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Last Updated
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About New York City Housing Authority
The New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA), located in New York, New York County, New York (PHA Code: NY005), is a primary provider of assisted housing. NYCHA currently has waitlists open for its Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Public Housing, and Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) programs. The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) waitlist is currently closed to new applicants.
NYCHA manages approximately 266,598 assisted housing units. This extensive portfolio includes 146,941 Public Housing units and 119,657 Section 8 vouchers. Eligibility for these programs often depends on income; for example, a very low income limit for a family of four in the New York, NY HUD Metro FMR Area is $81,000 per year. Potential applicants should review the specific requirements for the currently open PBV, Public Housing, and RAD programs.
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Project-Based Voucher (PBV) Waitlist
Status
open
Open Date
Mar 3, 2020
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
This program allows current public housing waitlist applicants to add their names to site-based waitlists for newly renovated Section 8 units under the PACT program, where tenants pay 30% of their income. This opportunity is exclusively for those already on the public housing or Section 8 waitlist.
Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
Current public housing waitlist applicants can add their names to site-based waitlists for newly renovated Section 8 units at PACT properties. Tenants pay 30% of household income for rent and must meet Section 8 income limits.
Other Programs
2 programsThese programs are administered by this housing authority but do not have active waitlist openings at this time. Statuses are verified nightly and subscribers will be notified when changes are detected.
The website mentions 'Partial Reopening of the Waitlist' in June 2020 and June 2022, but does not indicate if the waitlist is currently open. It also mentions that funding for the Emergency Housing Voucher (EHV) program will end in late 2026.
The website provides information on how to apply for public housing and check application status, but does not state if the waitlist is currently open. Income limits are provided.
Status History
Official Application
Apply directly through the official New York City Housing Authority portal. Applications are free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.
WARNING: DO NOT PAY ANYONE TO APPLY FOR HOUSING
Contact Information
Important Notices
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Waiting lists can close without notice once a specific number of applications is reached.
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Ensure your contact information is always up to date with the PHA to avoid being removed from the list.
How to Apply at New York City Housing Authority
Check Current Status
New York City Housing Authority currently has 2 open waiting lists (PBV, RAD). Application windows can close with little notice, so apply as soon as possible.
Gather Required Documents
For Section 8 voucher programs at New York City Housing Authority, you will typically need: government-issued photo ID for all adult household members, Social Security cards for all members, birth certificates for minors, proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, benefit letters), and proof of current address. For a family of four, income must be below $81,000/year to qualify in this area. Having these ready before the waitlist opens can make the difference between getting on the list and missing the window.
Submit Your Application
Apply directly through the official New York City Housing Authority portal. Applications are free — never pay to apply.
After You Apply
Once accepted onto the waiting list at New York City Housing Authority, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. New York City Housing Authority manages approximately 266,598 assisted housing units (119,657 Section 8, 146,941 Public Housing), and wait times depend on turnover and demand in New York. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.
Programs at New York City Housing Authority
PBV Project-Based Voucher open
Project-Based Vouchers at New York City Housing Authority are attached to specific apartment complexes or units in New York. Unlike the standard Housing Choice Voucher, PBV assistance stays with the property — not with you. However, after one year of occupancy, you may request a standard portable voucher. PBV waitlists often move faster because fewer applicants know about them.
RAD Rental Assistance Demonstration open
The Rental Assistance Demonstration program at New York City Housing Authority converts Public Housing units to project-based assistance with long-term contracts. RAD units in New York maintain the same resident protections as Public Housing while enabling capital improvements to the properties.
HCV Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) closed
The Housing Choice Voucher program at New York City Housing Authority provides rental assistance that allows you to choose any privately-owned rental unit that meets program requirements. You pay approximately 30% of your adjusted monthly income toward rent, and the voucher covers the remainder up to the Fair Market Rent for New York. This program serves approximately 119,657 households. Vouchers are portable — you can take them with you if you move to a different city or state.
Public Housing Public Housing closed
Public Housing units at New York City Housing Authority are owned and operated directly by the housing authority. Rent is set at 30% of your adjusted monthly income. New York City Housing Authority manages approximately 146,941 Public Housing units in New York. You may request a transfer to other Public Housing developments but cannot use this benefit at private rental properties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is applying at New York City Housing Authority free?
How long is the wait at New York City Housing Authority?
Can I apply to other housing authorities while on this waitlist?
How do I contact New York City Housing Authority?
What are the income limits for New York City Housing Authority?
New York City Housing Authority Income Limits
Income limits for programs at the New York City Housing Authority are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for New York, NY HUD Metro FMR Area. For a household of four, the current limit for Section 8 eligibility (Very Low Income) is $81,000. Limits are set annually by HUD and vary by household size.
| 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 |
What do these income limits mean?
Extremely Low Income (30% AMI) — Households earning at or below 30% of the Area Median Income. This is the threshold for the lowest-income tier of assistance. Many housing authorities give preference to applicants at this level.
Very Low Income (50% AMI) — The standard eligibility threshold for Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers and most Public Housing programs. Your household income must be at or below this limit to qualify.
Low Income (80% AMI) — Some programs, including Project-Based Vouchers and certain local initiatives, use this higher threshold. Check with this housing authority for specific program requirements.
Nearby Housing Authorities
Applying to multiple housing authorities increases your chances of receiving assistance. These PHAs are closest to New York City Housing Authority — including across state lines.