Illinois Section 8

In Illinois, local public housing authorities (PHAs) administer the Housing Choice Voucher Program, formerly known as Section 8, and each keeps its own waiting list. The Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) states that it does not issue or accept Housing Choice Voucher applications. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) sets the income limits and Fair Market Rents that the local agencies use.

Who is eligible for Section 8 in Illinois?

To be eligible for a Housing Choice Voucher, your household must meet three requirements:¹

• Your income must generally be at or below the very low-income limit for your county and household size.
• You must be a “family,” which includes a single person, and at least one member must be a U.S. citizen or have eligible immigration status.
• You must meet the housing agency’s screening requirements.

What is the income limit for Section 8 in Illinois?

For a Housing Choice Voucher, a family generally has to be at or below the very low-income limit, which is 50% of the area’s median family income.¹ In Illinois, that limit for a family of four is between $44,850 and $67,900 a year, depending on the county. For a family of three it is between $40,400 and $61,150.²

At least 75% of new vouchers go to families under the extremely low-income limit, which is 30% of the area median. The calculator above shows all three limits for your county and household size. Your housing agency makes the final decision, and meeting the limit does not guarantee a voucher.

What is the Fair Market Rent in Illinois?

Fair Market Rent (FMR) is HUD’s estimate of what a modest rental costs in an area, including utilities. In Illinois, the FY2027 FMR for a two-bedroom unit ranges from $930 a month in 41 counties (including Carroll County) to $2,341 in Kendall County.³ Your housing agency sets a payment standard, usually between 90% and 110% of the FMR, that limits how much of your rent a voucher can cover.⁴

Is Section 8 open in Illinois?

The Chicago Housing Authority Housing Choice Voucher waiting list is closed. When the list opens, the Chicago Housing Authority will announce it publicly, and all households will have the opportunity to join a waiting list lottery. Other agencies open their lists only for certain periods, so ask each local agency about the status of its list.

How much does Section 8 pay in Illinois?

In Illinois, the rental subsidy is typically calculated as the difference between 30% of the household’s adjusted gross income and the current applicable payment standard.

How do I apply for Section 8 in Illinois?

There is no cost to apply. Chicago applicants may check the status of an application through the Chicago Housing Authority online portal. IHDA directs applicants to the local housing authority that serves their area, and its ILHousingSearch.org call center is available at (877) 428-8844. For other areas, apply through the public housing agency that serves the county or city.

1. Find your local PHA. Each county or metropolitan area has its own public housing agency (PHA) with a separate waiting list. You may apply to more than one agency.
2. Join the waiting list. Submit a pre-application when the list is open. Agencies commonly ask for proof of identity, income and household composition.
3. Wait for your turn. The wait varies by agency. An agency may remove an applicant who does not respond to its notices, so keep your contact information current.
4. Receive and use your voucher. The agency inspects the unit before the lease begins. You pay a share of your income toward rent, and the voucher covers the rest up to the agency’s payment standard.⁴

If you need help locating a PHA, call HUD’s PIH Customer Service Center at (800) 955-2232 or look up through the official HUD’s directory of public housing agencies (PHAs).