CityFHEPS vs Section 8
Both help pay your rent, but they are run by different agencies and you get them in different ways. Here is how they compare.
Section 8 is a federal voucher you can use anywhere in the country, usually after a long waitlist. CityFHEPS is a New York City subsidy for people who are homeless or facing eviction, reached through the City rather than a lottery, and usable for apartments anywhere in New York State. Their maximum rents in New York City are close. For this year's dollar amounts and each program's current status, see CityFHEPS vs Section 8: the 2026 numbers.
| Section 8 (HCV) | CityFHEPS | |
|---|---|---|
| Who runs it | Federal program (HUD), run by local public housing authorities. In NYC that is NYCHA, NYC HPD and New York State HCR. | New York City program, run by the NYC Department of Social Services (HRA and DHS). |
| Where it works | Nationwide, and portable: you can generally move your voucher to another city or state. | Apartments anywhere in New York State. Rooms and SROs in New York City only. It cannot be used in another state. |
| Who qualifies | Low-income families, seniors, and people with disabilities, usually under 50% of area median income. | People who are in shelter, facing eviction, or at risk of homelessness, as determined by HRA. |
| How you get it | Apply to a housing authority waitlist, which is often closed or by lottery and can take years. | Eligibility-based through HRA or a shelter caseworker, not a public lottery. |
| How the rent limit is set | The housing authority adopts a payment standard using HUD FMR or ZIP-level SAFMR benchmarks. Its schedule, utility allowance and approved rent determine the subsidy. | One maximum rent per unit size, set by the City. It sits close to the NYCHA Section 8 standard for new rentals. |
| How rent is paid | The program pays the landlord directly each month; the tenant pays a share, usually about 30% of income. | Same structure: the program pays the landlord directly and the tenant pays a share. |
See how much each program pays by unit size in Housing voucher programs explained, or look up Section 8 limits for a ZIP with the Rent Analyzer.
Reviewed October 20, 2026 against HRA's CityFHEPS information, DSS-8r and NYC source-of-income guidance.
Frequently asked questions
Is CityFHEPS the same as Section 8?
No. They are separate programs with different agencies and eligibility rules. Section 8 is federal and available nationwide; CityFHEPS is a New York City program for people who are homeless or facing eviction. In NYC their rent limits are close, but not identical across the agencies.
Can you have both CityFHEPS and Section 8?
No. Federal rules bar a household from receiving Section 8 together with another local or State rent subsidy, whether for the same apartment or a different one. Some CityFHEPS households later move onto a Section 8 voucher if one becomes available; one subsidy then replaces the other.
Which pays more, CityFHEPS or Section 8?
Compare the current CityFHEPS schedule with the schedule adopted by the agency issuing your Section 8 voucher. The household’s approved bedroom size, utilities, income and rent affect the result. A HUD FMR figure alone cannot tell you which program will pay more.
Do landlords have to accept CityFHEPS and Section 8?
New York City and New York State laws protect many voucher applicants from source-of-income discrimination. Property exemptions and court rulings can affect a particular case. Contact the applicable civil-rights agency or legal aid if a landlord refuses your voucher.
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