A New York Section 8 application may be submitted to any public housing authority (PHA). This rental assistance program, also known as the Housing Choice Voucher Program, is overseen by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). However, state PHAs are responsible for administering the program at the local level.

As a result, you must apply for Section 8 through a PHA rather than a state-wide or national organization. Overall, application instructions and methods can vary slightly from one PHA to the next. To learn more about completing a Section 8 housing application in NY and find out what happens after you submit your form, read the sections below.

When can I submit a Section 8 application in New York?

In certain cases, a New York HUD application can be submitted at any time. However, that is only the case whenever a PHA has vouchers available or is able to provide assistance in the near future.

Most times, submitting a housing authority application will only get your name placed on a waiting list. PHAs utilize waiting lists when there are too many people to serve at a given time.

In some cases, the demand for vouchers is so high that PHAs will stop accepting applications altogether for a period of time. In this situation, you can only sign up for Section 8 once the PHA begins accepting forms again.

Overall, you are not required to apply for Section 8 housing through any specific PHA. Rather, you are allowed to apply through any agency in the state. This may be a solution if your local PHA is not currently accepting applications.

On the other hand, your chances of getting a voucher may be affected by whether or not you are a local applicant. More information on waitlist preferences is provided in the subsequent sections.

What documents do I need to apply for Section 8 in New York?

When you fill out a NY Section 8 application form, you will typically need to provide information on yourself and each member of your household who wishes to obtain rental assistance. Details you may need to provide include:

• Name
• Address
• Date of birth
• Social Security Number
• Employment status
• Disability information
• Income
• Current housing situation

The PHA will verify the information in your low income housing application by asking for various documentation. Birth certificates, photo ID cards, employment records, bank statements and other similar paperwork may be required.

The exact paperwork you need will vary based on your situation. In some cases, PHAs will also verify your details by contacting employers, banks or other organizations directly. Learn more about the information you may need to provide by downloading our Section 8 guide.

Tips for Completing the New York Section 8 Housing Application

Before you apply for low income housing in New York, it helps to understand what factors may affect your chances of getting assistance. Because the demand for vouchers is so high, PHAs sometimes utilize certain methods that allow them to help the applicants with the greatest need first.

As mentioned above, it is common for PHAs to use a waitlist for new applicants when it is not possible to assist every petitioner right away. Once you successfully submit a HUD housing application, your placement on the waiting list may be affected by something known as local preferences. For example, preferences may exist for applicants who:

• Are seniors.
• Have a disability.
• Are extremely low-income.
• Live in substandard housing.
• Are currently living or working in the PHA’s service area.
• Have been involuntarily displaced from home.

If you qualify for a local preference, it does not necessarily mean that you can get a voucher right away. Instead, when you apply for Section 8, your name may simply be placed higher on the waiting list. Keep in mind that the exact criteria for determining wait list placement may vary slightly from one PHA to the next.

Understanding the New York Section 8 Application Process

You can usually submit a Section 8 application online, in person or through the mail. However, the application methods available will vary depending on the PHA of your choice.

How to Apply for Section 8 Online in New York

If your PHA has its own portal, it more than likely allows online applications. Once you are on your PHA’s website, simply locate its application portal and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.

You should be able to fill out the Section 8 application online free, since PHAs are not allowed to charge a fee to apply. If you are charged a fee to apply for this service, it may be a scam and should report it appropriately.

How to Submit the New York Section 8 Housing Application in Person

It is easy to sign up for Section 8 in person by visiting the housing authority in your community. Because office hours and application policies may vary, you may wish to call ahead before stopping in.

To make the process go more smoothly, it may be in your best interest to come prepared with any documentation that may help verify your information.

How to Apply for Section 8 Housing by Mail

A PHA may also provide an option to apply through the mail. Some PHAs will provide a PDF form that you can download and print from their website.

Alternatively, you may call your local organization to receive a physical copy of the correct form. Once your Section 8 housing application is complete, you may simply return it to the correct address.

What happens after I apply for Section 8 in New York?

After you apply for Section 8 housing, you should receive a notification about your form being accepted. Some PHAs will provide you with a confirmation number or case number. If so, make sure you save this number in a secure place.

When you submit your Section 8 application form, it is possible to be denied right away if you do not meet the qualifications. In such cases, you have the right to request a fair hearing if you wish to dispute the decision.

If you pass the initial eligibility check, you will either be placed on a waiting list or granted a voucher right away if possible. In the event you are placed on a waiting list, it is important that you inform the PHA of any changes to your address or contact information. This ensures that you will receive notifications in the future.