Help Is Available
If you're struggling to afford housing in New Jersey, you're not alone—and there are programs designed to help. This guide covers the major federal, state, and local resources available to low-income households.
Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers
The largest rental assistance program in the country. You pay about 30% of your income toward rent; the voucher covers the rest.
How to Apply
- Apply through your local Public Housing Authority (PHA)
- Waiting lists open periodically—check multiple PHAs
- Wait times vary from months to years
Major NJ Housing Authorities
- Newark HA: (973) 273-6000
- Jersey City HA: (201) 706-4600
- Paterson HA: (973) 345-5080
- Elizabeth HA: (908) 965-2900
- East Orange HA: (973) 672-1500
Our Tip
Apply to multiple Housing Authorities simultaneously. Smaller PHAs often have shorter wait times. You can be on multiple waiting lists.
Public Housing
Government-owned apartments with rent based on income (typically 30% of income).
- Apply through the same PHAs listed above
- Units range from studios to multi-bedroom family apartments
- Some developments are designed for seniors or disabled individuals
Emergency Rental Assistance
NJ Department of Community Affairs (DCA)
- Emergency Assistance: Help with rent, utilities, and security deposits
- Homelessness Prevention: For those at risk of losing housing
- Phone: (609) 292-6420
- Website: nj.gov/dca
County Social Services
Each county has emergency assistance programs. Contact your county board of social services:
- Essex County: (973) 733-3000
- Hudson County: (201) 420-3000
- Union County: (908) 965-2700
- Passaic County: (973) 881-2616
Nonprofit Organizations
Catholic Charities
- Emergency housing assistance
- Transitional housing programs
- Case management services
- Phone: 1-800-227-7223
Salvation Army
- Emergency rent assistance
- Utility assistance
- Transitional housing
- Find local office: salvationarmynj.org
United Way
- Call 211 for local resource referrals
- Connects to housing, utility, and food assistance
- Available 24/7
State Programs
NJ Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency (NJHMFA)
- Manages affordable housing developments statewide
- Down payment assistance (for buyers)
- Website: njhousing.gov
Universal Service Fund (USF)
- Helps pay utility bills for low-income households
- Apply through your local social services
Low Income Home Energy Assistance (LIHEAP)
- Federal program for heating/cooling costs
- Apply through county social services
- Opens each fall for winter heating assistance
Senior Housing
If you're 62+, additional options are available:
- HUD Senior Housing: Income-based rent in senior-only buildings
- NJ Senior Housing: State-subsidized senior apartments
- Contact: NJ Division of Aging Services: 1-877-222-3737
Disability Housing
- Section 811: Housing for people with disabilities
- Accessible units: Required in most new buildings
- Reasonable accommodations: Landlords must allow modifications
- Contact: NJ Division of Developmental Disabilities: (800) 832-9173
Apply for Everything
Don't limit yourself to one program. Apply for Section 8, public housing, and nonprofit assistance simultaneously. The more applications out, the better your chances.
While You're Waiting
Housing assistance wait lists can be long. In the meantime:
- Look for private landlords who charge below-market rent
- Consider roommate situations to reduce costs
- Negotiate with landlords—offer prepaid rent or longer lease
- Look just outside expensive areas where rent drops significantly
We Welcome Assistance Recipients
D&Y Apartment Rentals accepts Section 8 vouchers and works with all housing assistance programs. Contact us to discuss your situation—we may have options that work for you.