Section 8, also known as the Housing Choice Voucher Program, provides funding for rent subsidies for eligible low-income families for decent, safe, and affordable housing. Families can select housing within a neighborhood of their choice from a landlord willing to participate in the program. Rent subsidies (vouchers) allow families to pay a reasonable share of their income toward rent while the program, within specific limits, makes up the difference.

NYCHA reserves Section 8 vouchers for emergency applicants who are referred by the New York City Administration for Children's Services (ACS) or those who are classified as intimidated witnesses or victims of domestic violence. As of May 15, 2007 NYCHA will only accept Section 8 applications from emergency applicants, until further notice.