2026 NYC Housing Lottery Income Limits
Full income limit tables for every AMI band — 30% through 120% — by household size. Find out exactly where your income falls.
What is AMI?
Area Median Income explained
Area Median Income (AMI) represents the midpoint of all household incomes in the NYC metro area. Housing agencies publish AMI tables every year.
Housing lotteries typically target AMI bands such as 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 80%, 100%, or 130%. Each band corresponds to a specific dollar range per household size.
2026 NYC Housing Lottery Income Limits
Maximum annual household income by AMI band and household size
| AMI Band | Income Category | 1 Person | 2 People | 3 People | 4 People | 5 People | 6 People |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30% AMI | Extremely Low | $28,350 | $32,400 | $36,450 | $40,450 | $43,700 | $47,000 |
| 40% AMI | Very Low | $37,800 | $43,200 | $48,600 | $53,950 | $58,300 | $62,650 |
| 50% AMI | Very Low | $47,250 | $54,000 | $60,750 | $67,450 | $72,850 | $78,300 |
| 60% AMI | Most Common ★ | $56,700 | $64,800 | $72,900 | $80,900 | $87,450 | $93,950 |
| 80% AMI | Low-Moderate | $75,600 | $86,400 | $97,200 | $107,900 | $116,600 | $125,300 |
| 100% AMI | Moderate | $94,500 | $108,000 | $121,500 | $134,850 | $145,700 | $156,600 |
| 120% AMI | Middle Income | $113,400 | $129,600 | $145,800 | $161,800 | $174,800 | $187,900 |
Source: HUD 2026 income limits for the New York–Newark–Jersey City metro area. Maximum income limits shown — households must earn at or below these amounts.
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AMI Band Guide
30% – 50% AMI
Extremely and very low income. Lowest rents, strictest caps. Fewer units available.
60% AMI Most common
The largest share of NYC lottery units. Most developments include at least some 60% AMI units.
80% – 100% AMI
Moderate income. Found in mixed-income and 421-a buildings. Still significantly below market rent.
120% – 130% AMI
Middle income. Workforce housing and Mitchell-Lama programs. Less competitive — fewer applicants qualify.
How to Check Your Eligibility
Follow these steps to determine your AMI band
Calculate Household Income
Add up gross annual income (before taxes) for everyone who will live in the apartment.
Count All Household Members
Count every household member, even if they do not earn income, to determine the correct AMI row.
Match to AMI Tables
Match your income to the AMI tables listed in the lottery to confirm you fall within the posted min/max range.
Use Our Calculator
Use our AMI calculator to see which bands you match and what lotteries you should target.
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Use our free AMI calculator to determine which income bands you qualify for and discover matching lotteries.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the NYC housing lottery income limits for 2026?
For 2026, NYC housing lottery income limits are set by HUD AMI percentages. At 60% AMI (most common lottery band), limits are approximately: 1 person $55,680, 2 people $63,600, 3 people $71,520, 4 people $79,440. At 80% AMI: 1 person $74,240, 2 people $84,800, 3 people $95,360, 4 people $105,920. Use the AMI calculator for your exact eligibility.
What is the income limit for NYC affordable housing 2026?
NYC affordable housing income limits for 2026 range from 30% AMI (extremely low income) up to 165% AMI (moderate-middle income). The most common range is 40%–130% AMI. A single person needs to earn between $27,840 and $122,070 depending on the lottery. A family of 4 needs between $39,720 and $174,135.
What does 60% AMI mean for NYC housing lottery?
60% AMI is the most common income band in NYC housing lotteries. For 2026, a household must earn no more than 60% of the area median income — approximately $55,680 for 1 person or $79,440 for a household of 4. This band covers low-income working households and has the highest number of available lottery units.
Can I apply for NYC housing lottery if I am over the income limit?
No. If your household income exceeds the maximum limit for a specific lottery unit, you will be disqualified during the interview and document review stage. You can apply to other lottery listings that target higher AMI bands. Use the AMI calculator to find lotteries that match your income.
Still have questions? Visit our full FAQ page or use the AMI calculator to check your eligibility instantly.