How to Apply for Section 8 in New York State (2026)
NY has dozens of separate Section 8 waitlists. Here is how the system works and where to apply in each region
How to apply for Section 8 anywhere in New York State: how local housing authorities and NYS HCR work, how waitlists open, and guides for each region.
There is no single Section 8 application for New York State. Vouchers are run by dozens of local housing authorities plus NYS Homes and Community Renewal (HCR), and each keeps its own waitlist. Getting on one list does not put you on any other.
How Section 8 waitlists work in New York
- Most lists are closed most of the time.
- When a list opens, it is often for a short window, from a few days to a few weeks. Many agencies take applications online, and some also accept paper or in-person applications. Some then use a lottery to decide who gets on the list.
- You generally apply to the agency that serves the area where you live or want to live. Some agencies require you to rent in their area for the first year if you did not live there when you applied.
- Applying should never cost money. Never pay anyone to apply or to move you up a list.
NYS HCR's statewide program
HCR runs a voucher program across the state through local administrators in each region. When an HCR list opens for a county, you can apply online at the MyHousing Portal (section8.hcr.ny.gov) or on paper through the local administrator. You do not need to submit documents to apply; you provide them later if you are selected.
Guides by region
- New York City: NYCHA, HPD and HCR all run Section 8 in NYC. See our NYC Section 8, HPD Section 8, and NYCHA public housing guides.
- Long Island: Nassau County Office of Housing, town agencies, and HCR through CDLI.
- Westchester and Yonkers: 17 separate Section 8 offices, including MHACY in Yonkers.
- Capital Region: Albany, Schenectady and Troy housing authorities, and HCR.
- Central and Western NY: Syracuse, Rochester and Buffalo each have their own guides.
Who qualifies
Section 8 is generally for households at or below 50% of Area Median Income for the area, and most new vouchers go to households with extremely low incomes. Each agency publishes its current income limits.
Get alerts
Because lists open with little notice, you can sign up for free waitlist alerts on VoucherHousing.org and should check your local agency's website regularly. VoucherHousing.org is an independent guide, not a government agency, and we never charge for help applying.
Your rights
Since 2019, the New York State Human Rights Law bans landlords across the state from refusing you because you pay with a Section 8 voucher or other lawful income. There are limited exemptions, such as an owner-occupied two-family home or a room in the owner's own home. To report discrimination, call the NYS Division of Human Rights at (844) 697-3471.
Related Programs
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I apply for Section 8 anywhere in New York State with one application?
- No. Each housing authority and NYS HCR keeps its own waitlist, so you apply to each agency separately when its list is open.
- How do I apply for the NYS HCR Section 8 program?
- When an HCR list opens for your county, apply online at the MyHousing Portal (section8.hcr.ny.gov) or on paper through HCR's local administrator. No documents are needed at the application stage.
- Are any Section 8 waiting lists open in New York?
- Openings are brief and usually announced on each agency's website. Check your local housing authority and the HCR MyHousing Portal regularly.