CityFHEPS (City Fighting Homelessness and Eviction Prevention Supplement) is New York City’s largest rental assistance voucher program. It pays a portion of rent directly to a landlord on behalf of eligible low-income New Yorkers who are at risk of or experiencing homelessness. A CityFHEPS voucher can mean the difference between keeping your housing and losing it.

This guide explains who qualifies, how to apply, what the voucher covers, and where to get help navigating the process.

What Is CityFHEPS?

CityFHEPS combines two older NYC rental assistance programs — FHEPS and HRA’s Home Tenant Based Rental Assistance — into a single, streamlined voucher administered by the NYC Human Resources Administration (HRA) and the NYC Department of Social Services (DSS). The program subsidizes rent for income-eligible individuals and families who are homeless or at imminent risk of homelessness, with the city paying the gap between what a tenant can afford and the actual rent (up to program limits).

Who Qualifies for CityFHEPS?

Eligibility for CityFHEPS depends on your housing situation and income. You may qualify if you meet the following criteria:

Housing Situation Requirement (must meet one)

• You are currently in a shelter (including DHS or HRA shelter)
• You are fleeing domestic violence
• You have received a marshal’s notice or eviction notice (such as a 14-day rent demand or housing court petition)
• You are at risk of entering shelter due to unsafe or overcrowded conditions
• You are a single adult referred to the program through a community-based organization

Income Requirement

Your household income must be at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level. For context, in 2024 that is approximately $29,160 for a single person and $60,000 for a family of four (these figures adjust annually — check with HRA for current limits).

Other Requirements

• You must be a New York City resident
• You must be receiving, or be eligible for, cash assistance (Public Assistance) or have at least one household member who is a U.S. citizen or qualified immigrant
• You must be willing to engage in employment, training, or other activities to the extent you are able

Immigration status: Households with mixed immigration status may still qualify if at least one member meets the citizenship/immigration requirement. Undocumented household members are not required to provide immigration status documentation.

What Does CityFHEPS Pay?

CityFHEPS sets maximum rent amounts based on household size. The program pays the difference between your tenant share (typically 30% of your income) and the actual rent, up to the voucher maximum.

Maximum rent levels are updated periodically. As of recent program rules, maximums range from approximately $1,580/month for a single adult to over $2,600/month for a family of four, with higher limits in some circumstances. Always verify current maximums with HRA because these figures change.

The program covers apartments rented from private landlords in all five NYC boroughs, as well as some units in supervised settings.

How to Apply for CityFHEPS

Step 1: Determine Your Entry Point

How you access CityFHEPS depends on your current situation:

• If you are in shelter: Your case manager at the shelter should initiate the CityFHEPS process for you. Ask specifically for a CityFHEPS referral if it hasn’t been offered.
• If you are facing eviction: You can apply at an HRA Job Center or Benefits Access Center. If you have an active housing court case, the Right to Counsel program can also connect you to CityFHEPS.
• If you are fleeing domestic violence: Contact HRA’s Domestic Violence and Emergency Intervention Services at (212) 331-4600.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

Prepare the following before your appointment:

• Photo ID (government-issued) for all adult household members
• Proof of NYC residence (lease, utility bill, or letter from shelter)
• Social Security numbers or Individual Tax Identification Numbers (ITINs) for qualifying household members
• Proof of income (pay stubs, benefit letters, bank statements)
• If facing eviction: copy of the eviction notice, rent demand, or housing court papers
• If in shelter: shelter placement letter

Step 3: Submit Your Application

Applications can be submitted:

• Online: Through the HRA Benefits Access portal at nyc.gov/hra or the ACCESS HRA app
• In person: At your local HRA Job Center or Benefits Access Center (find yours at nyc.gov/hra)
• By phone: Call 311 and ask for HRA Benefits Access

Step 4: Find an Apartment

If approved, you will receive a voucher with a set maximum rent and a timeframe to find housing. You must find an apartment that:

• Rents at or below the CityFHEPS maximum for your household size
• Passes an HRA housing quality inspection (the unit must be in safe, habitable condition)
• Has a landlord willing to participate (landlords must sign a lease agreement with HRA)

Finding a participating landlord is often the hardest part. Resources that can help: StreetEasy, CAMBA, and nonprofit housing placement organizations like HCCI and Breaking Ground.

Step 5: Complete the Lease and Inspection

Once you find an apartment, HRA will inspect it and execute a lease agreement with the landlord. Payments begin once the unit passes inspection and all paperwork is complete.

How Long Does CityFHEPS Last?

CityFHEPS vouchers are renewed annually. As long as you remain income-eligible and continue to meet program requirements (including employment/training engagement requirements if applicable), you can continue receiving assistance. The program does not have a fixed time limit, but participants must recertify each year.

What to Do If Your Application Is Denied

If HRA denies your application or terminates your benefits, you have the right to a fair hearing with the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA). Request a fair hearing within 60 days of receiving the denial notice. Legal Aid Society, The Door, and other legal service organizations can help you prepare for a hearing.

Free Help Applying for CityFHEPS

• HRA Infoline: (718) 557-1399 — general benefits information
• 311: Ask for HRA Benefits Access or CityFHEPS information
• Legal Aid Society: legalaidnyc.org
• Bronx Legal Services: (718) 928-3700
• Brooklyn Legal Services: (718) 237-5500
• Legal Services NYC: lsnyc.org
• NYC Housing Connect (for housing lottery): housingconnect.nyc.gov

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use CityFHEPS if I am undocumented?

You may still qualify if at least one household member is a U.S. citizen or qualified immigrant. Undocumented family members do not need to provide immigration status documentation. Contact HRA or a legal services organization for a confidential eligibility review.

How long does it take to get CityFHEPS approved?

Processing times vary. Emergency situations (imminent eviction, shelter placement) are typically prioritized. The apartment search and inspection process adds additional time after voucher approval. Budget several weeks to months for the full process, and start gathering documents immediately.

Can I move to a different apartment and keep my CityFHEPS voucher?

Yes. CityFHEPS is generally portable within New York City. You must notify HRA, find a new participating landlord, and have the new unit inspected. Contact your case manager before moving.

What if a landlord refuses to accept my CityFHEPS voucher?

New York City law prohibits housing discrimination based on lawful source of income, which includes rental assistance vouchers. If a landlord refuses to rent to you because of your CityFHEPS voucher, you can file a discrimination complaint with the NYC Commission on Human Rights at (212) 416-0197 or nyc.gov/humanrights.