CityFHEPS 2026: Eligibility, Income Limits and How to Apply
You’re in a New York City shelter, or an eviction case is closing in. Someone told you about CityFHEPS, but the rules sound confusing and landlords keep saying no. You need clear answers before you lose more time.
This New York City rental assistance program is run by the Department of Social Services (DSS). It pays part of your rent for up to five years. Some seniors and people with disabilities can keep it longer. Your household income must be at or below 200% of the federal poverty level.
This guide shows who qualifies and the 2026 income limits in dollars. It also covers how to apply and the 2026 rent limits. Finally, it explains what to do when a landlord refuses your voucher.
What is CityFHEPS?
CityFHEPS is a city rental subsidy for New York households in shelter or at risk of entering shelter. The city created it in October 2018 to combine several older subsidies. It pays part of your monthly rent directly to the landlord. You pay a “household share” based on your income and household size.
HRA’s page adds that the program can now help you rent anywhere in New York State.
Is it the same as Section 8? No. Section 8 is a federal program run by housing authorities like NYCHA and HPD. This program is run by DSS and the Human Resources Administration (HRA). You can’t receive it if you qualify for another rental assistance program, such as FHEPS.
Takeaway: this is NYC’s own voucher, separate from Section 8.
Who qualifies for CityFHEPS?
Most households must meet three rules. Gross income must be at or below 200% of the federal poverty level. If you’re eligible for Cash Assistance, you must receive it with no sanction. You also can’t qualify for another rental program. Then you must meet one more condition, which depends on whether you’re in shelter or in the community.
If you live in shelter
You must be in a DHS or HRA shelter, or be eligible for one. Then you need at least one of these, according to the city’s January 2026 FAQ:
- An adult has worked at least 10 hours a week for the last 30 days.
- Someone in the household has a disability.
- Someone is 60 or older.
- An adult is exempt from Cash Assistance work rules to care for a disabled family member.
- Someone served in the U.S. Armed Forces.
- Your DHS shelter is about to close.
- A qualifying program referred you to shorten your shelter stay.
If you’re at risk of entering shelter
You must meet the income rule and one of these:
- A veteran in your household is at risk of homelessness.
- You receive Pathway Home benefits and would qualify if you were in shelter.
- A qualifying program referred you, and DSS agrees CityFHEPS is needed to avoid shelter.
- You face a court eviction, or were evicted in the past year, plus one more factor. Examples are a past DHS shelter stay or an active Adult Protective Services case.
Takeaway: income is the first test, and your situation is the second.
What is the CityFHEPS income limit in 2026?
The income limit is 200% of the federal poverty level. Based on HHS’s 2026 poverty guidelines, that’s about $31,920 a year for one person. For a family of four, it’s about $66,000. These are our calculations from the official guidelines. Ask your caseworker which year’s guidelines DSS is using for your case.
| Household size | 2026 poverty guideline | 200% (approximate CityFHEPS limit) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $15,960 | $31,920 |
| 2 | $21,640 | $43,280 |
| 3 | $27,320 | $54,640 |
| 4 | $33,000 | $66,000 |
| 5 | $38,680 | $77,360 |
| 6 | $44,360 | $88,720 |
Source: HHS 2026 poverty guidelines for the 48 contiguous states. The 200% column is our math.
The city’s FAQ adds one warning. A single adult working at least 35 hours a week at minimum wage may earn too much to qualify.
Takeaway: compare your gross yearly income to the row for your household size.
How do I apply for CityFHEPS?
You can’t apply online. If you’re in shelter, talk to your case manager or housing specialist. If you’re in the community, go to a Homebase office. There are more than 20 across the five boroughs, and 311 can find the closest one. Your caseworker collects your information and sends it to DSS.
- Contact the right office. Shelter case manager, or Homebase if you’re not in shelter.
- Get your Shopping Letter and Household Share Letter. These show you may be eligible. They are not an approval.
- Check your details. Review the income and household information in both letters.
- Search for an apartment. Show landlords your Shopping Letter. Keep your Household Share Letter private.
- Tell your caseworker when you find a unit. They send your package to DSS.
- Get your Approval Letter. DSS checks you and the unit, then confirms your final rent share.
Renewals are different. You can renew online through ACCESS HRA, by email to CityFHEPSRenewals@hra.nyc.gov, or by mail.
Takeaway: your caseworker is your application, so stay in close contact.
How much rent will I pay with CityFHEPS?
You pay a “household share” based on your household size and each member’s income. Your Household Share Letter gives an estimate, and your Approval Letter gives the final amount. The city’s FAQ sets one more rule. The landlord can’t charge you more than the gap between the rent and the city’s payment.
The city’s FAQ does not publish a fixed percentage of income. Don’t trust websites that promise an exact share before you see your letter.
DSS also pays the broker’s fee and gives a security voucher. So a landlord or broker shouldn’t ask you for a broker fee or a cash security deposit.
Takeaway: your letters, not a website, tell you your real rent share.
What are the CityFHEPS rent limits for 2026?
The 2026 payment standards are the most the program will pay for a New York City unit. They assume all utilities are included. They apply to packages submitted on or after March 1, 2026, or leases starting April 1, 2026 or later. A studio is $2,604, and a two-bedroom for three or four people is $2,997.
| Unit type | Household size | 2026 payment standard |
|---|---|---|
| SRO | 1 | $1,953 |
| Studio | 1 | $2,604 |
| 1 bedroom | 1 to 2 | $2,734 |
| 2 bedrooms | 3 to 4 | $2,997 |
| 3 bedrooms | 5 to 6 | $3,753 |
| 4 bedrooms | 7 to 8 | $4,077 |
| 5 bedrooms | 9 to 10 | $4,689 |
| 6 bedrooms | 11 to 12 | $5,301 |
Source: CityFHEPS FAQ for shelter residents (DSS-7n, dated January 13, 2026). Larger units are listed in the FAQ.
The same FAQ also mentions a “$1,100 per month” maximum rent in New York City. That number conflicts with the table above, and the FAQ doesn’t explain it. Ask your caseworker which limit applies to you before you sign.
Takeaway: match the apartment’s rent to your row before you get attached to it.
What can I do if a landlord refuses my CityFHEPS voucher?
Refusing a tenant because they pay with this voucher is illegal in most New York City rentals. The NYC Commission on Human Rights says source of income discrimination has been illegal since 2008. That includes ads that say “no vouchers.” To report it, call 311 and ask for “Human Rights.” You can also call 212-416-0197.
This is the biggest problem people describe on Reddit and Facebook. Getting the voucher is one step. Finding a landlord who accepts it is another. Know your rights:
- The NYC Human Rights Law lists CityFHEPS, Section 8, SSI and HASA as lawful sources of income.
- Brokers can’t refuse you either.
- Some small owner-occupied buildings and units that aren’t publicly advertised are exempt.
- Save texts, emails, and ads as proof if someone refuses you.
You can also report online through the NYC Commission on Human Rights.
Takeaway: “We don’t take vouchers” is usually a violation you can report.
How long does CityFHEPS last?
The program generally allows up to four annual renewals, for five years in total. Extensions are possible for “good cause.” The five-year limit doesn’t apply if someone in the household is 60 or older. It also doesn’t apply if an adult gets federal disability benefits. You must renew every year, and renewals depend on eligibility and city funding.
- The city mails your renewal about five months before your subsidy year ends.
- Renew through ACCESS HRA, by email, or by mail.
- Missing renewal paperwork can put your subsidy at risk, so open all HRA mail.
Takeaway: mark your renewal date the day you’re approved.
CityFHEPS myths vs facts
People on Reddit and Facebook share a lot of advice about this program, and some of it is wrong. One popular Reddit thread even called the program a “scam.” We checked the most common claims against official sources. These include the city’s own FAQs and the Commission on Human Rights. Use this table before you make decisions about your housing.
| What people say online | What the official sources say |
|---|---|
| “CityFHEPS is a scam.” | It’s an official city program run by DSS and HRA. |
| “You can apply online.” | You apply through your shelter or a Homebase office. Renewals can be online. |
| “Landlords can legally refuse it.” | Source of income discrimination is illegal in most NYC rentals. |
| “It’s the same as Section 8.” | No. It’s a city program, not a federal one. |
| “It only works in NYC.” | HRA says it can now help you rent anywhere in New York State. |
| “It always ends after five years.” | Not for households with someone 60+ or an adult on federal disability benefits. |
Takeaway: trust the city’s documents over viral posts.
Frequently asked questions
How does a CityFHEPS voucher work in NYC?
The voucher pays part of your rent directly to your landlord. You pay a household share based on income and household size. You get a Shopping Letter and find a unit within the rent limits. Then your caseworker sends the package to DSS. After approval, you renew each year.
What is the income limit for CityFHEPS?
Gross household income must be at or below 200% of the federal poverty level. Using the 2026 guidelines, that’s about $31,920 a year for one person and $66,000 for a family of four. These are our calculations, so confirm the current limit with your caseworker.
Is Section 8 the same as CityFHEPS?
No. Section 8 is a federal Housing Choice Voucher program run by agencies like NYCHA and HPD. The city program is run by the Department of Social Services. You can’t receive it if you qualify for another rental assistance program.
How long does it take to get approved for CityFHEPS?
The city doesn’t publish a set approval timeline. It depends on how fast you find a unit. It also depends on how quickly your caseworker sends a complete package to DSS. Stay in close contact with your caseworker and answer requests for documents right away.
Can I use CityFHEPS outside New York City?
Yes. HRA says the program can now support housing anywhere in New York State. Single rooms and SRO units are only allowed inside the five boroughs. Ask your caseworker how statewide moves work before you search outside the city. Rent limits outside NYC may differ, so confirm them first.
Who do I call with CityFHEPS questions?
Call HRA’s program line at (718) 557-1399, Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM. For landlord discrimination, call 311 and ask for “Human Rights.” For help with your case, contact your shelter case manager. You can also visit your local Homebase office.
Your next step
Check your household income against the 2026 table above, then contact your case manager or Homebase this week. Also have a Section 8 voucher? Read our guides on voucher extensions, moving your voucher, and informal hearings. Start with our Section 8 in NYC guide, or browse more NYC voucher guides or all our guides, or start from the homepage.
This guide gives general information, not legal advice. Program rules and limits change. Read how we check our facts, or report an error. Last reviewed: October 14, 2026.
Sources: CityFHEPS FAQ for shelter residents, DSS-7n (01/13/2026) | NYC Commission on Human Rights, source of income | HHS 2026 poverty guidelines | Also cited: CityFHEPS FAQ for clients in the community (DSS-7r, 01/23/2026); NYC HRA CityFHEPS page; Coalition for the Homeless.
