NYC housing lottery income limits 2026
Each lottery accepts households within an income range for their size. The range is set as a percentage of the Area Median Income (AMI), which the federal government (HUD) sets every year. In 2026, 100% AMI for a three-person household in New York City is $152,700.
How to read a listing
- A listing says which AMI percentage each apartment is for, for example "60% AMI".
- It also gives a minimum income: the rent must be affordable for you, about a third of your income or less.
- Your household qualifies if its total yearly income is between the listing's minimum and maximum for your household size.
What counts as household income
- The income of everyone 18 or older who will live in the apartment, added up.
- Wages count before taxes (gross). If you're self-employed, count your income after business expenses (net).
- Other money counts too: Social Security, public assistance, workers' compensation, disability insurance, severance pay, pensions, child support and alimony, and regular gifts.
2026 maximum income by household size
Maximum yearly household income at common AMI levels (HPD, 2026):
| People | 30% AMI | 50% AMI | 60% AMI | 80% AMI | 100% AMI | 130% AMI | 165% AMI |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $35,640 | $59,400 | $71,280 | $95,040 | $118,800 | $154,440 | $196,020 |
| 2 | $40,710 | $67,850 | $81,420 | $108,560 | $135,700 | $176,410 | $223,905 |
| 3 | $45,810 | $76,350 | $91,620 | $122,160 | $152,700 | $198,510 | $251,955 |
| 4 | $50,880 | $84,800 | $101,760 | $135,680 | $169,600 | $220,480 | $279,840 |
| 5 | $54,960 | $91,600 | $109,920 | $146,560 | $183,200 | $238,160 | $302,280 |
| 6 | $59,040 | $98,400 | $118,080 | $157,440 | $196,800 | $255,840 | $324,720 |
| 7 | $63,120 | $105,200 | $126,240 | $168,320 | $210,400 | $273,520 | $347,160 |
| 8 | $67,170 | $111,950 | $134,340 | $179,120 | $223,900 | $291,070 | $369,435 |
HPD groups these levels as extremely low income (up to 30% AMI), very low (31-50%), low (51-80%), moderate (81-120%) and middle income (121-165%).
Always check the table on the listing itself: it's what the building goes by, and some buildings use other programs' limits.
Checked against official NYC sources on October 31, 2026.