FHEPS vs CityFHEPS: Which NYC Voucher?
The key differences between New York City's two rental-assistance supplements.
FHEPS vs CityFHEPS compared: who qualifies, how you apply, and which one may fit your situation.
FHEPS and CityFHEPS sound almost identical and both help New Yorkers pay rent — but they are separate programs with different rules. Here is how they compare.
FHEPS
FHEPS (Family Homelessness and Eviction Prevention Supplement) is New York State–funded. It is for families that receive Cash Assistance and face a housing emergency such as an eviction, a Housing Court case, or a foreclosure. You do not apply online — you are assessed in shelter, through Homebase, or via a Cash Assistance special grant.
CityFHEPS
CityFHEPS is New York City–funded and has broader eligibility. It serves households in shelter or at risk of homelessness, including some without Cash Assistance and some without children. Like FHEPS, there is no open online waitlist — most people are referred through a shelter, an HRA center, or a homelessness-prevention program.
Which one applies to you
In practice you usually do not choose between them — HRA assesses you for whichever program you qualify for based on your household, income, and housing situation. Many families are screened for both. What matters most is connecting with a caseworker who can determine your eligibility.
What they share
Both pay part of your rent directly to the landlord up to a maximum by household size, both require the unit to pass inspection, and both are protected by the NYC Human Rights Law — most landlords cannot refuse either voucher.
Get help
A shelter housing specialist, HRA center, or legal-aid group can tell you which program fits your case and help you apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the main difference between FHEPS and CityFHEPS?
- FHEPS is state-funded and requires Cash Assistance plus a housing emergency; CityFHEPS is city-funded with broader eligibility, including some households without Cash Assistance or children.
- Can I choose between FHEPS and CityFHEPS?
- Usually not directly. HRA assesses you for whichever program you qualify for, and many families are screened for both.
- Do both protect me from landlord refusal?
- Yes. Under the NYC Human Rights Law, most landlords cannot refuse either FHEPS or CityFHEPS based on your source of income.