For the first time in 12 years, city officials are accepting applications for new Section 8 vouchers beginning Monday. About 22,000 affordable housing vouchers will be made available to Bronx and city families over the next two years. With a voucher, low-income families pay only 30 percent of their income toward fair market rent set by the federal government. The New York City Housing Authority pays the remainder of the rent to a private landlord. Officials say 12,000 vouchers will be available this year, and an additional 10,000 next year. The city will also set aside 3,000 vouchers for residents at risk of becoming homeless. Section 8 applications must be postmarked no later that May 14.

Related information: Section 8