The housing market in New York City is incredibly stressful, and dealing with housing insecurity can feel completely overwhelming. It is entirely valid to feel exhausted by the bureaucracy of city rental assistance programs. However, having clear and accurate information is the best first step toward finding stability.
The City Fighting Homelessness and Eviction Prevention Supplement, commonly known as CityFHEPS, is a vital rental assistance program designed to help individuals and families transition out of shelters or avoid eviction altogether. Administered by the Department of Social Services (DSS), which includes the Human Resources Administration (HRA) and the Department of Homeless Services (DHS), the program has seen critical updates over the last couple of years.
If you are a tenant, landlord, or housing advocate, here is the most accurate and up to date information on how CityFHEPS works in 2026.
Key Program Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Administering Agencies | DSS, HRA, DHS |
| Geographic Coverage | Entire State of New York |
| Income Eligibility | Up to 200% of the Federal Poverty Level |
| Voucher Duration | Up to 5 years (annual renewal required) |
| Tenant Contribution | Generally 30% of household income |
Important Updates for 2026
The city has made several major changes recently to expand access, eliminate red tape, and address the growing cost of the program, which was projected to hit $1.2 billion in fiscal year 2025.
- Statewide Portability: Eligible individuals and families can now use their CityFHEPS vouchers to secure permanent housing anywhere within New York State, not just within the five boroughs. This gives households much more flexibility to find affordable living situations outside the immediate city limits.
- Elimination of the 90 Day Wait: Previously, individuals and families had to reside in a shelter for 90 days before becoming eligible for a voucher. This rule has been entirely eliminated to help move people into permanent housing much faster and relieve pressure on the shelter system.
- Adjusted Work Requirements: Families in shelters now only need to work 10 hours a week to become eligible for the voucher. This matches the 10 hour work requirement for single adults and creates uniformity across populations in the shelter system.
- Extended Deadlines for Developers: For developers working with formerly homeless households, the deadline to submit eligible affordable housing projects for historic “Augmented CityFHEPS” rent levels has been extended to March 31, 2026.
How Does CityFHEPS Work?
CityFHEPS pays a portion of an eligible tenant’s monthly rent directly to the landlord or management company. The amount covered depends on household income, the number of people in the family, and the current CityFHEPS maximum rent standards. These maximums are strictly indexed to the Section 8 payment standards adopted by the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA).
For example, in 2026, the maximum rent CityFHEPS will cover for a family of four seeking a two bedroom apartment is $3,058. Utilities are counted separately. Tenants are typically required to contribute a percentage of their income toward the rent, which has historically been set at 30%, though recent city proposals have debated adjusting tenant contribution rates for certain renewing households.
Who is Eligible?
Eligibility rules are highly specific. Households must have an income at or below 200% of the federal poverty line (which is around $64,300 for a family of four), and at least one household member must be a U.S. citizen or legal resident.
Beyond income limits, you must meet one of the following criteria:
- You are currently residing in a DHS or HRA shelter.
- You are facing eviction and have received a demand for rent or an eviction proceeding has started.
- Your household includes someone who previously spent time in a DHS shelter.
- You are working with Adult Protective Services (APS).
- You are attempting to preserve a rent controlled apartment.
How to Apply and Renew
Applying for CityFHEPS requires working with a qualified professional. You cannot simply fill out an application online without a caseworker. If you are in a shelter, your assigned case manager or housing specialist will submit the paperwork. If you are facing eviction but are not in a shelter, you should contact a local Homebase location for assistance.
The Annual Renewal Process
A common misconception is that CityFHEPS is a permanent subsidy. The benefit can last for up to five years, but it requires an annual review and renewal. HRA mails renewal applications five months before the end of your subsidy year.
You can complete the renewal process in three ways:
- Online: Use the ACCESS HRA website or mobile app.
- Email: Send your completed application and supporting documents to CityFHEPSRenewals@hra.nyc.gov.
- Mail: Send the physical forms directly to the NYC Human Resources Administration at 109 East 16th Street, 10th Floor, New York, NY 10003.
Information for Landlords
Landlords who participate in the program receive guaranteed, direct monthly payments from the city. HRA also provides upfront incentives, such as a “Unit Hold Incentive Voucher,” which gives the landlord an additional check for one month’s rent once the apartment and tenant meet all required guidelines.
It is also important to note that refusing to accept a valid CityFHEPS voucher is considered source of income discrimination under New York City Human Rights Law.
Where to Get Help
If you have questions about your eligibility, need to request a modification, or are experiencing payment issues, you should speak directly with a representative. Contact the HRA Rental Assistance Call Center at 718-557-1399. The center is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
