What Is FHEPS? Eligibility & How It Works
A plain-language guide to New York City's FHEPS rental-assistance voucher.
What FHEPS is, who qualifies, how much it pays, and how it differs from Section 8 and CityFHEPS.
FHEPS stands for the Family Homelessness and Eviction Prevention Supplement — a New York State–funded rental-assistance program administered in New York City by the Department of Social Services (DSS/HRA). It helps families keep or find housing when they face eviction or homelessness.
Who FHEPS is for
FHEPS is aimed at families with children that receive Cash Assistance and face a housing emergency — an active eviction or one within the past year, a Housing Court case, a foreclosure, a domestic-violence situation, or a City vacate order for health or safety. This is different from Section 8, which is open to a broad range of low-income households by lottery.
How the money works
With FHEPS, you pay a portion of the rent and the program pays the rest directly to the landlord, up to a maximum rent set by household size. The unit must pass an inspection and the rent must be within the FHEPS limit.
How long it lasts
FHEPS can be renewed for up to five years, as long as your household stays eligible. Your caseworker reviews your case periodically.
How you get it
There is no open online application. Families are assessed in shelter automatically, through a Homebase office in the community, or through a special-grant request if they already receive Cash Assistance.
Get help
Free housing specialists and legal-aid organizations can confirm whether FHEPS is right for you and help you apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is FHEPS the same as Section 8?
- No. FHEPS is a New York State–funded program for Cash Assistance families facing eviction or homelessness; Section 8 is a federal voucher open to low-income households through waitlists.
- Is FHEPS the same as CityFHEPS?
- No. They are separate programs. FHEPS requires Cash Assistance and an eviction or housing emergency; CityFHEPS is city-funded with broader eligibility.
- How much does FHEPS pay?
- FHEPS covers rent up to a maximum set by household size, with the family paying a share. The unit must pass inspection and fall within the limit.