Documents you need for an NYC housing lottery

You don't send documents with your application. If your application is picked, the building asks for copies to confirm what you wrote. Some take weeks to get, so it's worth gathering them now. The building tells you exactly which ones it needs.

Who lives with you

Birth certificates for everyone in the household.
Social Security cards for everyone in the household.
Photo ID for everyone 18 or older: driver's license, passport, military ID, IDNYC or non-driver ID.
A school letter confirming enrollment for everyone in school or college.

Income, for everyone 18 or older

Your last six pay stubs in a row.
Last year's W-2 forms.
Last year's signed federal and state tax returns.
If you're paid in cash: a notarized letter from your employer.
Bank statements that show your deposits.

If you're self-employed: your last three years of federal tax returns (Form 1040 with Schedule C, E or F), all 1099 forms from those years, and your state tax returns.

Other income needs its own proof: a Social Security award letter, a public assistance budget letter, veterans' benefit statements, or a separation agreement for alimony or child support. Regular gifts need a notarized letter from the person giving them.

Your current home

Your lease, or a notarized letter from your landlord if you don't have one.
Three to twelve months of rent receipts or cancelled rent checks.
Your latest gas, electric and phone bills, in your name at your current address.
If you live in someone else's apartment: a notarized letter from them, with a copy of their lease and utility bills.

If you've had landlord or credit problems

If a landlord has taken you to court, bring the court papers: stipulations, judgments and proof they were satisfied. For credit problems, bring letters showing debts were paid or settled. A low credit score alone can't disqualify you.

Getting what you're missing

NYC birth certificate: order online from the NYC Health Department. It costs $15 plus a $9 service fee.
Social Security card: free from the Social Security Administration. It takes 2 to 6 weeks.
IDNYC: a free photo ID for every New York City resident. Apply at nyc.gov/idnyc.

On Housing Connect you usually upload them. If a building asks you to bring them, bring copies, not originals: the building keeps them.

Checked against official NYC sources on October 31, 2026.