All newly constructed buildings including building entrances, exits and common areas are fully accessible. In addition, pre-designated units for people with disabilities are Section 504 compliant and wheelchair accessible.

At this time, our disability set asides are reserved for people with mobility, visual and hearing disabilities, and tied to federal funding and compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. Applicants who do not have a mobility, visual or hearing disability can still apply for affordable housing in the general affordable housing lottery.

HPD and marketing representatives will not ask anyone to prove their disability though medical documentation. We do ask prospective candidates to obtain a certification from a medical professional stating that the candidate would benefit from a unit designed specifically for someone with their disability. We ask prospective candidates to use the Medical Form that we created for certification purposes. You could upload or print it from our website.

5% of units are reserved for people with mobility disabilities and 2% for visual and hearing. All 7% are constructed to meet a common set of accessibility standards called Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards. However, tenants can request additional accessibility features they’d find helpful, which can be installed when the person moves in. Examples of features include talking/Braille appliances, sound alarms, and under-counter cabinets.

Be persistent and patient. Applications are processed through a lottery system, and you will only hear back under the following circumstances: 1) your lottery number is reached and a review for eligibility is scheduled, or 2) your lottery number is reached but you are found ineligible - in which case, you will receive a letter stating the reason for ineligibility. The letter will also provide instructions on appealing the decision.

Yes. Vouchers and rental subsidies such as Section 8 (HPD or NYCHA), City FEPS and SEPS, ISS, TBI, Medicaid Waiver, VASH or LINC are all accepted. Minimum income requirements do not apply if you have a voucher or a rental subsidy. However, rent should be within maximum limits allowed by your voucher or rental assistance program.

Housing opportunities for people of various income levels will come up on Housing Connect, but not as frequently for certain income categories. Check Housing Connect often for new project advertisements. Create a profile on Housing Connect to receive automatic email notifications when projects come online. Review our income guide to make sure that you haven’t missed a source of income that would help your application.

If your lottery number comes up and the income you claim in your application meets the requirement, you will be called for an in-person eligibility review (interview). The review is an opportunity to present your income and identification documents for verification of accuracy.

You can email HPD’s Housing Connect team at nychousingconnect@hpd.nyc.gov or call them at 212-863-7990.

HPD compliance at hpdcompliance@hpd.nyc.gov.

HPD partners with a diverse group of community organizations that serve members of the public. These organizations are called Housing Ambassadors, and they are available in each borough to help prospective applicants with housing applications (whether online or on paper). In addition, there are a number of Housing Ambassador organizations specifically serving people with disabilities. Their contact information can be found on our accessible webpage.

If you already applied for housing and have questions about the application, contact HPD Compliance at hpdcompliance@hpd.nyc.gov. For questions about HPD disability services, contact Andrew Lange, HPD Disability Services Facilitator at accessibility@hpd.nyc.gov.

For additional information about the application process, visit the Housing Connect FAQs page.