Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in New York City, New York
There are 17 open waiting lists in the New York City area right now. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 1 housing authority serving New York City, 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 City, 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 City, New York
New York City, New York is served by 1 housing authority offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Right now, 17 waiting lists are accepting applications in the New York City area. There are also 169 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.
Housing programs available in New York City include Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Public Housing, Mainstream, RAD. Of these, the following currently have open waitlists: PBV (1 open).
Latest Opening
NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development opened its Housing Voucher waitlist on Mar 2, 2026.
About Housing in New York City, New York
New York City, New York is primarily served by the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) for affordable housing initiatives. With approximately 42,445 assisted housing units available, residents have various options to explore. Currently, 17 housing waitlists are open for applications, while 3 are closed, indicating active opportunities for housing assistance.
A wide array of programs are available, designed to meet diverse needs. These include several categories of Affordable Housing Lotteries, Mitchell-Lama housing, and various Housing Voucher programs such as the Housing Access Voucher Program (HAVP) and PBV. State-level assistance is also available through programs like State Rental Assistance, often supported by NY State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR). Understanding eligibility is key; for instance, the Very Low Income limit for a family of four in the New York HUD Metro FMR Area is $81,000 per year for FY2025. Applicants are encouraged to review specific program requirements carefully and regularly check for newly opened lists to find suitable options.
How to Apply for Section 8 in New York City
To apply for housing assistance in New York City, New York, submit an application directly to NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development, the housing authority serving this area. Right now, 17 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 City include other, Other (Affordable Housing Lottery), Other (Mitchell-Lama), State Rental Assistance, Affordable Rental and Homeownership (Lottery), Housing Access Voucher Program (HAVP), Affordable Rental/Homeownership Lotteries, Affordable Housing, Mitchell-Lama, Other, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Affordable Housing Lottery, Mitchell-Lama Lottery, Housing Voucher, Other Affordable Housing (Lottery), Affordable Housing (Lottery), Affordable Housing Lotteries, State Housing Vouchers (HAVP), Mainstream, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Supportive Housing, RAD, Mitchell-Lama Housing, Public Housing. 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 City, New York Section 8 Income Limits
To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in New York City, 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 City 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 City and have active housing programs.