Voucher Payment Standards (VPS) and Utility Allowance Schedules are the maximum amount of subsidy NYCHA will pay to the owner on behalf of a voucher holder. NYCHA's payment standard schedule is based on the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for each unit size established by HUD. These standards can be set between 90% and 110% of the published FMR.
Housing Choice Voucher Program Voucher Payment Standards effective January 1, 2023 for new rentals, transfers and annual recertifications
Bedroom Size | Payment Standard ($) |
$2,624 | |
1 | $2,696 |
2 | $3,027 |
3 | $3,777 |
4 | $4,070 |
5 | $4,680 |
6 | $5,291 |
7 | $5,901 |
8 | $6,512 |
Housing Choice Voucher Program Utility Allowance Rates (Effective January 1, 2023)
COOKING GAS AND ELECTRIC (NO ELECTRIC STOVE) | ||||||
No Bedrooms | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 or more | |
Cooking Gas ($) | $25 | $28 | $33 | $37 | $42 | $46 |
Electric ($) | $74 | $84 | $109 | $134 | $160 | $186 |
Total (w/ Cooking Gas & Electric) ($) | $99 | $112 | $142 | $171 | $202 | $232 |
OIL HEAT AND HOT WATER | ||||||
No Bedrooms | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 or more | |
Oil Hot Water Only ($) | $35 | $41 | $60 | $78 | $97 | $115 |
Oil Heat Only ($) | $116 | $137 | $156 | $175 | $195 | $214 |
Total (Oil Heat & Hot Water) ($) | 151 | $178 | $216 | $253 | $292 | $329 |
GAS HEAT AND HOT WATER | ||||||
No Bedrooms | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 or more | |
Gas Hot Water Only ($) | $20 | $23 | $34 | $44 | $54 | $65 |
Gas Heat Only ($) | $65 | $77 | $89 | $98 | $109 | $120 |
Total (Gas Heat & Hot Water) ($) | $85 | $100 | $123 | $142 | $163 | $185 |
ELECTRIC HEAT AND HOT WATER | ||||||
No Bedrooms | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 or more | |
Electric Hot Water Only ($) | $28 | $33 | $42 | $51 | $60 | $69 |
Electric Heat Only ($) | $39 | $46 | $62 | $77 | $92 | $108 |
Total (Electric Heat & Hot Water) ($) | $67 | $79 | $104 | $128 | $152 | $177 |
Note: The electric heat allowance is applicable to Section 8 tenants who are responsible for paying their own electric heat. It should be noted that the figures do not include an allowance for cooking by gas or by electric, or electric for light and household appliances.
ELECTRIC | ||||||
No Bedrooms | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 or more | |
Including Electric Cooking Range ($) | $85 | $97 | $128 | $159 | $191 | $223 |
Note: The allowance includes electric and use of the electric stove.
HEAT PUMP | ||||||
No Bedrooms | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 or more | |
NYCEEC Compliant | $23 | $27 | $30 | $35 | $41 | $49 |
NYCEEC Noncompliant | $36 | $42 | $47 | $55 | $64 | $76 |
Note: The allowance includes heat pumps in apartment buildings and single-family homes.
These allowances are for NYCHA only. Please consult with your government housing partner to confirm the allowances in use by that agency’s program.
Current NYCHA Exception Payment Standards
- NYCHA has adopted Exception Payment Standards (EPS) for high opportunity neighborhoods to increase housing opportunities for voucher holders in the search process and reduce potential rent burden for voucher holders residing in these neighborhoods.
- The EPS effective April 1, 2023 are applicable to households currently residing in EPS zip codes and new lease-ups in EPS zip codes.
- The following represents the exception Voucher Payment Standards for new rentals, transfers and annual recertifications by zip code for the year 2023.
As a housing policy analyst specializing in federal housing programs and regulations, I possess comprehensive expertise in various facets of subsidized housing initiatives, including the Housing Choice Voucher Program administered by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). I've been deeply involved in studying, analyzing, and implementing voucher payment standards, utility allowance schedules, and exception payment standards across multiple jurisdictions.
The Housing Choice Voucher Program, a crucial element of affordable housing initiatives, determines Voucher Payment Standards (VPS) based on Fair Market Rent (FMR) established by HUD. These standards dictate the maximum amount of subsidy that a housing authority, such as the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA), will pay to landlords on behalf of voucher holders.
Utility Allowance Schedules, on the other hand, delineate the acceptable costs for utilities such as cooking gas, electricity, oil heat, hot water, gas heat, and electric heat. These allowances are factored into the total housing costs covered by the voucher program.
For instance, the 2023 Voucher Payment Standards for different bedroom sizes in NYCHA's program range from $2,624 for a one-bedroom unit to $6,512 for eight bedrooms. Simultaneously, the Utility Allowance Rates stipulate varying costs for different utilities, with figures such as $99 for a no-bedroom unit and $232 for five or more bedrooms.
Furthermore, NYCHA has implemented Exception Payment Standards (EPS) effective April 1, 2023, designed for high-opportunity neighborhoods. These standards aim to expand housing opportunities for voucher holders in these areas and alleviate potential rent burdens. The EPS modifies the Voucher Payment Standards based on specific zip codes, ensuring equitable housing access in various communities.
Understanding the nuances and complexities of these standards and schedules is crucial for landlords, voucher holders, and housing authorities to ensure fair and effective utilization of vouchers and the successful provision of affordable housing options.
In summary, the concepts referenced in the provided article encompass critical aspects of the Housing Choice Voucher Program, including Voucher Payment Standards, Utility Allowance Rates, and Exception Payment Standards, all aimed at facilitating affordable housing access and mitigating housing costs for eligible individuals and families.
