Waythrough is an independent resource, not NYCHA. We summarize public information to help you get oriented. For applications and the most current waiting-list status, always use the official links below.

The New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) is the public housing authority (PHA) that administers Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers and public housing for New York City — the largest public housing authority in North America. A separate agency, the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD), administers its own set of Section 8 vouchers. This page summarizes NYCHA's current waiting-list status, contact information, and how to apply, and links to the official site for anything time-sensitive.

Quick Facts

Serves: New York City (all five boroughs)
Phone: (718) 707-7771
Official site: www.nyc.gov/site/nycha/index.page
Apply: NYCHA application page
Status last checked: May 2026

Waiting-List Status

Waiting lists open and close frequently, so treat the status below as a starting point and confirm on the official site before you rely on it.

  • Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8): Closed / paused — The list was closed from 2009, reopened briefly by lottery in 2024, and as of August 1, 2025 NYCHA paused voucher issuance and processing for applicants on the general HCV waiting list.
  • Public Housing: Separate NYCHA waiting list — Check the official NYCHA site for the current status of the public-housing application.
  • Specialty referrals (HUD-VASH, FUP, EHV): Accepted by referral — Accessed through partner agencies and the VA rather than open registration.

Programs NYCHA Runs

  • Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8)
  • Public Housing
  • HUD-VASH (for veterans)
  • Family Unification Program (FUP)
  • Emergency Housing Vouchers

How to Apply

Apply directly through the authority's official application page: www.nyc.gov/site/nycha/index.page. If you have already applied, call (718) 707-7771 to verify your position and keep your contact information current — if the authority cannot reach you when your name comes up, you can be dropped from the list.

New to the process? Our step-by-step guide to applying for Section 8 walks through the whole thing, and how to find your PHA helps you locate the right authority.

Other Authorities Serving This Area

  • The NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) separately administers roughly 30,000 Section 8 vouchers tied to specific affordable developments — you apply property-by-property through NYC Housing Connect (housingconnect.nyc.gov).

More Local Resources

For the full picture of affordable housing in this area — emergency shelter, rental assistance, tenant rights, and legal aid — see our New York City housing resources page and our NY state resources.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the NYC (NYCHA) Section 8 waiting list open?

No. NYCHA's Housing Choice Voucher waiting list has been closed since 2009. It reopened briefly by lottery in 2024, and as of August 1, 2025 NYCHA paused voucher issuance and processing for applicants on the general HCV waiting list. Confirm the current status on the official NYCHA site before relying on it.

What is the difference between NYCHA and HPD Section 8?

NYCHA and the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) run separate Section 8 programs. NYCHA administers the larger tenant-based voucher program (currently closed/paused). HPD administers roughly 30,000 vouchers tied to specific affordable housing developments — you apply property-by-property through NYC Housing Connect at housingconnect.nyc.gov.

How can I apply for affordable housing in NYC right now?

With NYCHA's Section 8 list closed, the most active path is NYC Housing Connect (housingconnect.nyc.gov), where you can apply to HPD- and city-funded affordable apartments by lottery. Veterans may qualify for HUD-VASH, and NYCHA public-housing applications may be available separately — check the official NYCHA site.

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