Finding affordable housing in New York City is no easy task. To support low-income families, the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) manages the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program, commonly known as Section 8. This federal program helps qualifying residents afford safe, decent housing across the city.
In 2024, NYCHA reopened its Section 8 waitlist for the first time in years, giving thousands of New Yorkers a chance to apply for rental assistance. However, important updates in 2025 have changed the landscape of the program, including a temporary pause in voucher issuance due to federal transitions.
Here’s a detailed guide to help you understand the application process, waitlist updates, voucher pause, and income requirements for Section 8 in New York City.
Section 8 Application and Waitlist Overview
The NYCHA reopened the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) application waitlist on June 3, 2024, at 12:00 AM, and closed it on June 9, 2024, at 11:59 PM. Applications submitted during this week-long window were entered into a lottery system, from which a limited number of applicants were randomly selected for the waitlist.
The waitlist was established by August 1, 2024, and applicants were notified by email and U.S. mail about their selection status. Once the list was finalized, those chosen could log in to NYCHA’s Self-Service Portal at selfserve.nycha.info to track updates or make necessary changes to their information.
If you applied during that period, you don’t need to submit another application. NYCHA has confirmed it is not accepting new Section 8 applications from the general public at this time.
Temporary Pause on Voucher Issuance (Effective August 1, 2025)
On March 6, 2025, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced the end of the Emergency Housing Voucher (EHV) Program, which was launched under the American Rescue Plan of 2021. The EHV program provided critical housing aid to vulnerable New Yorkers, helping around 5,500 households find stable housing.
As HUD phases out the EHV initiative, it has allowed public housing authorities like NYCHA to transfer EHV households to the regular HCV (Section 8) program to maintain support for those families.
To accommodate this transition, NYCHA will temporarily pause active outreach and voucher issuance for the general HCV waitlist starting August 1, 2025. This means that while existing applicants will remain on the list, no new vouchers will be issued until further notice.
Applicants will not lose their position on the waitlist and do not need to take any action at this time. Once federal funding stabilizes or new updates are announced, NYCHA will resume voucher distribution in order of the original application date and assigned priority level.
Who Can Still Receive Referrals and Assistance
Even during the temporary pause, NYCHA will continue to accept referrals and process applications for certain high-priority groups. Although voucher issuance may be delayed, these categories remain active due to their urgency and federal protection.
Priority Categories (Active Referrals)
- Foster Youth to Independence (FYI) Initiative
- Homeless individuals referred by the Department of Homeless Services
- Victims of domestic violence referred by law enforcement or prosecutors
- Intimidated witnesses referred by legal agencies
- NYCHA public housing residents required to relocate
- EHV voucher holders in good standing who risk homelessness due to EHV funding loss
Special Admission Programs (Ongoing)
- Mainstream Program
- Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH)
- Family Unification Program (FUP)
- Non-Elderly Disabled (NED)
- Stability Vouchers
These programs ensure that the most vulnerable populations continue receiving aid, even while general voucher distribution remains paused.
Updating Your Information on the Self-Service Portal
All Section 8 applicants are advised to keep their contact details current to avoid missing important updates.
The NYCHA Self-Service Portal at selfserve.nycha.info allows users to:
- View their Section 8 application status
- Update personal and contact information
- Receive official notices and correspondence from NYCHA
If you need help updating your details, you can contact the Customer Contact Center at (718) 707-7771, Monday through Friday, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Income Eligibility Limits for Section 8 (2025)
To qualify for a voucher under the Section 8 program, applicants must meet federal income limits at the time of voucher issuance. These limits depend on the size of the household.
| Family Size | Maximum Annual Income ($) |
|---|---|
| 1 Person | $56,700 |
| 2 Persons | $64,800 |
| 3 Persons | $72,900 |
| 4 Persons | $81,000 |
| 5 Persons | $87,500 |
| 6 Persons | $94,000 |
| 7 Persons | $100,450 |
| 8 Persons | $106,950 |
Income limits are based on HUD’s guidelines and may change annually to reflect economic adjustments and cost of living.
Your Rights and Fair Housing Protection
It is illegal for landlords to refuse rental assistance or vouchers in New York City. Discrimination based on participation in Section 8 or any public assistance program violates NYC Human Rights Law.
If you believe you have been discriminated against, call 311 and ask for the NYC Commission on Human Rights, or reach their hotline directly at (718) 722-3131. You can also visit nyc.gov/fairhousingnyc for more information.
These protections ensure that every New Yorker has a fair chance to find safe and affordable housing without prejudice.
Denial and Appeals
If your Section 8 application is denied, NYCHA will issue an official notification outlining the reason. Applicants have the right to appeal the decision through the agency’s formal review process.
It’s important to provide accurate, complete, and truthful information in all forms and documentation. Submitting false or incomplete details can lead to loss of eligibility or criminal penalties.
Final Thoughts
The NYCHA Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program remains a lifeline for thousands of low-income families across New York City. While the temporary voucher pause beginning August 2025 may cause delays, it’s part of a broader federal effort to transition existing EHV households without displacing vulnerable tenants.
Applicants are encouraged to stay informed, update their details regularly, and monitor the Self-Service Portal for any status changes. NYCHA continues to stand committed to providing fair, safe, and affordable housing opportunities for all New Yorkers.
