What income-based housing programs exist in Illinois

Illinois has three main paths to income-based housing: Section 8 vouchers (federal rent information you use with a private landlord), public housing (apartments owned and run by local housing authorities), and Low-Income Housing Tax Credit properties (private apartments built with tax incentives for low-income tenants). Each works differently, has its own waiting list, and serves different income levels. You do not have to choose one — you can be on multiple waiting lists at the same time.

The largest program is Section 8, run by local housing authorities in each county and major city. Public housing is smaller and concentrated in Chicago and a few other cities. Tax Credit properties are scattered across the state and often have shorter waiting lists because fewer people know about them. Most people start by contacting their local housing authority, but that is not always the fastest route.

Key Takeaways

  • Illinois has Section 8 vouchers, public housing, and Tax Credit apartments, each with separate waiting lists you can join at the same time.
  • Your local housing authority handles Section 8 and public housing, but you find Tax Credit properties by searching online or calling 211 Illinois.
  • Section 8 waiting lists in Illinois range from open to years-long depending on your county, and many close when they reach capacity.
  • Public housing in Illinois is mostly in Chicago; outside the city, Tax Credit properties often have shorter waits than Section 8.
  • Income limits vary by program and family size, but most programs serve households making 30 to 80 percent of the area median income.

Section 8 vouchers: How the waiting list works in Illinois

A Section 8 voucher is a federal subsidy that pays part of your rent directly to your landlord. You find your own apartment, the landlord agrees to take Section 8, and the housing authority pays them the difference between what you can afford and the market rent. You keep the voucher as long as you stay within income limits and follow the rules.

To get on the waiting list, you contact your local housing authority. In Chicago, that is the Chicago Housing Authority (CHA). Outside Chicago, each county or municipality runs its own program — for example, the Champaign County Housing Authority, the DuPage Housing Authority, or the City of Springfield Housing Authority. The waiting list is free to join, and you explore in person, by mail, or online depending on the authority.

Wait times vary sharply. Chicago's CHA waiting list is currently closed to new applicants and has been for years. In smaller cities and counties, lists may be open but with waits of one to five years, or they may close temporarily when they reach a certain number of applicants. Call your local authority to ask whether the list is open right now — this changes month to month, and it is the only way to know for certain.

Public housing in Illinois: Direct rental from the housing authority

Public housing means you rent an apartment directly from the housing authority, not from a private landlord. The authority owns the building, sets the rent based on your income (usually 30 percent of what you earn), and handles maintenance. Public housing is smaller than Section 8 in Illinois and concentrated in Chicago and a few other cities.

Chicago Housing Authority runs the largest public housing program in the state. Outside Chicago, public housing exists in Peoria, Rockford, Springfield, and a handful of other cities, but the number of units is much smaller. If you live in a rural area or a smaller city, public housing may not be an option. Check with your local housing authority to see whether they manage public housing units.

Waiting lists for public housing are separate from Section 8 lists. You can be on both at the same time. Public housing waiting lists are often shorter than Section 8 lists in the same area, but units are limited, so do not count on it as your only option.

Low-Income Housing Tax Credit properties: Finding apartments directly

Tax Credit properties are private apartments built with federal tax incentives, and they must rent to tenants making 50 to 80 percent of the area median income. You do not go through a housing authority — you find the property, contact the landlord or property manager, and rent like you would anywhere else. The rent is lower than market rate because of the tax credit, but you pay it yourself (there is no voucher).

These properties are harder to find because there is no single waiting list. You search online using the Illinois Housing Search tool (part of the state housing authority website), call 211 Illinois and ask for Tax Credit properties in your area, or contact your local housing authority and ask for a list. Many properties have short waiting lists or no wait at all because fewer people know about them.

Income limits and rent amounts vary by property and location. A property in Chicago will have higher income limits and higher rent than one in a rural county, because the area median income is higher. When you call a property, ask what the current income limit is and what the rent will be for your household size.

Income limits and how they are calculated

Income limits for housing programs are based on the area median income (AMI) for your county or city. Section 8 typically serves households at 30 to 80 percent of AMI. Public housing usually serves 30 percent of AMI. Tax Credit properties serve 50 to 80 percent of AMI depending on the property.

The income limit changes every year and depends on family size. A family of four in Cook County (Chicago) has a higher income limit than a family of four in a rural county, because the cost of living is higher. When you contact a program, ask them for the current income limit for your household size — do not guess based on last year's number.

Income includes wages, Social Security, disability payments, child support, and unemployment benefits. It does not include one-time payments like tax refunds or insurance settlements. If your income is right at the limit, some programs count deductions (like child care costs) that can lower your countable income.

How to find your local housing authority

Start by identifying which housing authority serves your area. If you live in Chicago, contact the Chicago Housing Authority directly at 312-742-8000 or visit their website. If you live outside Chicago, search online for "[your city or county] housing authority" — for example, "Peoria Housing Authority" or "Will County Housing Authority."

If you cannot find your local authority, call 211 Illinois (dial 2-1-1 from any phone) and ask for the housing authority in your area. They will give you the phone number and address. You can also search the Illinois Housing Development Authority website, which lists all housing authorities in the state.

When you call, ask three things: whether the Section 8 waiting list is currently open, whether they manage public housing, and whether they have a list of Tax Credit properties in your area. Write down the answers and the name of the person you spoke with, in case you need to call back.

What documents you will need to provide

Most programs ask for proof of income (recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a benefits letter), proof of identity (driver's license or state ID), and proof of residency (a utility bill or lease). If you are unemployed, you may need to provide a letter from your last employer or documentation of job search efforts. If you receive benefits, bring the award letter from Social Security, TANF, or SNAP.

You will also need to list all household members and their dates of birth. If you have a criminal history, disclose it — some programs have restrictions, but many do not, and lying on the process can disqualify you. If you have an eviction history, bring documentation showing the outcome (dismissed, settled, or paid in full).

Requirements vary slightly by program and authority. When you contact your local authority, ask for a list of required documents before you come in. Bringing everything at once speeds up the process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I be on multiple waiting lists at the same time?

Yes. You can be on the Section 8 waiting list, the public housing waiting list, and contact Tax Credit properties all at the same time. There is no rule against it, and it increases your chances of finding housing. Each program has its own separate process.

How long does it take to get housing after I am approved?

For Section 8, it depends on how many vouchers the authority has available. Some people wait months after approval; others wait years. For public housing, it depends on unit availability. For Tax Credit properties, you move in as soon as you sign a lease, which can be weeks. Ask each program what their average time is from approval to move-in.

What if my income goes up after I get housing?

For Section 8 and public housing, your rent will increase, but you will not lose your housing. Your income is recertified once a year. If you earn more, you pay more, but you stay in the program until your income exceeds the limit by a certain amount (usually 120 percent of AMI). For Tax Credit properties, the lease terms depend on the property — ask when you rent.

Do I have to pay an process fee?

No. Housing authorities do not charge to join a waiting list or to rent public housing. Tax Credit properties may charge an process fee like any private landlord, but it is usually small (under $50). Never pay a fee to a housing authority or to join a Section 8 waiting list.

What if I have a disability or need a reasonable accommodation?

All housing programs must provide reasonable accommodations under the Fair Housing Act. Tell the housing authority or property manager about your needs when you explore. This might mean a ground-floor unit, a modified bathroom, or a service animal. The program cannot charge extra for the accommodation, and they cannot deny you housing because of it.