NYC Housing Subsidies

Housing Subsidies

Summary

Housing subsidies are available to low-income households in specific circumstances. The subsidies described below are administered by the NYC Human Resources Administration (HRA) through the Benefits Access Center (BAC) (formerly known as Job Centers), except for the Foster Care Housing Subsidy, which is administered through NYC Administration for Children’s Services (ACS). The subsidies include:

  • The Family Homelessness and Eviction Prevention Supplement (FHEPS) is a rent supplement program for families in NYC with minor dependent children in receipt of Cash Assistance (CA) who have been evicted or are facing eviction, or who lost their housing due to a domestic violence situation, or who have lost their housing because of health or safety issues;

  • CityFHEPS (City Fighting Homelessness and Eviction Prevention Supplement) is a rent subsidy for singles and childless couples, as well as for families with children who are not eligible for State FHEPS, who are residing in a shelter or are at risk of entry into shelter, and who have incomes less than 200% of the federal poverty level;

  • Pathway Home provides up to 12 months of rent payments when families or individuals move out of a homeless shelter and move in with friends or family members;

  • Special One Time Assistance (SOTA) Program provides one year’s rent for residents in the shelter system to move within NYC, to other NYS counties, or outside of NYS;

  • HIV/AIDS Services Administration (HASA) enhanced shelter allowance for individuals diagnosed with HIV/AIDS wherein Cash Assistance (CA) will pay a shelter allowance higher than the CA shelter maximum, and

  • The foster care housing subsidy assists households to reunite children in foster care with their families where lack of adequate housing is the main reason they are separated; it also prevents children from entering foster care by providing a monthly rent allowance.

  • Enhanced One-Shot Deal provides four months of rent, as well as additional fees to households who have been in the shelter for at least 60 days;

FHEPS (Family Homelessness and Eviction Prevention Supplement)

DESCRIPTION OF FHEPS

FHEPS is a rent subsidy for households in NYC with minor dependent children in receipt of Cash Assistance (CA) who have been evicted or who are facing eviction, or who lost their housing because of health or safety issues, certain court decisions, or domestic violence. FHEPS is sometimes referred to State FHEPS, but it is only available for households within the five boroughs of NYC; it is not available to households in other parts of NYS. FHEPS is administered by NYC HRA and NYS OTDA.

Families eligible for FHEPS may be eligible to receive their ongoing CA shelter allowance, as well as an ongoing FHEPS rent subsidy, for up to five years. Households may apply for an extension beyond five years, if they qualify and have a good cause for the extension. Families may also be eligible for rental arrears payment, a lease signing bonus, and an enhanced broker’s fee.

Below is a table with the current maximum rent allowed by FHEPS, known as the FHEPS Payment Standards. The actual FHEPS rent subsidy will depend on various factors, including the number of people in the rental unit, if there is non-CA income in the household, and whether the household pays out of pocket for utilities; see below, Cash Assistance, Housing Subsidies, FHEPS (Family Homelessness and Eviction Prevention Supplement), Calculating the FHEPS Amount.

The FHEPS Payment Standards may change annually and will match the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) Section 8 Payment Standards.

FHEPS Payment Standards
Total Maximum Rental Allowed if All Utilities are Included
Effective January, 2023

HH Size

# of Bedrooms

Maximum Rent Allowed

1

Studio

$2,335

1 bedroom

$2,387

2

1 bedroom

$2,387

3
4

2 bedrooms

$2,696

5
6

3 bedrooms

$3,385

7
8

4 bedrooms

$3,647

Landlords are not allowed to charge any fees other than what is legally stated in the lease. Applicants should not agree to any side deals and should immediately call HRA or 311 or 929-210-0543 to report such requests.

If a household finds an apartment with rent more than the maximum rental amounts listed above, they should request a preferential rent from the landlord, which is a rent amount that is lower than the legal rent the landlord can collect. If the landlord agrees to reduce the rent to the maximum FHEPS rent and provide at least a one-year lease, the household may be eligible for FHEPS.

There are two types of FHEPS rent supplements:

  • FHEPS to Stay, which allows the family to remain in their current housing, or

  • FHEPS to Move, which can be used to move to another apartment within NYC or to move out of a shelter and into an apartment within NYC.

Within both these supplements there are two categories of eligibility:

  • FHEPS Part A for families facing eviction or that have been evicted from their homes, and

  • FHEPS Part B for families who experience domestic violence in their households.

Advocates and providers should be very cautious not to disclose to landlords that a household is a domestic violence household. Due to the sensitive nature of these cases and to maintain confidentiality, the goal is that FHEPS Part B is indistinguishable from FHEPS Part A to landlords.

FHEPS to Stay

FHEPS to Stay allows families to stay in their current home. In addition to paying a rent supplement going forward, FHEPS to Stay can cover up to $9,000 in rent arrears and, on a case-by-case basis, possibly more as an exception to policy.

FHEPS to Move

FHEPS to Move allows families to move to a new apartment if they are residing in a shelter (whether it is a DHS or HRA shelter for DV victims), have lost their housing due to eviction or pending an eviction, or cannot stay in their home, because of unsafe living conditions in the current apartment or because a landlord will not provide a new lease or for some other reason.

In addition to the ongoing rent, landlords will receive the first month’s rent in full plus the next three months of the FHEPS rent subsidy up front, as well as a security voucher, on behalf of the family. If the family is leaving a shelter, the following incentives for the landlord and broker may also be available:

  • An apartment lease signing bonus to the landlord. (The bonus only applies to DHS and HRA clients moving out of shelter.)

  • A Unit Hold payment, which is an additional month’s rent when a landlord agrees to accept a tenant and not lease the unit to anyone else during a 30-day period. (Payment will not be disbursed to the landlord until the lease signing or where the tenant moves into the unit.)

  • An enhanced broker fee of up to 15% of the annual rent.

QUALIFYING FOR FHEPS

To be eligible for FHEPS, for both FHEPS Part A and FHEPS Part B, households must meet the following criteria:

  • At least one member of the household must have an active Cash Assistance case or if in a shelter, qualify for Cash Assistance once the household has left the shelter;

  • Household must include:

    • A pregnant person, or

    • A minor child under age 18 (or 18 and a full-time student in secondary school or its equivalent), or

    • A parent, guardian, or caretaker relative of minor child(ren), for example, a parent with a child in receipt of SSI.

  • No one in the household is in sanction status;

    • If a household member is subsequently sanctioned after having been in receipt of FHEPS, the household’s CA grant, shelter allowance, and FHEPS supplement will be lowered. For more information, see below, Changes in Household Circumstances, Sanctioned Households.

  • Have a housing expense that exceeds the Cash Assistance shelter allowance, see above, Description of Cash Assistance, Benefit Amount;

  • A lease for housing or a written agreement to stay if the tenancy is not covered by rent regulation (i.e., non-regulated private housing) for at least one year from the time of FHEPS approval;

FHEPS applicant does not have to be the tenant of record. However, the tenant of record must meet certain conditions for the FHEPS applicant to receive FHEPS for their portion of the rent. It is advisable that advocates refer clients who are not the tenant of record of the apartment to a Homebase provider to determine tenancy eligibility. For locations of Homebase providers, visit https://www1.nyc.gov/site/hra/help/homebase-locations.page.

  • If the household is not in a shelter, the household must be facing homelessness or will become homeless and meet one of the following:

    • Subject to an eviction proceeding due to nonpayment of excess rent, or

    • Subject to an eviction proceeding within the last 12 months, or

    • Foreclosure action has commenced.

  • If applying for FHEPS to Stay and there are rent arrears, arrears must be no more than $9,000 and there must be no resources available to the household to pay the arrears.

    • On a case-by-case basis, HRA and OTDA will consider arrears above $9,000 for extenuating circumstances with documentation.

Non-CA member can apply to receive a “one-shot deal” (emergency assistance grant) from HRA for their share of rental arrears. The household composition will determine which “one-shot deal” the non-CA member can apply for. For more information on emergency assistance from HRA, refer to the following chapters: Cash Benefits, Emergency Assistance to Adults (EAA) and Cash Benefits, Emergency Assistance to Families (EAF) and Cash Benefits, Emergency Safety Net Assistance (ESNA).

  • If applying for FHEPS to Move, household must meet one of the following:

    • Landlord will not provide a lease, or

    • A NYC agency required the household to leave their residence for health and/or safety reasons, or

    • Reside in a DHS or HRA shelter and within the last 12 months was evicted from or left a NYC residence that was subject to an eviction proceeding, or

    • Entered a DHS or HRA shelter within 12 months of eviction and has remained in the shelter beyond 12 months, or

    • FHEPS may also be available for a move in a “holdover case,” in which the court proceeding is not specifically an eviction proceeding for nonpayment of rent, but the landlord is demanding possession of the apartment for other reasons and is also claiming rent arrears.

HRA oversees domestic violence shelters. Typically, households that utilize HRA domestic violence shelters will stay for a limited time (up to 6 months – 1 year). If within that time period the household has not found permanent housing, it will be transferred to a DHS shelter. For more information on HRA, refer to Housing Programs & Services, NYC Shelter System, Domestic Violence Shelters.

  • Applicants of FHEPS Part B only:

    • Reside in a NYC HRA or DHS shelter due to domestic/intimate partnership violence, or

    • At least 1 household member must be a domestic violence (DV) survivor and is eligible for or is certified by HRA’s No Violence Again (NoVA) Program or a NYC Family Justice Center.

    • Additionally, the DV perpetrator cannot live in the household with family nor be contributing to the rent.

Note 1: Although not strictly a requirement for eligibility to FHEPS Part B, HRA may require DV applicants to participate in ADVENT (Anti-Domestic Violence Eligibility Needs Team) units, which combine eligibility and employment functions as part of the services provided to CA applicants. For more information on ADVENT, see above, Applying for Cash Assistance, Application Requirements, Domestic Violence Provisions.

Note 2: Advocates and providers should be very cautious not to disclose to landlords that a household is a domestic violence household. Due to the sensitive nature of these cases and to maintain confidentiality, the goal is that FHEPS Part B is indistinguishable from FHEPS Part A to landlords.

INELIGIBLE HOUSEHOLDS

Ineligible households include those who:

  • Live in Public Housing;

  • Live in Project-Based Section 8;

  • Have a Section 8 voucher;

    • Enhanced/“Sticky” Section 8 voucher holders are eligible for FHEPS. However, these cases are not very common.

CALCULATING THE FHEPS AMOUNT

Introduction

Calculating a FHEPS household’s contribution toward the household rent can be complicated. In general, when determining the Maximum Rent Allowed under FHEPS, only the members in receipt of CA will be counted in the household size to determine the FHEPS maximum rent amount. However, when a Cash Assistance household resides with a non-Cash Assistance household member, FHEPS can approve rents up to the level that would be allowed if the non-CA household member were part of the CA household.

Additionally, in order to determine the FHEPS subsidy, HRA considers if utility expenses (gas, electricity, oil, water, etc.) are included in the rent amount or are paid out-of-pocket by the tenant. If the tenant pays out of pocket for utilities, HRA will deduct a “utility allowance” from the payment standard. Utility allowances are based on the Department of Social Services’ (DSS) Utility Allowance Schedules (see page 2 of HRA-146z). This schedule is determined by DSS, and it is based on the typical costs of utilities of apartments depending on the number of bedrooms. DSS will update the Utility Allowance Schedules annually.

If all utilities are included in the rent, there is no utility allowance deduction from the payment standard.

For the current FHEPS Payment Standards, see above, Cash Assistance, Housing Subsidies, FHEPS (Family Homelessness and Eviction Prevention Supplement), Description of FHEPS.

The following is a basic overview of how the FHEPS subsidy is calculated.

Cash Assistance Household Where Utilities are Included in the Rent

When all members of a Cash Assistance household receive only CA, the household’s rent will be covered by the CA shelter allowance and the FHEPS supplement.

Brenda and her daughter receive $574.50 in CA, of which $283 is the shelter allowance. They are in housing court due to rent arrears and are found eligible for FHEPS. They have a monthly rent of $2,387 for their 1-bedroom apartment. All utilities are included in the rent amount. The FHEPS Payment Standard for a household of 2 (1 bedroom) is $2,387. Brenda’s responsibility is $283, via her CA shelter allowance, and the FHEPS subsidy will cover $2,104 ($2,387 – $283).

Cash Assistance Household Where Utilities are Not Included in the Rent

When utilities are not included in the rent, HRA will deduct a utility allowance from the FHEPS payment standard, according to the DSS Utility Allowance Schedules (see page 2 here) to determine the FHEPS subsidy.

Sara and her son receive $574.50 in CA, of which $283 is the shelter allowance.  They were taken to court due to rent arrears and are found eligible for FHEPS.  They have a monthly rent of $2,387 for their 1-bedroom apartment. However, their rent does not include cooking gas and electricity; they will have to pay out of pocket for their cooking gas and electricity.   

Because the rent does not include cooking gas and electricity, HRA will deduct the cooking gas and electricity utility allowance for a 1-bedroom unit, $112, from the payment standard/maximum rent amount to determine the actual maximum rent allowed. As a result, FHEPS will only approve the unit if the rent was $2,275 ($2,387 - $112).

What options does Sara have?

1.    Find another apartment.  However, if Sara moves to a different apartment, the rent arrears accrued in this apartment will not be covered by FHEPS. Sara may remain financially responsible for the arrears.

2.    Negotiate with the property for a lower rent (often referred to as a ‘preferential rent’).

If the property accepts to rent the apartment at the lower rent, Sara’s FHEPS subsidy will be calculated as follows:

Lower Rent – CA Shelter Allowance = Actual FHEPS Subsidy

$2,275 - $283 = $1,992

Cash Assistance Household with Earnings

When a household has earnings, the CA budgeting rules for earned income will apply to determine ongoing eligibility and to calculate the CA grant amount using the standard of need, see above, Description of Cash Assistance, Benefit Amount, Standard of Need.  The FHEPS rent amount is not part of the standard of need and therefore not included in the CA grant calculation.    

After budgeting, if the household’s countable income no longer meets CA income guidelines, the household will no longer remain eligible for CA or for FHEPS.  

However, if the household remains eligible for a CA grant after budgeting, the household will remain eligible for FHEPS.  In this case, the household will pay 30% of their gross earned income or their CA shelter allowance, whichever is greater.

For details on earned income budgeting rules, see above, Budgeting Income, Budgeting Earned Income.

Case Example 1: Dana and their child have been in receipt of cash assistance and FHEPS for 6 months. When they first became eligible for both CA and FHEPS, Dana was not employed. Dana begins to work and earns $1,000 gross per month.   When the earned income deductions are applied to the earnings, the CA grant is reduced as follows:

$1,500 – Dana’s gross earned income

x .62 (62% earned income disregard)

$930 does not count; $570 is counted ($1,500 - $930 = $570).

 

$570

- $150 (work expense deduction)
$420 – Dana’s countable earned income


The standard of need for a household size of 2 is $574.50.  To determine the new CA grant, subtract Dana’s countable earned income from the standard of need for a household size of 2.

$574.50 – standard of need for a household size of 2

- $420 – Dana’s countable earned income

$154.50 – the new CA grant.  Dana remains eligible for FHEPS.

Additionally, the household will have to contribute towards rent. The household contribution will either be the CA shelter allowance for the household size or 30% of the gross earned income, whichever is higher. 

That is, it will be the higher of $283 (CA shelter allowance for a household size of 2) or $450.00 (30% of $900).  Thus, Dana’s contribution will be $450. 

Since Brenda’s grant has been reduced, HRA will apply the remaining CA grant, $154.50, towards the household’s shelter expense. 

Case Example 2: Dana gets a raise and is now earning $2,000 gross per month. When the earned income deductions are applied to the earnings, Dana is no longer eligible for CA.

$2,000 – Dana’s gross earned income

x .62 (62% earned income disregard)

$1,240 does not count; $760 is counted ($2,000 - $1,240 = $760).

 

$760

- $150 (work expense deduction)
$610 – Dana’s countable earned income

Since Dana’s countable earned income, $610, is greater than the Standard of Need for a household of 2, $574.50, they are no longer eligible for a CA grant.  The CA case will close, and they will no longer be eligible for FHEPS.  

A Cash Assistance Household Residing with a Non-Cash Assistance Household Member

Non-CA members in a Cash Assistance household will be responsible for paying a portion of the rent, except when a household member is ineligible for CA due to their immigration status and has no income.  The household member ineligible for CA due to immigration status will not be responsible for contributing toward rent. 

The non-CA member must verify their income and is required to contribute their pro rata share of the rent or 30% of their income, whichever is less.

Although typically the FHEPS supplement is tied to the number of people on CA, FHEPS can approve rents up to the level that would be allowed if the non-CA household member were part of the CA household.  This would only be permitted if the increase in the rent amount would not be more than the non-CA member’s required contribution. 

To determine the FHEPS supplement for a Cash Assistance household residing with a non-Cash Assistance household member, follow these steps:

Step 1:

Gather the following information:

  • CA’s shelter amount for the CA household size

  • Total income of non-CA household members

  • Total number of household members (CA and non-CA members)

  • Maximum FHEPS rent allowed for CA members

  • Maximum FHEPS rent allowed for total number of household members

  • Apartment Rent

Step 2:

Determine whether the apartment rent is at or below the maximum rent allowed if all household members were in receipt of CA. If the rent is at or below the maximum rent allowed, proceed to Step 3 to determine the non-CA household member’s contribution.

If the apartment rent exceeds the maximum rent allowed if all household members were in receipt of CA, then FHEPS will not approve the apartment/application.

Step 3:

Determine non-CA household member’s contribution, the lesser of:

  • 30% of monthly income, or

  • Pro-rata share of rent

Step 4:

Determine whether the difference between the apartment rent and the maximum rent allowed for CA members does not exceed the non-CA member’s required rent contribution.

If the household passes this step, proceed to Step 5 to calculate the FHEPS Supplement.

Step 5:

Apartment Rent – CA Shelter Amount (for CA household members only) – Non-CA household member’s contribution = FHEPS supplement.

(Rounding is used in the following examples.)

Case Example 1: Ms. Holmes lives with her 9-year-old son and 12-year-old daughter.  Mrs. Holmes and her son are in receipt of the full CA grant for a household size of 2, which includes $283 for shelter expenses. Her daughter is receiving a monthly SSI benefit in the amount of $937. Ms. Holmes is renting an 2BR apartment for $2,650/month; all utilities are included in the rent.  Ms. Holmes meets the criteria for FHEPS to Stay.


STEP 1:

Ms. Holmes’ CA shelter amount: $283

Non-CA household member’s income (daughter’s SSI): $937

Total # of household members: 3

Maximum Rent Allowed for CA household size of 2: $2,387

Maximum Rent Allowed for household size of 3: $2,696

Apartment Rent: $2,650


STEP 2:

Apartment rent of $2,650 is below the maximum rent allowed for a household size of 3, $2,696.


STEP 3:

Daughter’s SSI contribution, the lesser of:

  •   30% of monthly income = $937 x .30 = $281.10, or

  •   Pro-rata share = 1/3 of $2,650 = $883.33


STEP 4:

The difference between the apartment rent and the maximum rent allowed for CA members is $263 ($2,650 - $2,387). This does not exceed the non-CA member’s SSI rent contribution of $281.10, so the household can rent the apartment at $2,650. 


STEP 5:

$2,650 (apartment rent) - $283 (CA shelter amount) - $281.10 (SSI non-CA household contribution) = $2,085.90.  $2,085.90 is Ms. Holmes’ FHEPS amount.

Case Example 2, Rent Exceeds FHEPS Payment Standard: In this example, Ms. Holmes is renting an apartment at $2,700/month, and everything else remains the same.


STEP 1:

Ms. Holmes’ CA shelter amount: $283

Non-CA household member’s income (daughter’s SSI): $937

Total # of household members: 3

Maximum Rent Allowed for CA household size of 2: $2,387

Maximum Rent Allowed for household size of 3: $2,696

Apartment Rent: $2,700


STEP 2:

Apartment rent of $2,700 exceeds the maximum rent allowed for a household size of 3, $2,696. FHEPS will not approve the application with that apartment’s rent.

Case Example 3, Non-CA Member’s Contribution is Not Enough to Cover the Difference Between the Maximum FHEPS Payment Standard and Actual Rent: In this example, Ms. Holmes is renting an apartment at $2,680/month, and everything else remains the same.


STEP 1:

Ms. Holmes’ CA shelter amount: $283

Non-CA household member’s income (daughter’s SSI): $937

Total # of household members: 3

Maximum Rent Allowed for CA household size of 2: $2,387

Maximum Rent Allowed for household size of 3: $2,696

Apartment Rent: $2,680


STEP 2:

Apartment rent of $2,680 is below the maximum rent allowed for a household size of 3, $2,696.


STEP 3:

Daughter’s SSI contribution, the lesser of:

  •   30% of monthly income = $937 x .30 = $281.10, or

  •   Pro-rata share = 1/3 of $2,680 = $893.33


STEP 4:

The difference between the apartment rent and the maximum rent allowed for CA members is $293 ($2,680 - $2,387). This is more than the allowable non-CA member’s SSI rent contribution of $281.10.  As a result, FHEPS will not approve the apartment, even though the rent of the apartment ($2,680) is less than the maximum rent allowed if the non-CA member were included in the CA household size ($2,696).

Two Cash Assistance Households Residing in a Single Dwelling Place

If more than one CA household is residing in an apartment, both families may be eligible for the maximum CA shelter allowance for their respective household sizes. However, only one household is entitled to the FHEPS rent supplement.

APPLYING FOR FHEPS

Depending on whether the household is applying for FHEPS to Stay or FHEPS to Move will determine where the household will apply.

  • • Households applying for FHEPS to Stay will apply through the Homelessness Diversion Unit (HDU) at their local Benefits Access Center (BAC) (formerly known as a Job Center), see below, Government Contacts, NYC Advocate Contacts to Benefits Access Centers (BAC) or they may call 311 to find their local BAC.

    • If an applicant needs additional support services, the BAC may refer applicants to their nearest Homebase Office.

  • Households applying for FHEPS to Move will apply through their nearest Homebase office.

    • Homebase providers are community-based organizations contracted with DHS that provide prevention assistance for households facing loss of permanent housing.

    • Homebase will determine whether the family meets the qualifications and complete applications for HRA/DHS to evaluate for FHEPS eligibility.

    • For locations of Homebase providers, visit https://www1.nyc.gov/site/hra/help/homebase-locations.page.

  • Households that reside in a DHS shelter or an HRA shelter cannot apply for FHEPS. These households will be notified by the shelter housing specialist/case manager if DHS or HRA awards the household a FHEPS shopping letter.

After an applicant household has been found eligible and receives a FHEPS shopping letter, the household will have to find an apartment to rent within the FHEPS limits and a landlord who agrees to accept FHEPS.

Legal service agencies that represent clients in their housing court case may be able to process FHEPS applications for the client, if the household is otherwise eligible. For legal service agencies that may also process FHEPS applications, see below, Additional Resources, Legal Service Agencies & FHEPS Providers.

CHANGES IN HOUSEHOLD CIRCUMSTANCES

When a household experiences a change in its circumstances (number of people in the household, income increases/decreases, rent decreases/increases, etc.), the household must report the changes to their BAC within 10 days of the change. Changes may result in an increase, decrease, or termination of CA grant and/or FHEPS rental supplement. For information on reporting changes, see above, Recertifying for Cash Assistance, Rules for Reporting Changes in between Certification Periods. For BAC, see below, Government Contacts, NYC Advocate Contacts to Benefits Access Centers (BAC) or they may call 311 to find a local BAC.

Moving

A household in receipt of the FHEPS rent supplement may move to a new apartment with the rent supplement, if the move is the result of the family’s inability to pay the non-CA portion of the rent as a result of changes in the family composition or rental situation, or has a court-ordered vacate notice, or has documented health and safety issues, or has other compelling reasons. The move must be approved before it takes place. To request an approval to move, the household must visit their BAC, see below, Government Contacts, NYC Advocate Contacts to Benefits Access Centers (BAC) or they may call 311 to find a local BAC.

Sanctioned Households

Households in receipt of FHEPS who do not comply with CA program requirements will face sanctions resulting in a reduction of their FHEPS rent supplement and their CA grant. The reduction will depend on the type of sanction. If members of the household have a sanction due to not complying with CA work requirements, the FHEPS supplement will be reduced by the pro rata share of the number of people sanctioned. If the household fails to comply with child support requirements, they face a 25% reduction of their CA grant; thus, the household will also face a 25% reduction in their FHEPS supplement.

Ms. D and her 3 children are in receipt of a FHEPS rent supplement. She does not comply with CA work requirements. Her Cash Assistance grant is reduced by ¼ and her FHEPS supplement will also be reduced by ¼.

When a household loses a portion of the FHEPS rent supplement due to a time when a household was sanctioned and now has arrears, HRA will not pay the arrears. Households may consider applying for rental assistance from private charities. Refer to Benefits Plus Learning Center’s Eviction Prevention guide.

RECERTIFYING FOR FHEPS

Annual Recertification

There is no annual recertification process for FHEPS. However, when in receipt of FHEPS, the household must submit any subsequent leases it receives to HRA. HRA will make modifications to their supplement so long as the changes of the lease rental amount are within FHEPS maximum rent guidelines. The household will continue to receive the FHEPS supplement until it remains eligible or until HRA enforces the 5-year time limit, see below, Time Limits.

TIME LIMITS

There is a 5-year time limit on receipt of FHEPS with good cause extensions on a case-by-case basis. The five years is counted against the head of household or any adult member in the household, however not against children under the age of 18. The five years does not need to be consecutive. If a family is in receipt of FHEPS for 24 months, and the CA case closes for a period of time, and the family subsequently reapplies and is found eligible for both CA and FHEPS, the family is entitled to the remaining 36 months available of the remaining 60 months of FHEPS.

While HRA does not enforce the five-year time limit, households will be notified that their five-year time limit is approaching. Households will be able to apply for a good cause extension, which HRA may approve on a case-by-case basis.

CityFHEPS (City Fighting Homelessness and Eviction Prevention Supplement)

DESCRIPTION OF CityFHEPS

CityFHEPS is a NYC program administered by the NYC Department of Social Services [DSS; comprised of HRA and the NYC Department of Homeless Services (DHS)].  CityFHEPS is a rent subsidy for families who do not meet the criteria of FHEPS, and for single adults and childless couples who are not covered under FHEPS.  While CityFHEPS is primarily for families/singles residing in a shelter to exit shelter, those who are “at risk of entry into a shelter,” including households with rent arrears, may also qualify in limited situations.

Households may be eligible to receive this rent subsidy for up to five years. Households may apply for an extension beyond five years, if they qualify and have a good cause for the extension.  The 5-year time limit does not apply to households that include someone who is 60 years old or older or an adult who receives federal disability benefits.

Eligibility and application will depend on whether the household is residing in the shelter or is street homeless or is living in the community but is at risk of entering shelter.

Maximum Rent Allowed

CityFHEPS can be used to rent the following types of housing in the five (5) boroughs of New York City:

  • A single room in an apartment.

    • Only available for households with no more than two adults;

    • The maximum rent for a single room is $800 per month.

  • A single room occupancy (SRO) unit.

    • Only available for households with one adult.

  • An entire apartment.

    • Can be rented by a household of any size, but the number of rooms will be based on number of household members.

    • The maximum rent is based on the household size, see the chart below.

Below is a table with the current maximum rent allowed by CityFHEPS, known as the CityFHEPS Payment Standards. The actual CityFHEPS rent subsidy will depend the number of people in the rental unit and whether the household pays out of pocket for utilities; see below, Cash Assistance, Housing Subsidies, CityFHEPS (City Fighting Homelessness and Eviction Prevention Supplement), Calculating the CityFHEPS Amount.

The CityFHEPS Payment Standards may change annually and will match the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) Section 8 Payment Standards.

CityFHEPS Payment Standards
Total Maximum Rental Allowed if All Utilities are Included
Effective January 2023

HH Size

# of Bedrooms

Maximum Rent Allowed

1

SRO

$1,751

Studio

$2,235

1 bedroom

$2,387

2

1 bedroom

$2,387

3
4

2 bedrooms

$2,696

5
6

3 bedrooms

$3,385

7
8

4 bedrooms

$3,647

Landlords are not allowed to charge any fees other than what is legally stated in the lease. Applicants should not agree to any side deals and should immediately call HRA or 311 or 929-210-0543 to report such requests.

QUALIFYING FOR CITYFHEPS

Households may qualify for CityFHEPS if they are residing in the community but at risk of homelessness, are residing in the shelter, or are street homeless. Qualifications are similar, but there are a few distinctives depending on whether they are at risk of homelessness or in shelter or street homeless, as explained below.

All Households Whether at Risk of Homelessness, in Shelter, or Street Homeless

To be eligible for CityFHEPS, all households must meet the following criteria:

  • Be ineligible for (State) FHEPS;

  • Have gross income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level at application. (For renewals, household gross income cannot exceed 80% of the NYC Area Median Income.);

  • Have an active CA case or “single-issue CA status” (if ineligible for CA);

If a household member is subsequently sanctioned after having been in receipt of CityFHEPS, the household’s CA grant, shelter allowance, and CityFHEPS supplement will be reduced by a pro rata amount. For more information, see below, Changes in Household Circumstances, Sanctioned Households.

Note 2: “Single-issue CA status” is assigned to a household that is ineligible for CA (likely due to income) but, for purposes of eligibility to other HRA administered benefits, such as CityFHEPS, is coded as a single-issue CA case in HRA’s database.

  • A lease for housing or a written agreement to stay if the tenancy is not covered by rent regulation (i.e., non-regulated private housing) for at least one year from time of CityFHEPS approval.

A CityFHEPS applicant does not have to be the tenant of record. However, for the CityFHEPS applicant to receive CityFHEPS for his/her portion of the rent, the tenant of record must meet certain conditions. It is advisable that advocates refer clients who are not the tenant of record to a Homebase provider to determine tenancy eligibility. For locations of Homebase providers, visit https://www1.nyc.gov/site/hra/help/homebase-locations.page.

When at Risk of Homelessness

In addition to the criteria above, households who are residing in the community and may be at risk of homelessness must meet one of the following criteria below:

  • Includes someone who served in the U.S. Armed Forces;

  • If in receipt of Pathway Home (LINC VI) rental subsidy programs and household would otherwise be eligible for CityFHEPS, if still in a DHS or HRA shelter;

  • Referred by the Administration of Children’s Services, Three-Quarter Housing Task Force, Department of Youth and Community Development, or the Department of Corrections;

  • Within the last 12 months, the household was evicted from or lived in a NYC residence that was or is the subject of an eviction proceeding, vacate order, or foreclosure action, and

    • Has an active Adult Protective Services (APS) case or community guardianship program, or

    • CityFHEPS will preserve a rent-controlled apartment, or

    • Has previously resided in a DHS shelter.

When in a Shelter or Street Homeless

Households who are residing in a shelter or are street homeless must meet one of the following criteria of shelter stay or street homeless:

  • Living on the street or in a place not meant for human habitation and received case management services from a DHS contracted outreach provider for at least 90 days, or

  • Received case management services from a DHS contracted outreach provider for at least 90 days at a drop-in center or transitional housing setting, or

  • Received case management services from a DHS contracted outreach provider for at least 90 days while living on the street or a in a place not meant for human habitation or drop-in center or transitional housing and is currently in permanent housing receiving aftercare services, or

  • DHS or HRA shelter stay for at least 90 days.

Additionally, the household must meet one of the following criteria below:

  • Family with children and cumulative employment of at least 30 hours/week;

    • The 30 hours/week requirement may be waived for good cause if the household can demonstrate consistent work history but experienced recent and temporary loss of hours.

  • Adult family with employment income for the last 30 days;

  • Family with adult disabled member in receipt of or potentially eligible for federal disability benefits;

  • Includes someone who is 60 years old or older;

  • Family includes a member who is 18 years old or older who is exempt from CA work activities;

  • Includes someone who served in the U.S. Armed Forces;

  • Referred by the Administration of Children’s Services, Three-Quarter Housing Task Force, Department of Youth and Community Development, or the Department of Corrections.

Ineligible Households

The following households are ineligible to receive CityFHEPS:

  • Live in Public Housing;

  • Live in Project Based Section 8 building;

  • Have a Section 8 voucher;

  • Receives an ACS rental subsidy.

CALCULATING THE TENANT’S SHARE OF THE RENT

Introduction

The rules for calculating rent shares and the CityFHEPS subsidy are complicated. To determine the CityFHEPS subsidy, HRA considers if utility expenses (gas, electricity, oil, water, etc.) are included in the rent amount or are paid out-of-pocket by the tenant. If the tenant pays out of pocket for utilities, HRA will deduct a “utility allowance” from the payment standard. Utility allowances are based on the Department of Social Services’ (DSS) Utility Allowance Schedules (see page 2 of DSS-8q). This scheduled is determined by DSS, and it is based on the typical costs of utilities of apartments depending on the number of bedrooms. DSS will update the Utility Allowance Schedules annually.

If all utilities are included in the rent, there is no utility allowance deduction from the payment standard.

For the current CityFHEPS Payment Standards, see above, Cash Assistance, Housing Subsidies, CityFHEPS (City Fighting Homelessness and Eviction Prevention Supplement), Description of CityFHEPS.

It is advisable that clients go to Homebase inquire about their household’s rent share and their CityFHEPS subsidy.

The following is a basic overview of how the CityFHEPS subsidy is calculated.

Cash Assistance Only Household Where Utilities are included in the Rent

When a household is in receipt of CA and has no other income, the maximum household contribution will be the CA shelter allowance. However, when the CityFHEPS unit is a single room in an apartment, the monthly household contribution will be $50 or the CA shelter allowance, whichever is greater.

If utilities are included in the rent, the household’s rent is covered by the CA shelter allowance and the CityFHEPS subsidy.

Case Example:  Brenda and her husband receive $541.50 in CA, of which $250 is the shelter allowance.  They were taken to court due to rent arrears and are found eligible for CityFHEPS.  They have a monthly rent of $2,387 for their 1-bedroom apartment.  All utilities are included in the rent amount.  The CityFHEPS Payment Standard for a household of 2 in a 1-bedroom is $2,387. Their responsibility is $250, via their CA shelter allowance, and the CityFHEPS subsidy will cover $2,137 ($2,387 – $250).  

Cash Assistance Only Household Where Utilities are Not Included in the Rent

When all members of a Cash Assistance household receive only CA and utilities are not included in the rent, the household’s rent will be covered by the CA shelter allowance and the CityFHEPS subsidy. However, HRA will still deduct a utility allowance from the CityFHEPS payment standard, according to the DSS Utility Allowance Schedules (see page 2 here) to determine the CityFHEPS subsidy.

The Smith’s receive $541.50 in CA, of which $250 is the shelter allowance.  They were taken to court due to rent arrears and are found eligible for CityFHEPS.  They have a monthly rent of $2,387 for their 1-bedroom apartment. However, their rent does not include cooking gas and electricity; they will have to pay out of pocket for their cooking gas and electricity.   

Because the rent does not include cooking gas and electricity, HRA will deduct the cooking gas and electricity utility allowance for a 1-bedroom unit, $112, from the payment standard/maximum rent amount to determine the actual maximum rent allowed. As a result, CityFHEPS will only approve the unit if the rent was $2,275 ($2,387 - $112).

What options does do The Smith’s have?

1.    Find another apartment.  However, if they moves to a different apartment, the rent arrears accrued in this apartment will not be covered by CityFHEPS. The Smith’s may remain financially responsible for the arrears.

2.    Negotiate with the property for a lower rent (often referred to as a ‘preferential rent’).

If the property accepts to rent the apartment at the lower rent, the CityFHEPS subsidy will be calculated as follows:

Lower Rent – CA Shelter Allowance = Actual CityFHEPS Subsidy

$2,275 - $250 = $2,025

Cash Assistance Household with Earnings

When a household is in receipt of CA and also has earnings, the household will either pay 30% of their gross income or their CA shelter allowance, whichever is greater.

Gabrielle is a household size of 1 and is in receipt of CA and CityFHEPS.  They have a monthly rent of $2,235 for a studio apartment.  They begin to work earning $900 per month.  When the CA earned income deductions are applied to the earnings, the CA grant is reduced as follows:

$900 – Gabrielle’s gross earned income

x .62 (62% earned income disregard)

 $558 does not count; $342 is counted ($900 - $558 = $342).

 

$342

- $150 (work expense deduction)

$192 – Gabrielle’s countable earned income

 

To determine the new CA grant, subtract Gabrielle’s countable earned income from the standard of need for a household size of 1. The standard of need for a household size of 1 is $398.10.

$398.10 – standard of need for a household size of 1

- $192 – Gabrielle’s countable earned income

$206.10 – the new CA grant.


The household contribution will either be the 1) CA shelter allowance or 2) 30% of her gross earned income, whichever is higher.  That is, it will be the higher of $250 (CA shelter allowance) or $270.00 (30% of $900).


Gabrielle is responsible for a rent share of $270.  

Cash Assistance Household Residing with a Non-Cash Assistance Household

If there are both CA and non-CA members in the household, the non-CA household member’s contribution will be 30% of their gross income, including household members who are in receipt of SSI.

Household members claiming no income must apply for CA; if the member is ineligible for CA, they must verify their income.

Keely and her 2 children are receiving the full Cash Assistance shelter grant for a household size of 3, $400. They live with Keely’s brother, Elliot, who is employed and makes $1,800/month.  Their rent with all utilities included is $2,696. The rent share contribution and CityFHEPS supplement calculation will be as follows:


Non-CA Member Rent Share Contribution:

30% of Income: $1,800 x .30 = $540 Joe’s rent share contribution.


CityFHEPS Formula:

Rent - CA shelter allowance - Non-CA member’s contribution = CityFHEPS

$2,696 - $400 - $540 = $1,756, the CityFHEPS amount.

Two Cash Assistance Households Residing in a Single Dwelling Place

If more than one CA household is residing in an apartment, both families may be eligible for the maximum CA shelter allowance for their respective household sizes. However, only one household is entitled to the CityFHEPS rent supplement.

Households Not in Receipt of Cash Assistance

When a household is not in receipt of CA, the household contribution will be 30% of the household’s gross income at the time of CityFHEPS approval. However, when the CityFHEPS unit is a single room in an apartment, the monthly household contribution will be $50.

Household members claiming no income must apply for CA; if the member is ineligible for CA, s/he must verify his/her income.

Felix and his wife, Sofia, have three children.  Both Felix and Sofia work and have a combined gross monthly income of $3,400.  They have a monthly rent of $3,200 and they receive CityFHEPS. Their contribution toward rent will be 30% of their gross monthly income, $1,020 ($3,400 x.30). CityFHEPS will cover $2,180, the remaining rent portion ($3,200 - $1,020=$2,180).

APPLYING FOR CityFHEPS

Depending on whether the household is at risk of homelessness or resides in a shelter or is street homeless will determine where a household applies for CityFHEPS.

Households at Risk of Homelessness

  • All applicant households in the community and at risk of homelessness apply at their nearest Homebase

    • Homebase providers are community-based organizations contracted with DHS that provide prevention assistance for households facing loss of permanent housing.

    • Homebase will determine whether the family meets the qualifications and complete applications for HRA/DHS to evaluate for CityFHEPS eligibility.

    • For locations of Homebase providers, visit https://www1.nyc.gov/site/hra/help/homebase-locations.page.

Households Residing in Shelter or That are Street Homeless

  • Households that are street homeless or are residing in a DHS shelter or in an HRA shelter (domestic violence shelter) cannot apply for CityFHEPS on their own.

    • DHS and HRA will identify families to participate in the program through a computer system.

    • Once identified, the City will generate a CityFHEPS shopping letter.

    • The housing specialist at the shelter will give the family the CityFHEPS letter and may provide assistance in locating housing.

After an applicant household has been found eligible and receives a CityFHEPS shopping letter, the household must find an apartment to rent within the CityFHEPS limits and a landlord who agrees to accept CITYFHEPS.

CHANGES IN HOUSEHOLD CIRCUMSTANCES

When a household experiences a change in its circumstances (changes in the number of people in the household, income increases/decreases, rent decreases/increases, etc.), the household must report the changes to HRA, and if in receipt of Cash Assistance to their BAC within 10 days of the change. Changes may result in an increase, decrease, or termination of CA grant and/or CityFHEPS rental supplement.

Households can submit to HRA a “Request for a Modification to Your CityFHEPS Rental Assistance Supplement Amount” form (found at https://www1.nyc.gov/assets/hra/downloads/pdf/cityfheps-documents/dss-7s.pdf) if household income has increased, decreased, or ended. The household can email the completed form along with supporting documentation to HRA at raprenewals@hra.nyc.gov.

Moving

A household in receipt of the CityFHEPS rent supplement may request a transfer to move to a new apartment with the rent supplement when there is “good cause.” HRA must approve the move before it takes place.

HRA has indicated that the procedure to request a move with the CityFHEPS supplement is in draft and has not clarified what constitutes “good cause.”

Households in Receipt of CA That are Sanctioned

Households in receipt of CA and CityFHEPS who do not comply with CA program requirements will face sanctions resulting in a reduction of their CityFHEPS rent supplement and their CA grant. The reduction will depend on the type of sanction. If members of the household have a sanction due to not complying with CA work requirements, the CityFHEPS supplement will be reduced by the pro rata share of the number of people sanctioned. For example, if the household fails to comply with work requirements, they face a 25% reduction of their CA grant; thus, the household will also face a 25% reduction in their CityFHEPS supplement.

When a household loses a portion of the CityFHEPS rent supplement due to a time when a household was sanctioned and now has rental arrears, HRA will not pay the arrears. Households may consider applying for rental assistance from private charities. Refer to Benefits Plus Learning Center’s Eviction Prevention guide.

RECERTIFYING FOR CITYFHEPS

Annual Recertification

The CityFHEPS program generally provides for up to 4 annual renewals. Renewals are subject to households continuing to meet eligibility requirements and the continued availability of funding. The household will continue to receive the CityFHEPS supplement until it is no longer eligible or HRA enforces the 5-year time limit they have established, see below, Time Limits.

There is an annual recertification process for CityFHEPS. HRA will mail a recertification form to the CityFHEPS household. The household will indicate on the recertification form who lives in the home and the income of each person. Households must submit any subsequent leases it receives or proof of rent and income documentation along with the recertification form to HRA via email raprenewals@hra.nyc.gov.

Increases to Maximum Rent Allowances

During the renewal process, households who are residing in rent stabilized apartments can have their maximum rent allowance increased every year at the same rate as set by the NYC Rent Guidelines Board. See above, Housing Subsidies, CityFHEPS (City Fighting Homelessness and Eviction Prevention Supplement).

TIME LIMITS

There is a 5-year time limit on receipt of CityFHEPS with good cause extensions available on a case-by-case basis. However, this 5-year time limit does not apply to households that include someone who is 60 years old or older or an adult who receives federal disability benefits.

At this time, HRA has not implemented the five-year rule.

Pathway Home

DESCRIPTION

Pathway Home enables families and individuals to move out of a homeless shelter by moving in with friends or family members (called host families) by providing monthly payments to the host family for up to 12 months. The City will make monthly payments directly to the host family. The amount of payments will be based on household size as indicated in the chart below.

If the primary tenant receives Cash Assistance, the amount paid by the City may not be more than the primary tenant’s total payment obligation for the residence less the primary tenant’s CA shelter allowance.

Maximum Payment Amounts

Household Size

1 or 2

3 or 4

5+

Payment to Host

$1,200

$1,500

$1,800

QUALIFYING FOR PATHWAY HOME

Households must meet the following criteria to be eligible:

  • Have resided in shelter for at least 90 days;

  • Total household income is not more than 200% of FPL;

  • Have an active or single-issue Cash Assistance case;

  • Have identified a qualifying residence and host family; and,

  • Have an active CA case or “single-issue CA status” (if ineligible for CA).

“Single-issue CA status” is assigned to a household that is ineligible for CA (likely due to income) but, for purposes of eligibility to other HRA administered benefits, such as Pathway Home, is coded as a single-issue CA case in HRA’s database.

APPLYING FOR PATHWAY HOME

If a household believes they may be eligible for Pathway Home and has identified a host family, they should reach out to the housing specialist (or case manager) at the shelter to obtain an application. The shelter’s housing specialist will help the household complete the application and gather the documentation needed. If HRA/DHS determines the applicant is eligible, the housing specialist will give the applicant the certificate and will assist the household with scheduling an apartment inspection, etc.

SOTA – Special One-Time Assistance

DESCRIPTION

SOTA provides one year’s full rent for residents residing in the shelter system to move within New York City, to other NYS counties, or outside of NYS.

QUALIFYING FOR SOTA

Households must meet the following criteria to be eligible:

  • Families with children: The household must have been in shelter for at least 90 days.

  • Single adults and adult families: The household must habve been in shelter for 90 days out of the last 365 days.

  • The household must be working and/or have enough income to make future rent payments based on their rent not exceeding 50% of household income.

    • Income includes employment or SSI, SSD, etc.

  • If the household is moving within New York City (only), it must not be eligible for any federal, State or City rental subsidy.

APPLYING FOR SOTA

Applicants cannot apply for the program on their own, they must be identified by the City to participate in the program. Case managers and housing specialists at the shelter identify residents who may be eligible for SOTA.

In addition, residents may reach out to their case manager or housing specialist if they believe they may be eligible.

HASA’s Enhanced Shelter Allowance for Individuals with AIDS/HIV

For a complete description of the benefit, eligibility and the application process refer to Cash Benefits, HIV/AIDS Services Administration (HASA).

Foster Care Housing Subsidy

INTRODUCTION

If children are in foster care and lack of housing is the main problem preventing them from coming home, the foster care agency must help the family obtain housing. One form of assistance is the foster care housing subsidy.

DESCRIPTION

This rent subsidy reunites children in foster care with their families (parents, other relatives, legal guardians, other caretakers) where lack of adequate housing is the main reason the child is unable to be discharged back to the family. Young adults over the age of 18 in foster care with a permanency planning goal of independent living also qualify for this program. This subsidy is also used in preventive cases to prevent the child(ren) from entering foster care where the family’s housing situation presents a risk to the children.

The subsidy consists of two parts: two one-shot payments of $1,800 each, and a monthly rental assistance of up to $300 per month paid directly to the landlord. The total housing subsidy grant cannot exceed $10,800 or a time limit of three years, whichever comes first (the $10,800 includes one-shot payments, if any).

One-shots are typically used for broker’s fees, security deposit, essential repairs, furniture, moving expense or extermination and rent/mortgage arrears, one-shots for arrear payments can only be used once. One-shots are deducted from the $10,800 total grant allowance for clients receiving the ongoing monthly subsidy. For these clients, the allotted three year period will be reduced based on the total amount received in the one-shots.

The housing subsidy is available for monthly rental assistance until the youth turns 21, at which point, it will stop, regardless of the total amount received.

The Administration for Children Services (ACS) calculates the amount of the subsidy based on the family’s income and the amount of rent. The family must pay at least 30% of the monthly income (defined as the gross household income less $40 for each child and less childcare expenses) toward the rent. ACS will pay the difference between total rent and 30% of the family income, up to $300.

When the family’s rent minus the 30% of monthly income is more than $300, ACS will pay $300 per month. If the rent minus 30% of monthly income is less than $300, ACS will pay that amount.


Example 1: Mary Spitzer has one child. Her monthly income is $1,200 after the allowed deductions. Her rent is $650. 30% of her monthly income is $400. $650 – $400 is $250. Therefore, ACS will pay $250 directly to the landlord.


Example 2: In this case, Mary’s monthly income is $900 after allowed deductions with a rent of $650. 30% of her monthly income is $270. $650 – $270 = $380. Therefore, ACS will pay $300 directly to the landlord.

For those eligible for CA, the subsidy, up to $300 per month, is in addition to CA’s shelter allowance.

QUALIFYING FOR THE FOSTER CARE HOUSING SUBSIDY

  • ACS foster care families are:

    • Families reuniting out of foster care where lack of housing is the primary factor preventing discharge, or

    • Families with preventive cases to prevent the child(ren) from entering foster care, and ACS or preventive agency feels the family’s housing situation presents a risk to the children, or

    • Youth over the age of 18 who are leaving foster care to be discharged to independent living.

Families who have applied to open a preventive services case and are willing to receive at least one other preventive service in addition to housing are also eligible

  • Financial Criteria

In order for a family to be financially eligible for the ongoing rent subsidy, their rent must be more than 30% of their income.

An applicant can receive the housing subsidy twice if s/he had a foster care case first and then a preventive case was opened, but not if the foster care case comes second.

APPLYING FOR THE FOSTER CARE HOUSING SUBSIDY

Where to Apply

Application is made through the foster care agency or the NYC Administration for Children’s Services at 150 William Street, 1st floor. Or contact the ACS housing office at 212-442-4723 or 212-676-7390.

When to Apply

Families with children in care should apply at least six to eight weeks before reunification.

Youth leaving foster care should apply as soon as they turn 18; it is recommended that they apply no later than 19 ½ and in no event any later than their 21st birthday.

Needed Documentation

  • CM-622: ACS Housing Assistance Application for Initial Eligibility Determination

  • CM-621-a: Initial Certification of Housing Services Eligibility (Subsidy only)

  • W-9: vendor identification

  • Proof of income

  • A copy of a lease and a copy of the deed

A copy of deeds are only required for private homes with three apartments or less.

Processing Time

ACS should make a determination within 30 days.

Families who are denied have the right to a fair hearing, see below Advocacy and Appeals.

APARTMENT APPROVAL PROCESS

If found eligible for the subsidy, the household should receive a package that includes an eligibility notice, a notice to potential landlords explaining how the program works, and various forms for the landlord and broker to fill out.

Once the landlord agrees to accept the ACS housing subsidy, the ACS or foster care agency case planner must inspect and approve the apartment. Once approved, the individual or his/her case planner must submit a package to the ACS Housing Subsidy unit, 212-442-4723 or 212-676-7390. The package must include the forms filled out by the landlord and broker, and the mover and furniture store if the household is using the housing subsidy one-shot funds to pay these costs, proof the landlord owns the apartment, such as a copy of the deed, proof of the household’s income, documentation of childcare expenses if applicable, and forms filled out by the foster care agency case planner.

Once the ACS Housing Subsidy Unit receives the complete package, they will process the request and issue funds directly to the landlord and broker, as well as mover, furniture stores, exterminator or repair person, if applicable.

Enhanced One-Shot Deal

While not an ongoing housing subsidy, the Enhanced One-Shot Deal can provide financial assistance for households with upfront costs to move out of the shelter and into a new apartment. For information on additional financial assistance that applicants and recipients of ongoing CA may be eligible for, such as Establishment of a Home Grant, see above, )Additional Allowances.

DESCRIPTION

The Enhanced One-Shot Deal provides 4 months of rent paid in advance, plus a broker’s fee, if applicable, one-month security voucher, furniture allowance, storage fees and moving expenses.

QUALIFYING FOR ENHANCED ONE-SHOT DEAL

Households must meet the following criteria to be eligible:

  • The household must have been in shelter for at least 60 days.

  • Have an active CA case or “single-issue CA status” (if ineligible for CA).

“Single-issue CA status” is assigned to a household that is ineligible for CA (likely due to income) but, for purposes of eligibility to other HRA administered benefits, such as Enhanced One Shot Deal, is coded as a single-issue CA case in HRA’s database.

APPLYING FOR ENHANCED ONE-SHOT DEAL

Case managers and housing specialists identify residents who may be eligible. In addition, residents may reach out to their case manager or housing specialist if they believe they may be eligible.

Housing specialists assist residents with their housing search and residents may also identify units on their own.

Visit: http://www.coalitionforthehomeless.org/get-help/im-in-need-of-housing/enhanced-one-shot-deals-eosd

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