Resources

The Basics

Thank you for going on this journey with me. There is so much to learn, but you can start by reading Angela’s journey by going to the Deep Dive section. Also, you should watch this video from Talz the Resource Queen’s YouTube channel: Affordable Housing Waiting Room.

If you’re ready to apply, visit the Housing Connect portal. To apply for housing lotteries, create a profile on the Housing Connect portal with your email and phone number.

Applying for Affordable Housing can be frustrating because it’s a lottery and you don’t know when you’ll be selected. But keep your spirits up and be prepared.

Here are some tips:

• Apply for lotteries that you’re eligible for and interested in.
• Update your profile in Housing Connect every time there is a change in your household, contact information or income.
• Don’t forget to check your email and Housing Connect dashboard.
• Compile your household’s documents, including birth certificates, picture ID for all adults, proof of custody and other issues.
• Upload documents in your Housing Connect profile.
• Pull your own credit report and work with a financial counselor to address any issues.

Who is in your household?

Your household consists of people who live with you or would live with you if you had your own place. Affordable Housing is financed by the government, so they will want to confirm the identity of every household member.

BIRTH CERTIFICATE (how to get it and some advice)

Locating a birth certificate for NYC-born kids is relatively simple. However, you will have to pay a fee. Here are your options:

• In person: Office of Vital Records, located at 125 Worth Street, CN-4, Room 119, New York City , NY, 10013. Click here to make an appointment. If you can’t wait for the appointment date, you can call 311 to request an emergency appointment.
• On line: Through VitalChek, you can get a birth certificate in a relatively short time. This is also a good option to locate a birth certificate for kids born in other states within the USA.

SOCIAL SECURITY CARD (why you need it and how to get it)

The leasing agent needs copies of Social Security cards for all adults in the household. Provide copies if available, otherwise obtain originals by:

• Visiting the Social Security Administration website to determine the fastest way to get originals.
• Going in person to a Social Security office. Find the nearest office here.

PICTURE ID (why you need it and how to get it)

You need picture IDs for all adults in your household. Acceptable IDs include driver’s license, non-driver ID, passport, NYC municipal ID, military ID, and IDNYC. The fastest way to get a picture ID is by going to the DMV in person. Get information on your nearest DMV location here Find the application and required documents here

ITIN (why you need it and how to get it)

If you don’t have a Social Security number, you’ll need an ITIN. Visit the IRS website to get more information. The first-time request may take 7 to 11 weeks, but going to an Acceptance Agent Program can expedite it.

What is your household’s income?

Now that you’ve nailed down who’s in your household, it’s time to take a look at the household income. Money comes in all shapes and sizes, and I’ve gathered some info on the most common ways people earn it to help you out. You should also read the Applicant Income Guide published by HPD

PAY STUB (this is just some advice)

The leasing agent will ask you to submit 4-6 recent consecutive paychecks. Speak with your company’s HR office on how to get any missing pay stubs.

W2 (how to get it)

To get last year’s W2, you can ask your employer or tax preparer. Alternatively, you can visit the IRS website and verify your identity using ID.me to access your records online. Once your identity is verified, you can log in to your IRS account and view your tax records.

MOST RECENT STATE AND FEDERAL TAX RETURN

To obtain your tax return, consult your tax preparer, log in to your tax preparation software or visit the IRS website. Verify your identity through ID.me and access your records online. Log in to your IRS account to view your tax records.

LETTER FROM YOUR EMPLOYER OF CURRENT AND PRIOR YEAR (TEMPLATE)

A letter from your employer can also verify your income. The letter should state your position, pay rate, start date, and contact details. Use this template to guide your request.

SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFIT AWARD LETTER

Locate your Social Security benefit award letter by:

• Visiting your local office. Click here to find your closest SSA location.
• Logging into your online account using my Social Security.

PUBLIC ASSISTANCE AWARD LETTER

Get your HRA Budget Letter by visiting your Benefit Access Center, logging into your Access HRA account, or calling 1-718-557-1399.

UNEMPLOYMENT PAYMENT HISTORY

You can get your Unemployment Payment History by visiting the NYS Department of Labor Individual landing page.

I AM SELF EMPLOYED

If you are self-employed, you must demonstrate your current income and project your future income. This might be challenging so I recommend that you read the HPD Income Guide. Also, don’t do this alone. Get help from a housing ambassador.

Do you have any assets?

Yes, the leasing agent will want to know about your assets.

Let’s talk about assets!

First, please watch Calculating Your Assets for Affordable Housing from Talz the Resource Queen’s YouTube channel: Affordable Housing Waiting Room.

Assets consist of retirement accounts (401k, 403b), pension, and savings accounts. If you use online banking, you can obtain your statement or you can request it from the bank. Your leasing agent will typically ask for bank statements going back 6-12 months. Here are some tips:

1. Be honest about your assets.
2. Provide the information being requested
3. Be prepared to explain any deposits in your checking account from cash transfer apps like Cash App, Venmo, and others.

Help with advocacy and understanding you rights

• Help with the process: Housing Ambassadors are experts in affordable housing. They can help you apply, submit an appeal, locate additional resources. You can find them across the city. Click here to find a list of providers.
• Info on Source of Income Discrimination: It’s important to know that it’s not okay to turn someone down for housing just because they’re part of a rental assistance program like Section 8 or CityFHEPS. If you ever feel like you’re being treated unfairly because of your participation in one of these programs, remember that the Commission on Human Rights is there to assist you. They can offer support if you believe you’re facing discrimination.
• Info on getting out of a lease: If you are selected for an affordable apartment and you have a current lease, navigating the situation can be tricky. There is no easy way of saying it, it is hard to get out of a lease without facing some sort of consequence including potentially being sued by the landlord. The Met Council on Housing has a really great post on this issue.
• Info on background check: The leasing agent may conduct a background check. In 2022, HPD made significant changes on the policies around the impact of a felony when being considered for an affordable apartment. Find details of the changes in the Fair Housing Justice Center

Help with Credit Report

• If you need support with financial coaching including how to address errors and/or improve your credit, you can schedule an appointment with a financial coach at a Financial Empowerment Center. If you have a rental voucher, you no longer have to undergo a credit check for an HPD affordable apartment.

Help with financial assistance

• If you need financial assistance to move to your new apartment, HRA’s Special Grant might be able to help.
• The Homebase program is also a great resource for learning about your rights as a tenant, applying for assistance for rental arrears and for overall anti eviction support.