FHEPS in New York City

About this program

FHEPS — the Family Homelessness and Eviction Prevention Supplement — is a New York State rental assistance program specifically for families with children who are homeless, in shelter, or facing imminent eviction. It''s administered in NYC by the Human Resources Administration (HRA) and works similarly to CityFHEPS, but with two key differences: FHEPS is funded by NY State (with federal matching), and it''s specifically targeted at families with children rather than all homeless households. FHEPS pays the difference between the public assistance shelter allowance and the unit''s actual rent, up to a payment standard. Like CityFHEPS, FHEPS only works in NYC.

How it works

FHEPS subsidizes rent in private-market apartments for eligible families. The mechanics are similar to CityFHEPS:

• The family pays roughly 30% of household income toward rent (after deducting the public assistance shelter allowance)
• HRA pays the rest directly to the landlord, up to the payment standard
• The unit must pass HQS inspection before the lease is approved
• The subsidy is renewed annually based on continued eligibility

The unique aspect of FHEPS is its connection to public assistance. FHEPS recipients typically also receive Temporary Assistance (NY State''s cash assistance for low-income households), and the shelter allowance from public assistance is the first dollar paid toward rent. FHEPS fills the gap between the shelter allowance (which is too small to cover NYC market rents) and the actual rent up to the payment standard.

In 2024, FHEPS payment standards were increased substantially, making more units eligible for the program.

Who qualifies

FHEPS eligibility requires four conditions:

Family with children: The household must include at least one child (under 18, or under 21 if a full-time student). Adult-only households cannot use FHEPS.

Housing crisis: You must be either:

• Currently in DHS shelter, or
• At imminent risk of homelessness (eviction proceedings, eviction notice received, family breakup, domestic violence)

Public Assistance: You must be receiving (or eligible to receive) Temporary Assistance (cash assistance) from NY State. The FHEPS calculation builds on the public assistance shelter allowance.

Income: Household income must be below the FHEPS income threshold (roughly 200% of poverty level, varies by household size).

Citizenship/immigration: At least one household member must be a U.S. citizen or qualified non-citizen.

NYC residency: Required. FHEPS only operates in NYC.

How to apply

Application paths are similar to CityFHEPS but with public assistance integration:

If you''re in DHS shelter: Your case manager handles the FHEPS application along with your other case planning. The shelter staff coordinates with HRA on FHEPS eligibility and processing.

If you''re facing eviction: Visit your borough''s HRA Homebase office or contact HRA directly. Homebase staff assess eligibility for FHEPS Prevention and help you apply.

If you''re not currently on public assistance: You''ll need to apply for Temporary Assistance simultaneously. HRA can process both applications together. Some families don''t realize they qualify for public assistance — Homebase staff can help determine eligibility.

Required documents: Photo ID for all household members (especially the child(ren)), birth certificates, proof of residence, proof of homelessness or eviction (court documents, notice to quit), income verification, public assistance status, and immigration documentation for non-citizens.

For program information: nyc.gov/site/hra/help/fheps.page

After approval, HRA issues a shopping letter with the payment standard, voucher term, and search instructions. The apartment search process is similar to Section 8 — find a unit, pass inspection, sign lease.

FHEPS moves faster than Section 8 but timing depends on your situation: **From shelter**: Typically weeks to a few months from application approval to housing placement. **Prevention (eviction risk)**: Immediate emergency processing available for families with pending evictions. There''s no formal "waitlist" for FHEPS the way there is for Section 8. If you qualify, you can apply and receive a voucher provided funding is available. The apartment search takes 1-3 months after the voucher is issued (typical for NYC voucher programs). **Total timeline** from initial application to housed: typically 2-6 months for shelter-based cases; faster for prevention cases (can be days for emergencies).

"FHEPS and CityFHEPS are the same." Similar but not the same. Both are NYC voucher programs administered by HRA. Key differences: FHEPS is state-funded (with federal matching) and specifically for families with children; CityFHEPS is city-funded and serves all household types (singles, couples, families). In practice, families with children may qualify for both and can be placed on whichever is administratively easier.

"FHEPS payment standards are tiny." Not anymore. The 2024 payment standard increase brought FHEPS up to competitive levels with Section 8. Two-bedroom units in many NYC neighborhoods are now within payment standard.

"FHEPS requires you to be on welfare forever." Not exactly. FHEPS is connected to public assistance (Temporary Assistance), but you can continue receiving FHEPS even as your income increases — the voucher calculations adjust accordingly. Many FHEPS households have working adults whose earnings are above some thresholds but below others.

"Only DV survivors qualify for FHEPS." No. DV survivors are one eligible category, but FHEPS also covers homeless families generally, families facing eviction, and families experiencing other housing crises. The common element is having children and a housing crisis — not the specific type of crisis.

"FHEPS expires in 1-2 years." No. FHEPS subsidies are renewed annually based on continued eligibility, but there''s no fixed expiration. As long as you continue to qualify (income, family composition, housing situation), the subsidy continues.

TA

Temporary Assistance — NY State''s cash assistance program for low-income households; FHEPS recipients typically also receive TA

Shelter Allowance

The portion of TA designated for rent — too small for NYC market rents on its own; FHEPS fills the gap

DSS Application

Department of Social Services application — the standard form for TA and FHEPS

PA

Public Assistance — informal term for TA and related cash benefits

FCS

Family and Children Services — HRA division that handles many FHEPS cases

Homebase

HRA''s homelessness prevention program; the entry point for many FHEPS Prevention cases

Section 215 / Allotment Increase

Procedural mechanism for increasing the shelter allowance portion of TA through FHEPS

Fair Hearing

NY State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance hearing where TA/FHEPS denials can be challenged

Find FHEPS (Family Homelessness and Eviction Prevention Supplement) housing by location

Browse voucher-friendly apartments in each NYC borough that accept FHEPS (Family Homelessness and Eviction Prevention Supplement).

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to be on welfare to get FHEPS?

You must be receiving or eligible to receive Temporary Assistance (NY State''s cash assistance, sometimes called ''welfare''). FHEPS is structured as an addition to public assistance — it pays the gap between the shelter allowance and the actual rent. If you''re not currently on TA but qualify, HRA can process your TA and FHEPS applications together.

Can FHEPS work if I have no income at all?

Yes. Households with no income can qualify for both TA and FHEPS. The tenant share is calculated based on household income; for zero-income households, the share is the minimum (typically $50 or less), and FHEPS plus TA covers the rest up to the payment standard.

Is FHEPS just for unmarried mothers?

No. FHEPS is for any family with children, including two-parent families, single-parent families, families with grandparents or other relatives caring for children, and families with non-traditional structures. The eligibility focus is on having children and a housing crisis, not on the structure of the family.

How is FHEPS different from CityFHEPS?

Both are NYC voucher programs administered by HRA. FHEPS is state-funded and specifically for families with children; CityFHEPS is city-funded and serves all household types. Payment standards are similar (both raised in 2024). For families with children, you may qualify for both — HRA determines which fits better administratively.

What happens to FHEPS if I move out of NYC?

FHEPS terminates if you move out of NYC. The program only works in NYC because it''s connected to NYC HRA''s public assistance system. If you''re planning to relocate, apply for housing assistance in your new location before leaving. Section 8 is the only NYC voucher program portable across cities and states.

Can I have FHEPS and HASA at the same time?

No, generally. HASA (for households with HIV/AIDS) and FHEPS serve overlapping populations, and households cannot receive double subsidy on the same housing. HRA determines which program fits best based on the household''s specific situation. HASA tends to be more generous for households where it applies.