (Very Low Income) to be eligible for most programs. The area median family income is $103,000.
| Household Size | Extremely Low 30% AMI |
Very Low 50% AMI |
Low Income 80% AMI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $34,050 | $56,700 | $90,750 |
| 2 Persons | $38,900 | $64,800 | $103,700 |
| 3 Persons | $43,750 | $72,900 | $116,650 |
| 4 Persons | $48,600 | $81,000 | $129,600 |
| 5 Persons | $52,500 | $87,500 | $140,000 |
| 6 Persons | $56,400 | $94,000 | $150,350 |
| 7 Persons | $60,300 | $100,450 | $160,750 |
| 8 Persons | $64,200 | $106,950 | $171,100 |
How do income limits affect my eligibility?
Housing authorities in New York use these income limits to determine who qualifies for rental assistance. Your total household income before taxes is compared against the limit for your household size.
Very Low Income (50% AMI) — Most Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers and Public Housing programs require your income to be at or below this level. This is the primary eligibility threshold.
Extremely Low Income (30% AMI) — Households at this level often receive priority on waiting lists. By law, housing authorities must allocate a portion of vouchers to extremely low-income families.
Low Income (80% AMI) — Some programs, including Project-Based Vouchers and locally funded initiatives, accept applicants up to this threshold. Contact individual housing authorities below for their specific requirements.
Nearby Cities with Housing Authorities
Applying to nearby cities increases your chances of receiving assistance sooner. These cities are within 75 miles of New York and have active housing programs.