NYCHA public housing and Section 8
Public housing and Section 8 rent help for households with low income in New York City.
Waiting lists are long and Section 8 lists open only from time to time.
Apply on the official site ↗Goes to NYC.gov. Applying is free.
Who generally qualifies
New York City households with low income; waiting lists are long.
Exact income limits and rules are set by New York City Housing Authority and can change. Check the official site for current details.
How to apply
- Apply for public housing online through the NYCHA self-service portal.
- Check whether Section 8 waiting lists are open.
What to have ready
- Photo ID
- Social Security numbers
- Proof of income
Common questions
- Does it cost anything to apply?
- No. Applying through the official site is free. Be wary of anyone who charges a fee to apply for you.
- Do I have to pay it back?
- No. It's a free or low-cost service, not a loan.
- Who decides if I qualify?
- New York City Housing Authority makes the final decision. This page explains the program in general terms only.
- Where can I find current income limits and amounts?
- Income limits, benefit amounts and deadlines change, so check NYC.gov for the latest details.
Added October 21, 2026. BenefitSearch is not affiliated with New York City Housing Authority.