The Rockland County Department of Social Services (RCDSS) has announced that its Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCVP) – Section 8 Waiting List Lottery will open from Monday, March 16, 2026 at 8:00 a.m. through Friday, March 27, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. (EST).
County Executive Ed Day and Commissioner of Social Services Joan Silvestri said the online-only lottery will establish waiting lists for five specialized voucher programs throughout Rockland County.
📌 Apply Online Only: https://section8.hcr.ny.gov
Applications will NOT be provided or accepted at any RCDSS office.
Rockland County reserves the right to close any list, or part of a list, once capacity is reached.
Five Separate Lotteries Will Be Conducted Simultaneously
Each program below will generate its own waiting list:
1️⃣ Mainstream Waiting List
(300 applicants randomly selected)
Applicants must:
- Be under 62 years old
- Be disabled
- Be homeless, at risk of homelessness, transitioning from a segregated setting, or fleeing domestic violence
- Find their own housing in Rockland County
Verification of disability and homelessness is required.
2️⃣ Walnut Hill Senior Housing
📍 Route 9W, West Haverstraw
- 94 Project-Based Voucher units (1-bedroom)
- 400 applicants randomly selected
- Must be 62 years of age or older
3️⃣ Depew Manor
📍 60 Depew Avenue, Nyack
- 45 Project-Based Voucher units (Studio & 1BR)
- 300 applicants randomly selected
- Must be 62 years of age or older
4️⃣ Waldron Terrace
📍 Highview Court, Nyack
- 30 Project-Based Voucher units (1–4 Bedrooms)
- 250 applicants randomly selected (varies by unit size)
- No age requirement
- Each specific unit size must receive an appropriate number of applicants before the lottery closes.
5️⃣ Spring Valley Preservation
📍 Lakeview Village & Highview Apartments, Spring Valley
- 58 Project-Based Voucher units
- Unit sizes range from Studio to 5 Bedrooms
- Some units designated for 62+ seniors; others have no age requirement
- Number of applicants selected varies by unit size.
Important Application Rules
- Only ONE application per household permitted
- Duplicate applications will be voided
- There is NO cost to apply
- No one can guarantee selection or improve your chances
- You must be willing to move to Rockland County and to the specific complex you apply for
Applications are accepted 24 hours a day, 7 days a week during the open period from any smartphone, tablet, or computer with internet access.
Applicants will receive a confirmation number upon submission and an email confirmation. By April 30, 2026, all applicants will be notified by email whether they were selected for a waiting list.
Income Eligibility Guidelines
Household income must fall below federal limits:
| Household Size | 30% AMI | 50% AMI |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $34,050 | $56,700 |
| 2 People | $38,900 | $64,800 |
| 3 People | $43,750 | $72,900 |
| 4 People | $48,600 | $81,000 |
| 5 People | $52,500 | $87,500 |
| 6 People | $56,400 | $94,000 |
| 7 People | $60,300 | $100,450 |
| 8 People | $64,200 | $106,950 |
Federal regulations require that 75% of new admissions each year must be below 30% of Area Median Income.
What Is the Housing Choice Voucher Program?
The Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCVP) provides rental assistance to very low-income individuals and families.
Participants:
- Choose their own housing
- The unit must pass an NSPIRE inspection
- RCDSS must approve the rental contract
- The Housing Authority pays a portion of rent directly to the landlord (Housing Assistance Payment – HAP)
- Tenants typically pay 30% of adjusted monthly income, with a $50 minimum contribution
⚠️ Being selected in the lottery does NOT guarantee a voucher.
Wait times may be several years, depending on funding availability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who Can Apply?
- Anyone 18 years or older (or emancipated minor)
- Household income must fall below very low-income limits
- At least one household member must be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident
Already On Another Waiting List?
Yes, you may still apply. Rockland has additional waiting lists from lotteries conducted in 2018 and 2024.
No Email Address?
Free accounts can be created through Gmail, Yahoo, or Hotmail. Libraries and other public facilities may assist.
No Computer?
Applications may be submitted using a smartphone.
Appointments may be scheduled by calling 845-364-3331.
Homeless Without an Address?
Applicants must provide a mailing address (family, friend, shelter, church, or PO Box).
Preferences Given?
Yes. Priority is given to:
- Homeless or at risk of homelessness
- Those fleeing domestic violence
- Individuals transitioning from segregated settings
- Elderly and disabled households
- Families with dependent children
Need Assistance?
Applicants who are elderly or require assistance due to a disability may contact:
📞 845-364-3331
📞 845-364-3100 (Option 7)
📧 rocklandhcv@dfa.state.ny.us
Individuals using TDD/TTY technology may dial 7-1-1 for New York Relay Services.
If unable to apply during the open period due to a disability, inquiries will be accepted until April 27, 2026 at 5:00 p.m.
Other Housing Authorities In Rockland
Residents may also inquire with:
- Kaser Section 8 – 845-352-2932 Ext. 5
- New Square Section 8 – 845-354-7774
- Nyack Housing Authority – 845-358-2591
- Spring Valley Section 8 – 845-367-4599
- Ramapo Housing Authority – 845-357-7171
Applicants may apply to multiple housing authorities but may receive assistance from only one.
County Executive Day encouraged eligible residents to apply.
“There is no cost to apply, and no one will ask you for payment,” he said. “Please understand that vouchers are limited and placement on a waiting list does not guarantee assistance.”
Residents are encouraged to review full eligibility details before applying at https://section8.hcr.ny.gov.