The Latest with CityFHEPS Housing Vouchers

After years of limbo for the CityFHEPS program during Mayor Eric Adams’ administration, it seems the planned expansion is still not coming.

In 2023, the NYC council approved four bills to expand eligibility for CityFHEPS housing vouchers (Int 0878; Int 0893; Int 0894; and Int 0229). The existing rules generally only allow New Yorkers currently living in shelters access to CityFHEPS with only a narrow group of households outside shelters eligible as well. In addition, the income eligibility is currently set at 200% of the federal poverty level (roughly $31,300 for a household of one). The new guidelines set out in these bills would allow CityFHEPS to be accessible to families at risk of facing eviction without the 90-day shelter requirement, and it would raise the income eligibility. Just after they passed, Mayor Eric Adams’ administration denied the expansion due to the associated increase in cost, leading to a lawsuit challenging the denial and leaving the expansion of the program stuck in the court system. Even without the expansion, the voucher program was underbudgeted by $500 million for the 2025 fiscal year.

During his campaign, Mayor Zohran Mamdani pledged to settle the dispute and implement the expansion. Now, facing a multi-billion dollar city budget gap, Mamdani has just announced he won’t be expanding the program. It’s unclear how long it might be before we see the program expanded. For now, it’s good to brush up on how CityFHEPS works, how to know if you’re eligible, and how to get a voucher.

What is CityFHEPS?

CityFHEPS is an emergency housing voucher or rental assistance program provided to New Yorkers who are currently homeless or at risk of homelessness. The rental assistance subsidy is New York City’s version of the State’s Family Homelessness and Emergency Prevention Supplement, and it is typically used as a last resort alongside a network of other public assistance and rental subsidy programs that each hold strict eligibility guidelines.

What does CityFHEPS cover?

The subsidy will pay the maximum amount of rent for apartments and SROs (Single Room Occupancy units) based on the 2026 Section 8 payment standard adopted by the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA). These payment standards are defined by:

1. Household size; and
2. The number of bedrooms in the apartment to which you apply.

For example, if you are in a household of 4 seeking a 2-bedroom apartment, the maximum rent that CityFHEPS will cover is $3,058. This does not include utilities, however, which are counted separately.

How to determine if you are eligible for the program

As it currently stands, to be eligible for CityFHEPS you and your household must have a total gross income that is equal to or less than 200% of the federal poverty level AND you must meet at least (1) of the following criteria:

• Your household includes someone who is a veteran AND is at risk of becoming homeless
• Your household is receiving Pathway HOME benefits
• Your household was referred by DSS as needing CityFHEPS to avoid homelessness or shelter entry
• Your household is facing eviction (e.g., Holdover or non-payment case in housing court) OR your household was evicted in the past year AND
• Your household includes someone who has resided in a DHS shelter; OR
  • A member of your household is an APS client (Adult Protective Services) or in a community designated guardianship program; OR
  • Your household lives in a rent-controlled apartment and will use CityFHEPS to stay.

*As of 2025, 200% of the federal poverty level was $31,300 for an individual, and $64,300 for a family of four.

How to apply aka what is Homebase?

Applications for CityFHEPS are managed via the Human Resource Administration’s (HRA) Homelessness Prevention Network—a web of service providers contracted with HRA to aid those at risk or currently facing homelessness. These organizations that makeup Homebase are scattered throughout the five boroughs, but are easily found using HRA’s Homebase locator tool online. To apply, you’ll need to either:

1. be referred by a NYC/NYS public assistance benefits provider; OR
2. apply by contacting one of the many Homebase coordinators in NYC.

For b), if you believe you are eligible for CityFHEPS, you can apply by reaching out to one of the Homebase coordinators in your area, or by calling 311.

What should I know before applying?

There are two types of CityFHEPS—CityFHEPS “to stay” and “to move.”

If you reside in an apartment (and are at risk of eviction or were evicted in the prior year) and you want to continue residing in said apartment, your Homebase coordinator will work with you and your landlord to compile the city FHEPS ‘to stay’ packet containing:

• A copy of your current or most recent lease
• Proof of Income for the last 30 days for ALL adult Household Members (18+)
• Proof of eligibility: (e.g., veteran status, APS letter, eviction notice, transfer approval, vacate order, and verification of shelter history).

If you otherwise need to move or find alternative housing, then you and your case worker will complete a CityFHEPS “to move” packet. In this case, you’ll first need to find a suitable apartment, then HRA will submit a “Unit Hold Incentive Voucher” in which HRA provides the landlord with an additional check of one-month’s rent, insofar as you and the apartment meet all required guidelines.

Since CityFHEPS is used as a last resort alongside other public assistance programs, it’s very likely that you will already be familiar with the application process. However, if you do not receive currently receive public assistance and you are at risk of homelessness, then your assigned case worker will ensure that you are utilizing all other programs that you are found to be eligible.

Do I need to re-apply for CityFHEPS every year?

CityFHEPS lasts at maximum up to 5 years after first issuance. Each year, your eligibility will be reviewed by your case worker, and if it is determined that you need rental assistance to avoid homelessness, you may continue to receive the benefit. Just remember to have your documentation updated and ready to send during the annual recertification period.

Does BUJNYC help people get housing vouchers?

At Build Up Justice NYC, we provide free legal representation for tenants facing eviction or harassment from their landlord in housing court. This process starts with an intake where our intake coordinators screen case information and determine eligibility for legal aid, per NYC’s legal Right to Counsel. We often see clients during intake sessions who already hold active CityFHEPS vouchers and we work with them to ensure they maintain their voucher eligibility.

If you are not currently in housing court or facing eviction, but may still be eligible for CityFHEPS, we recommend reaching out to Homebase for assistance.