How to Apply for FHEPS in NYC When You're Facing Eviction

FHEPS is a state-funded rent supplement for families with children who are facing eviction or have lost housing due to domestic violence or health and safety issues. The application usually starts at HRA, through a Homebase office, or during your housing court case. If you have an eviction notice in hand, you're ready to apply right now.

What FHEPS Is and Who Qualifies

FHEPS (Family Homelessness and Eviction Prevention Supplement) is designed to keep families with children stably housed. You qualify if you have a child under 18 or a pregnant household member, you receive or are eligible for Cash Assistance, and you're facing eviction, have lost housing due to domestic violence, or have lost housing due to health or safety issues.

The program works alongside Cash Assistance. FHEPS pays a monthly supplement toward rent on top of the Cash Assistance shelter allowance. This means your total housing support increases, and the landlord receives payment directly from HRA.

If you're unsure whether you qualify, call the HRA rental assistance line at 718-557-1399. They can walk you through eligibility in minutes.

The Golden Rule: The Eviction Paper Is Your Key Document

Your eviction notice, court summons, or landlord's formal rent demand is the single most important document you can bring to an FHEPS application. It proves you're facing eviction and makes the application move faster.

If you don't have the original, bring a copy. If you're in housing court, the court staff or your legal representative can help you start the application right there. Many eviction cases are resolved or paused once FHEPS is in motion, especially if you combine it with a One-Shot Deal application guide to cover back rent.

Where to Apply: HRA, Homebase, or Housing Court

You have three main entry points. Choose whichever is fastest for your situation.

HRA (Human Resources Administration). Call the DSS OneNumber at 718-557-1399 to start a FHEPS application over the phone. They'll ask about your household, income, and housing situation, then schedule you for an in-person appointment or direct you to upload documents online. You can also visit an HRA Benefits Access Center in person. Call 311 for the location nearest you.

Homebase. Homebase is a nonprofit network that helps families apply for rental assistance and FHEPS. If you know of a Homebase office in your borough, you can walk in or call to apply. Homebase staff are trained to help you gather documents and submit everything to HRA.

Housing Court. If you're already in an eviction case, ask the court clerk, your legal representative, or the judge's staff about FHEPS. Many housing courts have staff who can help you apply on the spot or refer you to a legal aid organization that handles FHEPS applications.

Whichever path you choose, the application goes to HRA for approval.

Documents You Will Need

Have these ready before you apply. Missing documents slow down approval.

Core documents:

The eviction notice, court summons, or landlord's formal rent demand

Photo ID for the head of household

Birth certificates or proof of household composition for all children

Proof of income for all household members (pay stubs, benefit statements, tax returns, or a letter from your employer)

The landlord's rent breakdown (how much is owed, when it's due, any late fees)

Income proof can be recent pay stubs, a letter from your employer, benefit statements from Social Security or unemployment, or tax returns. If you have no income, bring a statement saying so.

You can upload documents online through ACCESS HRA or bring them to an in-person appointment. If you apply through Homebase or housing court, staff will help you organize and submit them.

What FHEPS Pays

FHEPS pays a monthly supplement toward rent. The amount depends on your household size, income, and the local rent standard. HRA calculates your share based on your income and household composition, then FHEPS covers the gap between your share and the full rent, up to the program limit.

You continue to receive the Cash Assistance shelter allowance as well. Together, FHEPS and Cash Assistance should cover most or all of your rent.

If you owe back rent, FHEPS alone won't pay it. That's where the One-Shot Deal comes in. You can apply for both programs at the same time. The One-Shot Deal pays the landlord directly for arrears, and FHEPS covers future months.

After Approval: Keeping FHEPS

Once you're approved, FHEPS continues as long as you remain eligible. That means you must stay eligible for Cash Assistance and keep your household composition and income accurate.

Report changes immediately. If your income changes, someone moves in or out, or your housing situation changes, tell HRA right away. Call 718-557-1399 or log into ACCESS HRA to report the change. Your tenant share and the FHEPS supplement are recalculated after the change is processed.

Renewals. Your FHEPS case will require periodic recertification, just like Cash Assistance. HRA will send you a notice with a deadline. Meet it. Missed interviews and missed deadlines are a leading cause of benefits stopping quietly.

If HRA denies your application or closes your case, you have the right to a fair hearing. Request one by calling the OTDA fair hearing line at 800-342-3334 or by requesting one online at otda.ny.gov. You have a limited time to request a hearing, so act fast.

What Landlords Should Know

If you're a tenant applying for FHEPS, your landlord needs to know that HRA will pay them directly. The landlord should expect a letter from HRA confirming the supplement amount and payment schedule. Payment goes to the landlord's bank account or by check, depending on what HRA has on file.

Landlords cannot refuse to rent to you because you're on FHEPS. It's a legal rent supplement, just like a Housing Choice Voucher. If your landlord is hesitant, remind them that HRA pays reliably and on time.

If you're looking for an apartment that accepts FHEPS, browse FHEPS-friendly apartments on VoucherMatch to find landlords who are familiar with the program.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply for FHEPS if I don't have an eviction notice yet? FHEPS requires that you're facing eviction, have lost housing due to domestic violence, or have lost housing due to health or safety issues. If you're behind on rent but haven't received a notice, contact the HRA rental assistance line at 718-557-1399 to discuss your situation. They can tell you whether you're eligible to apply now or need to wait.

What's the difference between FHEPS and CityFHEPS? FHEPS is state-funded and serves families with children who receive or are eligible for Cash Assistance. CityFHEPS is city-funded and has different income limits and eligibility rules. Read our guide on FHEPS vs CityFHEPS to understand which program you might qualify for.

Can FHEPS pay my back rent? FHEPS pays a monthly supplement toward rent going forward. To cover arrears and stop an eviction, you typically combine FHEPS with a One-Shot Deal emergency grant. The One-Shot Deal pays the landlord directly for past-due rent while FHEPS covers future months.

What happens if my income changes while I'm on FHEPS? You must report income changes to HRA. Your tenant share and the FHEPS supplement are recalculated after the change is processed. Don't wait, report changes as soon as they happen to keep your case accurate.

How do I check the status of my FHEPS application? Log into ACCESS HRA to view your application status, upload documents, and check your case. You can also call the DSS OneNumber at 718-557-1399 to speak with someone about your application.

---

Looking for an apartment that accepts your voucher? Browse voucher-friendly listings on VoucherMatch.

Are you a landlord? List your property free and reach thousands of voucher holders.