EHVs were given to people with serious housing needs, including: 

• People experiencing homelessness 
• Youth without stable housing 
• Survivors of domestic violence 
• Tenants facing eviction 

People received these vouchers through government housing agencies. 

In New York City, EHVs were issued by:

• NYC Housing Authority (NYCHA)
• NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD)
• New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR)
  (HCR worked with a contractor called CGI Federal)

Yes.

The federal government has announced that it is ending the EHV program. What happens to your assistance now depends on the agency managing your voucher.

Do not ignore letters, emails, or notices from your housing agency.

You may have an EHV if: 

• You received your voucher between 2021 and 2024, or 
• Your NYCHA voucher number starts with “EHV”, or
• Your original paperwork includes the letters “EHV”

If you are not sure, review your paperwork or contact your housing agency right away. 

Your next steps depend on which agency gave you your voucher.

HPD has said that EHV participants may apply for a different rental assistance program called HOME TBRA. This application should be provided to you by June 2026 or earlier. 

You must apply the way HPD instructs you to keep receiving help with rent. 

NYCHA has announced that the EHV program is ending.

NYCHA has told EHV participants to apply immediately for another housing option, such as Public Housing.

Try to apply by May 1, 2026 but you can apply after that date. The sooner you apply, the more likely you are to receive an alternative housing offer.

You may be offered a subsidized housing opportunity other than Section 9 (public housing). Once you get your offer, you will have two weeks to view the apartment and decide if you want to move.

If you do not apply, you will lose your potential opportunity to receive an offer to live in public housing or another subsidized unit.

HCR has not made a public announcement yet.

HCR is likely to convert its EHVs into regular Section 8 vouchers. HCR issued fewer EHVs than NYCHA or HPD.

Take these steps as soon as possible:

• Keep your paperwork up to date 
• Complete your annual recertification 
• Make sure your apartment passed its housing inspection 
• Respond to all notices 
• If you get a warning or termination notice, request a hearing right away 
• Send in any missing documents on time

If you are homeless or not living in an apartment with your voucher use your transfer voucher as soon as possible.  Waiting too long could cause you to lose your assistance 

The information in this document has been prepared by The Legal Aid Society for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. This information is not intended to create, and receipt of it does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship. You should not act upon any information without retaining professional legal counsel.