How to Apply for Section 8 in Westchester & Yonkers

Westchester County has 17 separate Section 8 offices, including Yonkers (MHACY) and the NYS HCR program. Income limits, contacts, and how to apply.

Westchester County has 17 separate Section 8 offices, and each has its own waiting list. Getting on one list does not put you on the others, so apply to every list you qualify for when it opens.

NYS HCR Westchester Section 8 Program

NYS Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) also runs a Section 8 program across the state through local administrators. When an HCR waitlist opens for your county, you can apply online at the MyHousing Portal (section8.hcr.ny.gov) or on paper through the local administrator. No documents are needed to apply, and the local administrator contacts you when assistance is available. HCR's Section 8 call center is 833-791-2748 (Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–4:30 PM; TTY 833-990-4002). In Westchester, HCR's program is run by CVR New York, 112 East Post Road, White Plains, 914-995-2415.

Yonkers (MHACY)

The Municipal Housing Authority for the City of Yonkers (MHACY) runs its own Section 8 program: 914-793-8400. Its last opening was an online application from June 27 to July 13, 2022, followed by a lottery. No newer opening is posted. If you do not live in Yonkers when you apply, you generally must rent in Yonkers for your first year.

Other local offices

Cities such as New Rochelle, White Plains and Mount Vernon have their own housing authorities. Westchester County's rental assistance page lists the local Section 8 offices.

Income limits

Section 8 is generally for households at or below 50% of Area Median Income. Westchester County posts its current dollar limits by household size on its rental assistance page. Check the 50% AMI column for your household.

Tips

Waitlists open briefly, often online only, followed by a lottery. Check each agency's website regularly.
Keep your contact information current with every agency.
Applying is always free.

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 or the New York Attorney General's office at 1-800-771-7755.

Related guides

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Yonkers Section 8 waiting list open?

MHACY's last opening was online from June 27 to July 13, 2022, followed by a lottery. No newer opening is posted. Call 914-793-8400 for current status.

How many Section 8 offices are in Westchester?

Westchester County says there are 17 separate Section 8 offices, each with its own waiting list.

What is the Section 8 income limit in Westchester?

It is generally 50% of Area Median Income. Westchester County posts the current dollar limits by household size on its rental assistance page.

How to Apply for Section 8 in Westchester County & Yonkers

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