What Is CityFHEPS? Eligibility, Payment Standards & How It Works

CityFHEPS — the City Family Homelessness and Eviction Prevention Supplement — is a New York City rental-assistance voucher run by the NYC Department of Social Services (DSS/HRA). It helps eligible New Yorkers pay rent by covering the gap between what they can afford (about 30% of income) and the unit's rent, up to a city payment standard.

Who is eligible

CityFHEPS generally serves households who are in shelter, at risk of eviction, or otherwise facing homelessness and who meet income and program rules. You typically qualify through DSS/HRA, a shelter, or a homelessness-prevention program rather than by applying cold. Eligibility rules have expanded over time; a caseworker can confirm whether you qualify.

How much it pays

CityFHEPS pays up to a maximum rent set by unit size (from studio through larger units) and adjusted periodically by the city. Your share of the rent is income-based — generally about 30% of household income — and CityFHEPS covers the rest up to the maximum.

CityFHEPS vs. Section 8

CityFHEPS is a city program run by DSS/HRA; Section 8 is the federal Housing Choice Voucher, run in NYC by NYCHA and HPD. Both are lawful sources of income, and under the NYC Human Rights Law most landlords cannot refuse either one.

Using your voucher

Once approved, you receive a "shopping letter" and search for a unit within the CityFHEPS maximum. The unit is inspected, the landlord signs an agreement, and the city pays its share directly to the landlord.