FHEPS vs CityFHEPS: Which NYC Rent Program Fits Your Family?
You’re behind on rent in New York City, or your family is in shelter. One worker mentions FHEPS. Another says CityFHEPS. The names are almost the same, and websites often mix them up. Picking the wrong one can waste weeks.
FHEPS and CityFHEPS are two different rent programs. FHEPS is a state-approved supplement, run by HRA, for families with children who receive Cash Assistance. CityFHEPS is a city voucher with broader rules, including single adults. You can’t get CityFHEPS if you qualify for another rental program, such as FHEPS. So a family that qualifies for FHEPS can’t choose CityFHEPS instead.
This guide compares the two side by side, using HRA’s own fact sheets.
What is the difference between FHEPS and CityFHEPS?
FHEPS is a rent supplement for families with an active Cash Assistance case. The household must include a child or pregnant person. It’s paid on top of the Cash Assistance shelter allowance. CityFHEPS is a city rental voucher for households in shelter or at risk of it. It covers single adults too, with an income limit of 200% of poverty.
| Feature | FHEPS | CityFHEPS |
|---|---|---|
| Program type | State-approved supplement, run by HRA | City program, run by DSS and HRA |
| Household must include | A child under 18 (or under 19 in school) or a pregnant person | Any household type, including single adults |
| Cash Assistance | Required (active case, or eligible on leaving shelter) | Required only if you’re eligible for it |
| Income rule | Must stay on Cash Assistance | At or below 200% of the federal poverty level |
| Time limit | Up to 5 years, extension for good cause | Up to 5 years, with some exceptions |
Sources: HRA FHEPS Fact Sheet (August 2025) and CityFHEPS FAQ (January 2026).
Takeaway: if your family has children and Cash Assistance, ask about FHEPS first.
Who qualifies for FHEPS?
You need three things. Your household must include a pregnant person or a child under 18. A child under 19 in school full time also counts. You need an active Cash Assistance case, or must qualify when you leave shelter. And you must be in shelter, facing eviction, recently evicted, or holding a rent demand letter.
| FHEPS housing situation | Qualifies? |
|---|---|
| Living in an HRA shelter | Yes |
| In a DHS shelter and eligible for HRA shelter | Yes |
| In a DHS shelter after an NYC eviction in the prior year | Yes |
| Facing eviction in NYC, or evicted in the last 12 months | Yes |
| Got a rent demand letter from your landlord | Yes |
| Lost housing because of domestic violence | Yes, per HRA’s fact sheet |
“Evicted” includes eviction cases, foreclosure on the building, and a city order to leave for health or safety reasons.
Takeaway: a rent demand letter alone can open the door to FHEPS.
Who qualifies for CityFHEPS?
Most households need gross income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level. If you’re eligible for Cash Assistance, you must receive it without a sanction. You can’t qualify for another rental program, like FHEPS. Then you must meet a shelter or community condition, such as work, disability, age, or an eviction case.
| 2026 household size | Approximate CityFHEPS income limit (200% of poverty) |
|---|---|
| 1 | $31,920 |
| 2 | $43,280 |
| 3 | $54,640 |
| 4 | $66,000 |
These limits are our math from HHS’s 2026 poverty guidelines. Our CityFHEPS guide lists every shelter and community condition.
Takeaway: CityFHEPS has more paths in, but also more conditions to prove.
How much rent do FHEPS and CityFHEPS pay?
Both pay the landlord directly, up to a maximum that assumes all utilities are included. FHEPS uses NYCHA Section 8 payment standards. HRA’s fact sheet lists $3,058 for a two-bedroom. CityFHEPS’s 2026 limit for a two-bedroom is $2,997. Always check the current amount with your caseworker before you sign a lease.
| Unit size | FHEPS maximum (fact sheet, Aug. 2025) | CityFHEPS 2026 maximum |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | $2,646 | $2,604 |
| 1 bedroom | $2,762 | $2,734 |
| 2 bedrooms | $3,058 | $2,997 |
| 3 bedrooms | $3,811 | $3,753 |
| 4 bedrooms | $4,111 | $4,077 |
Sources: HRA-146r FHEPS Fact Sheet (August 20, 2025) and DSS-7n CityFHEPS FAQ (January 13, 2026).
Takeaway: the two programs’ limits are close, but they aren’t the same numbers.
How much will my family pay?
With FHEPS, HRA says many families have their full rent covered by FHEPS plus the shelter allowance. You pay part if someone on the case has income or someone off the case lives with you. With CityFHEPS, you pay a household share. Your approval letter sets the final amount.
| Program | Your share |
|---|---|
| FHEPS | Often $0; more if there’s income or a non-case member like an SSI recipient |
| CityFHEPS | A household share based on income and household size |
FHEPS sanctions can lower the supplement. Then your family must pay the difference to the landlord while the sanction lasts. Report income and household changes to HRA within 10 days.
Takeaway: FHEPS can be cheaper for families on Cash Assistance, but it ends if your Cash Assistance case closes.
Can FHEPS or CityFHEPS pay back rent?
FHEPS can. HRA’s fact sheet says a one-time payment of up to $20,000 can cover unpaid rent. It can cover any period you lived there. Larger requests get case-by-case review. You need a written lease or landlord agreement letting you stay at least 12 more months. For CityFHEPS arrears, ask your Homebase or HRA worker.
FHEPS arrears rules:
- Up to $20,000, subject to yearly state approval.
- You didn’t need to be the tenant of record when the rent came due.
- You must be able to stay at least 12 more months.
- Apply through ACCESS HRA, the mobile app, or a Benefits Access Center.
Takeaway: if you’re behind but want to stay, FHEPS arrears help may save your apartment.
How do I apply for FHEPS or CityFHEPS?
If you’re in shelter, ask your case manager or housing specialist. They decide which program fits and help you search. If you’re at risk of eviction, apply for rent help through ACCESS HRA or a Benefits Access Center. You can also call 311 or 718-557-1399 to find a Homebase office.
- In shelter? Talk to your case manager or FHEPS provider.
- Facing eviction? Request rent arrears help on ACCESS HRA or at a Benefits Access Center.
- Not sure which program? Go to Homebase. Call 311 to find the nearest office.
- Get your lease or landlord letter ready. FHEPS needs proof you can stay 12 more months.
- Keep every HRA letter. Approval letters set your rent share and payment dates.
Landlords also get incentives. HRA says FHEPS landlords get one month’s full rent, three months of supplement up front, and a security voucher.
Takeaway: you don’t have to pick the program yourself, but you should ask which one you’re being screened for.
FHEPS vs CityFHEPS myths vs facts
Reddit and Facebook groups often treat FHEPS and CityFHEPS as one program. Some say single adults can get FHEPS. Others say FHEPS has no time limit. We checked these claims against HRA’s FHEPS fact sheet and the CityFHEPS FAQ. Use this table before you talk to your caseworker about either program.
| What people say online | What HRA says |
|---|---|
| “FHEPS and CityFHEPS are the same thing.” | They’re separate programs with different rules. |
| “Single adults can get FHEPS.” | FHEPS requires a child or pregnant person in the household. |
| “You can have both.” | You can’t get CityFHEPS if you qualify for another rental program like FHEPS. |
| “FHEPS lasts forever.” | Up to five years, with extensions for good cause. |
| “FHEPS only helps people in shelter.” | It also helps families facing eviction or with a rent demand letter. |
| “Landlords can refuse these vouchers.” | NYC law treats rent help as a lawful source of income. |
Takeaway: knowing which program you’re in tells you which rules to follow.
Frequently asked questions
What is FHEPS in NYC?
FHEPS is the Family Homelessness and Eviction Prevention Supplement. It’s a rent supplement, paid to the landlord, for families with children who receive Cash Assistance. It helps families stay housed, move within NYC, or leave shelter.
Can I get FHEPS without Cash Assistance?
No. You need an active Cash Assistance case, or you must qualify for it when you leave shelter. If your Cash Assistance case closes, FHEPS ends.
Is FHEPS better than CityFHEPS?
It depends on your family. Many FHEPS families pay $0 toward rent, and FHEPS can pay up to $20,000 in arrears. But it requires children and Cash Assistance. CityFHEPS covers more household types.
How long does FHEPS last?
Up to five years. You can ask for an extension if you still need help, still meet the rules, and show good cause.
Can landlords refuse FHEPS or CityFHEPS?
In most NYC rentals, no. The NYC Human Rights Law bans source of income discrimination. Call 311 and ask for “Human Rights” to report it. See our source of income laws by state.
What happens if I get a sanction on FHEPS?
Your supplement can drop during the sanction. Your family must pay the difference to the landlord until the sanction ends. Talk to your caseworker right away about fixing it.
Your next step
If your family has children and Cash Assistance, ask your caseworker or Homebase about FHEPS today. Otherwise, ask about CityFHEPS. Start with our Section 8 in NYC guide, or browse more NYC voucher guides or all our guides.
This guide gives general information, not legal advice. Program rules and rent limits can change. Confirm details with HRA, DSS, or your caseworker. Read how we check our facts, or report an error. Last reviewed: October 14, 2026.
Sources: NYC HRA: FHEPS Fact Sheet, HRA-146r (August 2025) | NYC DSS: CityFHEPS FAQ, DSS-7n (January 2026) | HHS: 2026 Poverty Guidelines | Also cited: NYC Human Rights Law (lawful source of income).
