How to Apply for CityFHEPS in NYC
The steps to qualify for and use New York City's CityFHEPS rental voucher.
How to apply for CityFHEPS: the eligibility routes, documents you need, how to get a shopping letter, and how to find a unit.
CityFHEPS is a New York City rental-assistance voucher administered by DSS/HRA. Unlike Section 8, you usually do not apply through an open online waitlist — most households qualify and are referred through a shelter, a homelessness-prevention program, or an HRA center.
Step 1: Confirm your eligibility
CityFHEPS is aimed at households in shelter, at risk of eviction, or facing homelessness who meet income and program rules. Talk to your shelter caseworker, an HRA center, or a legal-services or homelessness-prevention provider to confirm you qualify.
Step 2: Gather your documents
You will generally need identification, proof of income, household composition, and documentation of your housing situation. Your caseworker will tell you exactly what is required.
Step 3: Get your determination and shopping letter
If approved, HRA issues a determination and a shopping letter stating your maximum rent by unit size. This is what you show landlords.
Step 4: Find a unit and finish the process
Search for a unit within your CityFHEPS maximum whose landlord will accept the voucher — remember that under the NYC Human Rights Law, most landlords cannot legally refuse it. The unit is inspected, the landlord signs an agreement, and the city begins paying its share.
Get help
Free housing specialists, legal-aid organizations, and voucher-friendly brokers can help you navigate the process and find listings.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I apply for CityFHEPS online?
- There is no general open online application. Most households qualify and are referred through a shelter, an HRA center, or a homelessness-prevention program.
- What is a CityFHEPS shopping letter?
- A document from HRA stating your maximum rent by unit size, which you show to landlords when searching for an apartment.
- How long does CityFHEPS approval take?
- It varies by case and by how quickly you can provide your documents. Ask your caseworker for current timelines.