NYC Housing Lottery: 5 Myths Debunked - Homey Housing Lottery Made Simple

Myth #1: Affordable Housing = Low-Income Housing

Affordable housing is not just for low-income households. NYC’s affordable housing programs serve a broad range of income levels, from very low-income to moderate- and middle-income households. Affordable housing is generally defined as spending no more than one-third of your income on rent, meaning that higher earners often qualify for more expensive units. For example, this lottery requires a household to make $117K per year, with a studio apartment priced at $3,434 per month.

Eligibility is determined by Area Median Income (AMI), which varies depending on household size. Many developments include units for individuals and families earning different percentages of the AMI, meaning working professionals, middle-income earners, and families can qualify.

Williamsburg Wharf A2, offering studios at $3,434 per month

Myth #2: You will be disqualified for…

Bad credit History: While some developments conduct credit checks, they are not a deciding factor, even lack of credit history is not an adequate reason to be disqualified. Applicants can provide alternative proof of financial responsibility, such as rental payment history.

Not Having a Bank Account: Not having a bank account does not impact an applicant’s eligibility.

Living in a Shelter: NYC’s Housing Connect program is open to all eligible applicants, including those in shelters.

Section 8 & Rental Assistance: Receiving rental assistance like Section 8 cannot be used as a reason to reject an applicant.

Immigration Status: U.S. citizenship is not required. The NYC Housing Lottery is meant to provide affordable housing to all New Yorkers and is open to non-citizens, including those with ITINs instead of SSNs.

20 & 30 Halletts Point Apartments, lottery closing May 16, 2025

Myth #3: The Housing Lottery is/ isn’t for Unemployed People

The housing lottery is for all income-eligible individuals, including those who are (un)employed. Employment is not a requirement for eligibility; applicants must only meet the income guidelines, which include sources such as Social Security, pensions, and rental subsidies. Generally speaking, the lowest-priced apartments require a minimum household income of around $30,000 per year, meaning that applicants must still have a steady source of income to qualify.

18 India Street Apartments, lottery closing March 28, 2025

Myth #4: If Your Income Changes After You Apply, You Will Be Disqualified

Changes in income after submitting an application do not necessarily disqualify you. Your income is verified when you are selected for an interview, not when you apply. If your income fluctuates within the eligibility range at the time of verification, you can still qualify. However, if your income significantly increases or decreases, ending up outside of the required range at the time of review, it could affect your eligibility for that specific unit. In some cases, these changes won’t be held against them as long as the change was beyond their control and they can provide supporting documentation from a third party.

91 Bruckner Blvd Apartments, lottery closing April 28, 2025

Myth #5: Applying Early Increases Your Chances of Winning

The housing lottery does not work on a first-come, first-served basis. All applications submitted before the deadline are randomized and assigned log numbers, which determine the order in which applicants are processed. Whether you apply on the first day or the last day of the application period, your chances remain the same.