Last updated: July 14, 2026
Bottom line
New York does not have one housing program only for single mothers. Help is usually based on income, household size, where you live, rent owed, eviction risk, disability, safety needs, or the age of your children.
In New York City, start with Homebase before entering shelter, or use ACCESS HRA to ask for emergency help. Outside New York City, contact your county Department of Social Services. For local shelter, rent, food, and utility referrals, call 2-1-1 in most of the state; New York City residents should call 3-1-1.
Do not wait for Section 8 if you have court papers or need shelter now. Use the ASMOM national housing guide to understand the main housing programs while you work on the urgent problem.
If you need housing help today
- Immediate danger: Call 911 if you or a child may be harmed.
- Unsafe relationship: The state violence hotline is available 24 hours a day. Call 800-942-6906 or text 844-997-2121. Use a safer phone or device when possible.
- Eviction case in NYC: Go to every court date and ask for an attorney. The city’s tenant legal services provide free representation or advice to tenants facing eviction.
- Family shelter in NYC: Families with children and pregnant people apply at the PATH intake center in the Bronx.
- Emergency outside NYC: Contact your county DSS as soon as possible and say that you need an emergency interview.
- Local referrals: The official New York 211 directory explains how to reach verified community resources across the state.
The ASMOM New York emergency guide has more crisis starting points for families.
Where to start in New York
The right first step depends on where you live and how urgent the problem is. New York City uses HRA, DHS, Homebase, NYCHA, and Housing Connect. Other counties use local DSS offices, housing authorities, state housing programs, and local nonprofit agencies.
Rent is late
Ask HRA or your county DSS about emergency assistance. Also call 2-1-1 and ask about local rent, deposit, moving, and utility funds.
You have court papers
Go to court and ask for legal help now. A rent application does not cancel a hearing or court deadline.
You need shelter
In NYC, families use PATH. Outside NYC, ask DSS for emergency housing or a family shelter referral.
You need lower rent
Apply to open voucher, public housing, project-based, and affordable-property waitlists. Keep every confirmation number.
Housing costs are often tied to other bills. The ASMOM New York help guide can help you check food, health, cash, child care, and local support at the same time.
Quick reference table
| Your problem | Best first step | Reality check |
|---|---|---|
| Eviction papers in NYC | Attend court and ask for counsel | Do not miss court while waiting for money. |
| Behind on rent in NYC | Homebase and ACCESS HRA | Emergency help is reviewed case by case. |
| Behind on rent outside NYC | County DSS emergency unit | Rules and local funding can differ. |
| Homeless with children in NYC | PATH family intake | PATH checks whether another safe housing option exists. |
| Need lower rent | Apply to several waitlists | Waitlists and lotteries are not emergency help. |
| Utility bill crisis | DSS, utility company, and HEAP page | The 2025–26 regular and cooling benefits are closed. |
New York City rent and shelter help
Homebase
Homebase helps New Yorkers who may become homeless. It can help you make a housing plan, deal with a landlord problem, connect with benefits, and look for ways to avoid shelter. You do not need to wait until an eviction case starts.
Call the Homebase office that serves your ZIP code before going in. The city says offices provide phone and in-person services and may require an appointment. Homebase cannot promise money or stop every eviction, but it is a strong early step.
One Shot Deal
A One Shot Deal is emergency assistance through HRA. It may help with rent arrears, a utility problem, or another urgent need after a job loss, income drop, medical event, or other crisis. Apply through the One Shot Deal page or ACCESS HRA.
Eligibility is decided case by case. You must complete an eligibility interview and send the documents HRA requests. Some or all of the assistance may need to be repaid. HRA should tell you whether repayment applies and how much is owed.
CityFHEPS and FHEPS
CityFHEPS is a rent supplement for eligible New York City households. It may pay part of the monthly rent for up to five years, and eligible NYC residents may use it for housing anywhere in New York State.
FHEPS serves eligible families with children who receive Cash Assistance and face eviction, have been evicted, or lost housing because of domestic violence, health, or safety problems.
Neither program is open to every renter. Homebase, an HRA Benefits Access Center, a shelter caseworker, or a legal services office can screen your situation. The apartment, rent, household, benefits case, and other program rules must also be approved.
PATH family shelter
Families with children younger than 21 and pregnant people apply for shelter through the PATH intake center at 151 East 151st Street in the Bronx. PATH is open 24 hours, including weekends and holidays, while applications are normally processed from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The main number is 718-503-6400.
Bring identity papers, birth certificates, Social Security or Medicaid cards, recent pay stubs, and housing papers if you have them. Family workers may help obtain missing information. PATH reviews whether the family has another available housing option. A family found ineligible can ask for a legal conference and may request a state fair hearing.
Statewide and county help outside NYC
Outside New York City, the local Department of Social Services is usually the main door for emergency rent, temporary housing, Temporary Assistance, SNAP, and HEAP. Use the state DSS office directory to find the correct county office.
New York’s benefits application page says a person with an emergency need should contact DSS as soon as possible. State guidance says the office should interview the person and give a written decision about the emergency on the day of application.
Emergency Assistance is part of Temporary Assistance. It may help with an urgent problem such as homelessness, pending eviction, temporary housing, overdue rent, lack of heating fuel, or a utility shutoff. You do not always have to qualify for ongoing cash assistance to receive emergency help.
The old COVID-era New York ERAP is closed. The portal is no longer available, and new applications are not accepted. People with an old ERAP case can still use the official page for closing information and appeal instructions.
If you also need monthly cash help, read the ASMOM New York TANF guide before contacting DSS.
Eviction, legal help, and voucher discrimination
An eviction is a legal case. This guide gives general information, not legal advice. Read every notice, write down all dates, and keep copies of the lease, rent ledger, payment receipts, texts, emails, and repair requests.
Legal help in New York City
NYC tenants facing eviction in Housing Court or a NYCHA administrative case can ask for free legal help through Right to Counsel. Services are available in every ZIP code and regardless of immigration status. At your first court appearance, say, “I would like an attorney.”
Legal help outside NYC
The nonprofit Eviction Help tool connects renters in upstate New York and Long Island with information and possible free legal services. Capacity and income rules vary, so apply as early as possible.
The ASMOM New York legal guide lists more places to ask about eviction, unsafe housing, lockouts, and other civil legal problems.
If a landlord refuses your voucher
New York generally protects lawful sources of income, including housing vouchers, public assistance, Social Security, and child support. Save the apartment listing, messages, emails, voicemail, application denial, and the exact words used.
The New York Attorney General has a source-income complaint form for possible voucher or benefit discrimination. You may also use the state human rights page to ask about a discrimination complaint. Exceptions and deadlines may apply, so legal help can be important.
Section 8 and affordable apartments
Housing Choice Vouchers, often called Section 8, help eligible households rent from private landlords. Project-based vouchers are tied to a specific apartment or building. Public housing is owned or managed by a housing authority. These programs can lower rent, but they usually have waitlists.
Current HCR waitlist window
As of July 14, 2026, the state MyHousing application portal lists project-based voucher waitlists for several New York City developments. The current application period closes July 24, 2026, at 5 p.m. Applications go through random selection, and applying does not guarantee a waitlist place or rental help.
NYCHA Section 8
NYCHA is not accepting general Section 8 applications. The NYCHA program update also says the pause on outreach and new tenant-based vouchers for people on the general waitlist remains in effect. People already on the list should keep contact and household information current in the Self-Service Portal.
HCR and local housing authorities
Outside NYCHA, use the state HCR voucher page to find local program administrators and project-based lists. Each administrator or building may have its own waitlist, area, income rules, and application method. Apply to more than one real open list when allowed.
Affordable rental searches
| Housing option | Where to look | Reality check |
|---|---|---|
| State affordable rentals | NYS Housing Search | Listings and waitlists are not emergency rent money. |
| NYC lotteries | NYC Housing Connect | Applications are free, and paid services do not improve selection chances. |
| Mitchell-Lama | Mitchell-Lama listings | Income limits, fees, and waitlist status differ by development. |
| Local housing authority | City or county authority | Public housing and voucher lists may open for short periods. |
The ASMOM Section 8 guide explains applications, waitlists, rent shares, and common scams.
Utility, food, cash, and child care help
The Home Energy Assistance Program helps eligible households with heating and cooling costs. The official New York HEAP page says the 2025–26 Regular HEAP benefit closed April 10, 2026, and Cooling Assistance closed June 5, 2026. Check the page or call DSS for the next season and any emergency option that may still apply.
If the utility bill is past due, call the utility company and ask about a payment plan, low-income rate, medical protection when applicable, and local emergency funds. The ASMOM New York utility guide gives more starting points.
Reducing other bills can protect rent money. Check the ASMOM New York SNAP guide for food help and the New York child care guide for subsidy information.
Documents and information to gather
Ask for help even if some papers are missing. For applications and court, gather what you have and ask which missing items can be added later. The ASMOM documents checklist can help you build one folder.
| Item | Why it may be needed |
|---|---|
| Photo ID | Confirms identity for benefits, shelter, housing, or court. |
| Household papers | Birth certificates, school records, or benefit cards show household members. |
| Lease and rent ledger | Show the address, landlord, monthly rent, payments, fees, and amount owed. |
| Eviction papers | Show the type of case, deadlines, return date, and court location. |
| Income proof | Pay stubs, unemployment, child support, and benefit letters may be requested. |
| Utility notice | Shows the account, past-due amount, and shutoff date. |
| Hardship proof | May show job loss, reduced hours, medical costs, or another crisis. |
| Application records | Save screenshots, confirmation numbers, emails, dates, and staff names. |
Common mistakes to avoid
- Waiting only for Section 8. Use emergency, legal, benefit, and affordable-housing paths at the same time.
- Missing court. A pending rent request does not remove a court date.
- Paying a waitlist fee. Official Section 8 and Housing Connect applications are free.
- Using old ERAP advice. New York ERAP is closed to new applications.
- Ignoring messages. Housing offices may give short deadlines to update a file or send proof.
- Applying once. Keep checking for new property and housing-authority waitlists.
If help is denied, delayed, or closed
Ask for the decision in writing. Find out whether you were found ineligible, were not selected in a lottery, missed documents, or applied after funds closed. These outcomes may have different review or appeal steps.
For HRA, DSS, shelter, or benefit decisions, read the notice for a conference, appeal, fair hearing, or document deadline. Keep the envelope, notice, case number, and date received. The ASMOM benefits problem guide explains how to record calls and ask what comes next.
If a program is closed, ask when it may reopen and whether the office keeps a waitlist. Then call 2-1-1, local legal aid, and a Community Action agency for local backup options.
Backup options while you wait
- Ask HRA or DSS about SNAP, cash assistance, child care, utility help, and emergency housing.
- Ask your child’s school for the McKinney-Vento liaison if your family is in shelter, a motel, a car, or temporarily staying with others after losing housing. The state school program explains educational support for students without stable housing.
- Apply to affordable properties and voucher lists every week, but do not pay anyone who promises selection.
- If abuse or stalking affects housing, contact a confidential advocate before sharing your address or moving plans. The ASMOM New York safety guide lists more support.
- If you own a home and face foreclosure, note that the New York Homeowner Assistance Fund is closed. The state homeowner resources page points to free housing counseling and other options.
Future buyers can review the official SONYMA homebuyer programs and the ASMOM New York homebuyer guide before choosing a lender.
Phone scripts you can use
Calling DSS outside NYC
“Hi, I live in [county] and have [number] children. I am facing [eviction, homelessness, or a utility shutoff]. I need an emergency interview. What unit should I speak with, and what papers can I send today?”
Calling Homebase
“Hi, I live in ZIP code [ZIP]. I may lose my housing because of [rent arrears, court papers, or another crisis]. Can I schedule an appointment, and what should I bring?”
Calling a housing authority
“Hi, are any voucher, public housing, or project-based waitlists open? How do I get alerts, and how should I update my contact information after I apply?”
Calling legal aid
“Hi, I received housing papers. My court date or deadline is [date]. Can you screen me for free legal help and tell me what papers to bring?”
Resumen en español
Si necesita ayuda con vivienda en Nueva York, empiece con el problema más urgente. En la Ciudad de Nueva York, llame a 311, contacte Homebase o use ACCESS HRA. Fuera de la ciudad, llame al Departamento de Servicios Sociales de su condado o marque 211.
Si tiene papeles de desalojo, no falte a la corte y pida ayuda legal. ERAP está cerrado. La lista general de Section 8 de NYCHA también está cerrada, y la entrega de nuevos vales de esa lista sigue en pausa. Si hay violencia o peligro, llame al 911 en una emergencia o llame al 800-942-6906 para apoyo confidencial.
FAQs
Is there housing help only for single mothers in New York?
Most programs are not only for single mothers. Eligibility may depend on income, household size, children, eviction risk, disability, safety needs, and local program rules.
Can I get emergency rent help in New York?
Possibly. NYC residents can ask HRA or Homebase. Residents outside NYC can ask county DSS for Emergency Assistance. Approval depends on the household, crisis, documents, and program rules.
Is New York ERAP open?
No. New York ERAP is closed, the portal is unavailable, and new applications are not accepted. People with an older case can check the official closing and appeal information.
Is the NYC Section 8 waitlist open?
No. NYCHA is not accepting general Section 8 applications, and its pause on outreach and new tenant-based vouchers for the general waitlist remains in effect.
Are any New York voucher lists open now?
As of July 14, 2026, HCR lists several project-based voucher waitlists with an application deadline of July 24, 2026, at 5 p.m. Applying does not guarantee selection.
What should I do if a landlord refuses my voucher?
Save the listing and all messages. Ask legal aid for help and consider reporting possible source-of-income discrimination to the New York Attorney General or Division of Human Rights.
Last updated: July 14, 2026 | Next review: October 14, 2026
About this guide
This guide uses official federal, state, local, and other high-trust nonprofit and community sources mentioned in the article.
A Single Mother is independent and is not a government agency, benefits office, lender, law firm, medical provider, or tax advisor.
Program rules, funding, local availability, and eligibility can change. Always confirm details with the official program before you apply or make decisions.
Verification: Last verified July 14, 2026, next review October 14, 2026.
Corrections: If you see something wrong or outdated, email suggestions@asinglemother.org.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. It is not legal, financial, medical, tax, immigration, disability, safety, or government-agency advice.