Illinois is a state of profound contrasts — a global city in Chicago with some of the highest rents in the Midwest, surrounded by midsize cities, small towns, and vast rural stretches where affordable housing is scarce for entirely different reasons. For low-income families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities across the Prairie State, Section 8 housing vouchers in Illinois provide essential monthly rent relief — though competition for them is fierce, particularly in the Chicago metropolitan area.
This complete guide covers everything you need to know about Section 8 housing in Illinois — including who qualifies, Illinois-specific income limits by region, Fair Market Rents, a full directory of Illinois Public Housing Authorities, a step-by-step application guide, Illinois’s source-of-income protections, and answers to the most frequently asked questions.
What Is Section 8 Housing in Illinois?
Section 8 — officially called the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program — is a federally funded rental assistance program administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). In Illinois, the program is managed by over 100 local Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) across the state, as well as through the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) for statewide oversight, affordable housing financing, and certain rental assistance programs.
The program pays a portion of your monthly rent directly to your landlord. You contribute approximately 30% of your adjusted monthly income toward rent, and your Illinois PHA covers the remainder — up to the local payment standard — each month. You are free to choose any privately owned rental unit in Illinois where the landlord agrees to participate and the unit meets HUD’s Housing Quality Standards.
Chicago Context: The Chicago Housing Authority (CHA) is one of the largest housing authorities in the United States, administering tens of thousands of Housing Choice Vouchers in Cook County. CHA’s waitlist — when open — is among the most competitive in the country, regularly drawing hundreds of thousands of applications. Outside Chicago, the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) and dozens of local PHAs administer the program across the rest of the state.
Illinois Source-of-Income Protection Law
Illinois has strong source-of-income (SOI) protections under the Illinois Human Rights Act (775 ILCS 5/3-102), which prohibits housing discrimination based on source of income — including Section 8 housing vouchers — statewide. This means:
- Illinois landlords cannot refuse to rent to you solely because you hold a Section 8 voucher
- Landlords cannot advertise “No Section 8” or “No housing subsidies”
- Landlords cannot impose stricter screening criteria on voucher holders than on other applicants
- Violations can be reported to the Illinois Department of Human Rights (IDHR) at illinois.gov/dhr or by calling (312) 814-6200 (Chicago) or (217) 785-5100 (Springfield)
Chicago has additional local reinforcement of these protections through the Chicago Human Rights Ordinance, enforced by the Chicago Commission on Human Relations (CCHR) at (312) 744-4111.
Important: Illinois’s SOI protection means a landlord cannot legally reject your application solely because of your voucher — but they may still screen based on credit, rental history, income, and other lawful criteria. If you believe you were illegally denied, file a complaint with IDHR within 300 days of the discriminatory act, or with CCHR within 180 days if you are in Chicago.
Who Qualifies for Section 8 Housing Vouchers in Illinois?
To be eligible for Section 8 housing in Illinois, you must meet all of the following requirements:
1. Income Limits
Your household’s total gross annual income must fall below HUD’s income limits for your area in Illinois. These are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) and vary significantly — the Chicago metro and surrounding collar counties have the state’s highest AMIs, while downstate Illinois runs considerably lower.
Below are the approximate [Current_year] income limits for a family of four in major Illinois areas:
| Illinois Area | Extremely Low (30% AMI) | Very Low (50% AMI) | Low Income (80% AMI) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin Metro | ~$35,100 | ~$58,500 | ~$93,600 |
| Lake County (north suburbs) | ~$38,100 | ~$63,500 | ~$101,600 |
| DuPage County (west suburbs) | ~$38,100 | ~$63,500 | ~$101,600 |
| Rockford | ~$22,800 | ~$38,000 | ~$60,800 |
| Peoria | ~$24,200 | ~$40,350 | ~$64,550 |
| Springfield | ~$24,950 | ~$41,600 | ~$66,550 |
| Champaign-Urbana | ~$24,700 | ~$41,200 | ~$65,900 |
| Bloomington-Normal | ~$28,100 | ~$46,850 | ~$74,950 |
| Decatur | ~$21,450 | ~$35,750 | ~$57,200 |
| Quad Cities (Rock Island / Moline) | ~$24,100 | ~$40,200 | ~$64,300 |
| Carbondale / Southern Illinois | ~$20,000 | ~$33,350 | ~$53,350 |
| Rural / Non-Metro Illinois | ~$19,200 | ~$32,000 | ~$51,200 |
Note: Lake County and DuPage County have notably higher income limits than Cook County due to their elevated AMIs — a family of four earning up to $63,500 may qualify in the northern and western suburbs. These figures are approximate and updated annually. Always verify current limits at huduser.gov or with your local Illinois PHA.
2. Citizenship or Eligible Immigration Status
At least one household member must be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen. Mixed-status households qualify for prorated assistance. Illinois’s large and diverse immigrant population means mixed-status families are commonly served across the state.
3. Family Composition
Section 8 is open to single individuals, couples, families with children, elderly persons (age 62+), and persons with disabilities. Household size determines the voucher bedroom size issued.
4. Criminal Background
Federal mandatory bars apply: lifetime sex offender registration and methamphetamine manufacturing in federally assisted housing. Illinois and Chicago have adopted significant fair chance housing policies — the Illinois Criminal Identification Act and Chicago’s Just Housing Amendment (effective 2020) restrict how landlords and PHAs can use criminal history in tenant screening. Ask your PHA about specific policies if this applies to your household.
5. No Outstanding PHA Debt
Any unpaid debt owed to any PHA — in Illinois or another state — must be resolved before approval.
Pro Tip: Chicago’s “Just Housing Amendment” to the Cook County Human Rights Ordinance significantly limits landlords’ ability to use criminal history in tenant screening — this includes Section 8 landlords. If you have been previously denied housing due to criminal history in Cook County, contact Metropolitan Tenants Organization at (773) 292-4980 or Lawyers’ Committee for Better Housing at (312) 347-7600 to understand your rights.
How Much Rent Assistance Will You Receive in Illinois?
Your Section 8 subsidy in Illinois depends on your adjusted monthly income, HUD’s Fair Market Rents, and your PHA’s payment standard. You pay 30% of adjusted income; the PHA covers the rest up to the payment standard.
Here are the approximate [Current_year] Fair Market Rents for major Illinois markets:
| Illinois Area | 1 Bedroom | 2 Bedroom | 3 Bedroom | 4 Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago / Cook County | ~$1,450 | ~$1,750 | ~$2,200 | ~$2,650 |
| Lake County (north suburbs) | ~$1,550 | ~$1,900 | ~$2,450 | ~$2,950 |
| DuPage County (west suburbs) | ~$1,550 | ~$1,900 | ~$2,450 | ~$2,950 |
| Kane County (Aurora / Elgin) | ~$1,350 | ~$1,650 | ~$2,100 | ~$2,550 |
| Will County (Joliet) | ~$1,350 | ~$1,650 | ~$2,100 | ~$2,550 |
| Rockford / Winnebago County | ~$850 | ~$1,050 | ~$1,350 | ~$1,650 |
| Peoria / Peoria County | ~$850 | ~$1,050 | ~$1,350 | ~$1,650 |
| Springfield / Sangamon County | ~$900 | ~$1,100 | ~$1,400 | ~$1,700 |
| Champaign-Urbana | ~$950 | ~$1,150 | ~$1,500 | ~$1,800 |
| Bloomington-Normal | ~$950 | ~$1,200 | ~$1,550 | ~$1,850 |
| Quad Cities (Rock Island) | ~$800 | ~$1,000 | ~$1,300 | ~$1,600 |
| Carbondale / Jackson County | ~$700 | ~$850 | ~$1,100 | ~$1,350 |
| Rural / Non-Metro Illinois | ~$650 | ~$800 | ~$1,050 | ~$1,300 |
Note: Payment standards set by each Illinois PHA typically range between 90%–110% of these FMR figures. CHA and other Chicago-area PHAs may receive HUD approval to set higher payment standards. Confirm current payment standards directly with your local PHA.
Illinois Public Housing Authorities (PHAs): Complete Directory
Illinois has over 100 PHAs. Below is a comprehensive directory of major agencies organized by region.
Chicago & Cook County PHAs
| PHA Name | City | Phone | Service Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago Housing Authority (CHA) | Chicago | (312) 742-8500 | City of Chicago |
| Housing Authority of Cook County (HACC) | Chicago | (847) contractual | Cook County suburbs (outside City of Chicago) |
| Evanston Housing Authority | Evanston | (847) 328-4580 | City of Evanston |
| Cicero Housing Authority | Cicero | (708) 652-0500 | Town of Cicero |
| Harvey Housing Authority | Harvey | (708) 339-4100 | City of Harvey |
| Oak Park Housing Authority | Oak Park | (708) 383-6779 | Village of Oak Park |
| Park Forest Housing Authority | Park Forest | (708) 748-1112 | Village of Park Forest |
Chicago Collar County PHAs
| PHA Name | City | Phone | Service Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| DuPage Housing Authority | Wheaton | (630) 588-8000 | DuPage County |
| Lake County Housing Authority | North Chicago | (847) 223-1170 | Lake County |
| Kane County Housing Authority | Aurora | (630) 897-0707 | Kane County |
| Will County Housing Authority | Joliet | (815) 727-5531 | Will County |
| McHenry County Housing Authority | Woodstock | (815) 334-4300 | McHenry County |
| Aurora Housing Authority | Aurora | (630) 906-5470 | City of Aurora |
| Joliet Housing Authority | Joliet | (815) 727-5531 | City of Joliet |
North & Central Illinois PHAs
| PHA Name | City | Phone | Service Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rockford Housing Authority (RHA) | Rockford | (815) 489-4100 | Winnebago County |
| Peoria Housing Authority | Peoria | (309) 676-0731 | Peoria County |
| Bloomington Housing Authority | Bloomington | (309) 829-3360 | McLean County |
| Champaign County Housing Authority | Champaign | (217) 378-2800 | Champaign County |
| Champaign Housing Authority | Champaign | (217) 378-6800 | City of Champaign |
| Decatur Housing Authority | Decatur | (217) 423-7711 | Macon County |
| Elgin Housing Authority | Elgin | (847) 742-3715 | City of Elgin |
| Waukegan Housing Authority | Waukegan | (847) 623-5790 | City of Waukegan |
South & Downstate Illinois PHAs
| PHA Name | City | Phone | Service Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| Springfield Housing Authority | Springfield | (217) 753-5757 | Sangamon County |
| East St. Louis Housing Authority | East St. Louis | (618) 271-7666 | St. Clair County |
| Belleville Housing Authority | Belleville | (618) 234-4584 | City of Belleville |
| Alton Housing Authority | Alton | (618) 465-4151 | Madison County |
| Carbondale Housing Authority | Carbondale | (618) 457-3611 | Jackson County |
| Moline Housing Authority | Moline | (309) 764-7658 | Rock Island County |
| Rock Island Housing Authority | Rock Island | (309) 786-5654 | City of Rock Island |
Statewide Resource
| Organization | Phone | Website | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) | (312) 836-5200 | ihda.org | Statewide affordable housing finance, oversight, and certain rental assistance programs |
Tip: Illinois has over 100 PHAs. If your city or county is not listed above, visit HUD’s PHA directory at hud.gov/program_offices/public_indian_housing/pha/contacts and filter by Illinois. For smaller cities and rural communities, IHDA at ihda.org can direct you to the appropriate local agency.
How to Apply for Section 8 Housing Vouchers in Illinois
Here is a complete step-by-step guide to applying for Section 8 housing in Illinois:
Step 1: Identify Every Illinois PHA That Serves Your Area
In the Chicago metro, the landscape is particularly complex — CHA serves the city itself, the Housing Authority of Cook County serves suburban Cook, and each collar county (DuPage, Lake, Kane, Will, McHenry) operates its own PHA. Many individual suburbs also have their own housing authorities. Identify every PHA covering your target area and apply to all open waitlists simultaneously.
Step 2: Monitor for Open Waitlists
Most Illinois PHAs — especially CHA — keep their waitlists closed for extended periods. To stay ahead:
- Check each PHA’s official website regularly for waitlist announcements
- Call each Illinois PHA directly to ask about current waitlist status
- Monitor affordablehousingonline.com for Illinois waitlist openings
- Follow Lawyers’ Committee for Better Housing (lcbh.org) and Chicago Metropolitan Housing Development Corporation on social media for Chicago-area announcements
- Check ihda.org for statewide affordable housing program updates
Step 3: Apply the Moment a Waitlist Opens
CHA’s waitlist openings draw hundreds of thousands of applications. Smaller Illinois PHA openings still receive thousands. Be ready to apply instantly:
- Have all household member information ready: full names, dates of birth, SSNs, income details
- CHA and most major Illinois PHAs now offer online pre-applications
- Apply to every open Illinois PHA simultaneously — there is no rule limiting you to one
Step 4: Maintain Your Waitlist Position
Illinois PHA waitlists — particularly CHA — can run from 5 to 15+ years. Long-term management is essential:
- Update contact information with every PHA every time you move or change your phone number
- Respond immediately to all annual confirmation notices
- Document any changes qualifying you for priority placement:
- Currently homeless or residing in emergency shelter
- Victim of domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking (VAWA protections apply)
- Veteran or active-duty service member
- Person with a disability requiring accessible or supportive housing
- Displaced by fire, natural disaster, or government action
Step 5: Complete the Full Application
When your name is reached, gather these documents without delay:
- Photo ID — driver’s license, state ID, or passport for all adult household members
- Birth certificates — for all household members
- Social Security cards — for all household members
- Proof of income — recent pay stubs, Social Security or disability award letters, Illinois TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) award letters, or most recent federal tax return
- Bank statements — last 2–3 months for all accounts
- Rental history — landlord names, addresses, and contact info for the past 2–3 years
- Benefit letters — SNAP, Illinois Medicaid (Managed Care), TANF, or other Illinois benefit award letters
Step 6: Attend the Eligibility Interview
A PHA specialist will review your application, verify documents, and conduct an eligibility interview. Illinois and Chicago’s fair chance housing protections provide more recourse than most states if you have prior criminal history. Contact Lawyers’ Committee for Better Housing at (312) 347-7600 if you believe your application was improperly rejected.
Step 7: Receive Your Voucher and Find Housing
If approved, you receive your Illinois Section 8 voucher and typically have 60 to 120 days to find eligible housing. Illinois’s statewide SOI protection law means landlords cannot legally reject you solely because of your voucher — use this right actively. Request extensions proactively if needed.
Finding Section 8 Housing in Illinois
Illinois’s statewide SOI protection law is a significant advantage for voucher holders. Here are the best resources:
- HUD Housing Locator: hudhousinglocator.com — search by Illinois city or ZIP code
- GoSection8.com: large national database with extensive Illinois and Chicago-area listings
- AffordableHousing.com: filter by Illinois for voucher-friendly listings
- Your local PHA landlord list: request the internal participating landlord list at your briefing
- Zillow / Apartments.com / Craigslist Illinois: search keywords “Section 8 welcome,” “HCV accepted,” or “housing vouchers OK”
- Metropolitan Tenants Organization (MTO): tenantsorganization.net — tenant rights and housing resources for Chicago-area voucher holders; (773) 292-4980
- Lawyers’ Committee for Better Housing (LCBH): lcbh.org — free housing legal assistance and landlord-tenant mediation in Chicago; (312) 347-7600
- IDHR complaint line: If a landlord illegally rejects your voucher application, file with the Illinois Department of Human Rights at illinois.gov/dhr or (312) 814-6200
- Chicago Commission on Human Relations: If in Chicago, report violations to CCHR at (312) 744-4111
Illinois Section 8 Housing: Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Section 8 waitlist in Illinois?
Wait times vary enormously by location. Chicago Housing Authority (CHA) has one of the longest waitlists in the country — when it last opened, it drew over 280,000 applications for a fraction of that many vouchers, with projected waits exceeding 10 to 15 years. The Housing Authority of Cook County has similarly long waits. In the collar counties (DuPage, Lake, Kane, Will), waits typically run 3 to 7 years. Downstate cities like Peoria, Springfield, Rockford, and Champaign generally have shorter waits — often 2 to 5 years. Applying to multiple Illinois PHAs simultaneously is the single most effective strategy.
Can an Illinois landlord refuse Section 8?
No — not legally. The Illinois Human Rights Act prohibits landlords statewide from refusing to rent to a tenant solely because they hold a Section 8 voucher. Chicago has additional local reinforcement through the Chicago Human Rights Ordinance. If an Illinois landlord rejects your application because of your voucher, file a complaint with the Illinois Department of Human Rights at illinois.gov/dhr or call (312) 814-6200. Chicago residents can also file with the Chicago Commission on Human Relations at (312) 744-4111.
What is the income limit for Section 8 in Illinois?
Income limits vary significantly by county. For a family of four, the Very Low Income limit (50% AMI) ranges from approximately $32,000 in rural Illinois to $63,500 in Lake and DuPage counties. The City of Chicago / Cook County is approximately $58,500. Champaign-Urbana is approximately $41,200 and Peoria approximately $40,350. Verify current county-specific limits at huduser.gov as they are updated annually.
How much does Section 8 pay for rent in Illinois?
In Chicago (Cook County), CHA payment standards for a two-bedroom unit are approximately $1,650–$1,900. In Lake and DuPage counties, they run approximately $1,800–$2,100. In Rockford, Peoria, and Springfield, approximately $980–$1,200. In Champaign-Urbana and Bloomington-Normal, approximately $1,100–$1,350. Downstate and rural Illinois PHAs typically run $750–$950 for a two-bedroom. Contact your specific PHA for current exact payment standards.
Is CHA’s Section 8 waitlist open?
CHA’s Housing Choice Voucher waitlist openings are extremely rare — the last opening was heavily publicized and drew hundreds of thousands of applications. Monitor thecha.org directly and sign up for CHA notifications. While waiting for CHA, also apply to the Housing Authority of Cook County (hacook.org) and all collar county PHAs — they operate separate waitlists and may have different availability. Suburban Cook County and collar county waitlists are often overlooked by Chicago-focused applicants.
What is Chicago’s “Just Housing Amendment” and how does it affect Section 8 applicants?
Chicago’s Just Housing Amendment to the Cook County Human Rights Ordinance (effective 2020) significantly restricts when and how landlords in Cook County can use criminal history in tenant screening. Landlords must conduct individualized assessments rather than blanket rejections. This applies to Section 8 landlords in Cook County as well. If a Cook County landlord rejected your application due to criminal history without conducting an individualized review, contact Lawyers’ Committee for Better Housing at (312) 347-7600 or file a complaint with the Cook County Commission on Human Rights at (312) 603-1100.
Can I use my Illinois Section 8 voucher in another state?
Yes. After living in your initial Illinois Section 8-assisted unit for at least 12 months, you can port your voucher to another state. Contact your Illinois PHA to initiate the portability process. Your subsidy will be recalculated based on the receiving area’s payment standards, which may be higher or lower than Illinois levels.
Are there Section 8 vouchers for veterans in Illinois?
Yes. The HUD-VASH program provides Section 8 vouchers for homeless veterans combined with VA case management. Illinois has multiple VA facilities administering HUD-VASH vouchers, including the Jesse Brown VA Medical Center (Chicago) at (312) 569-8387, Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital (Hines) at (708) 202-8387, Peoria VA at (309) 497-0790, and Danville VA at (217) 554-3000. Contact your nearest Illinois VA to inquire about HUD-VASH availability.
What other housing programs are available in Illinois besides Section 8?
Illinois has several additional programs including the Illinois Rental Payment Program (ILRPP) — an emergency rental assistance program — administered through IHDA, the Illinois Affordable Housing Tax Credit program, and IHDA’s statewide affordable housing portfolio. Chicago specifically offers the Chicago Low-Income Housing Trust Fund (CLIHTF) which provides subsidized units directly to low-income Chicago renters. Contact IHDA at (312) 836-5200 or visit ihda.org for statewide program details, and dial 211 for immediate local referrals.
Additional Housing Resources in Illinois
- Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA): ihda.org — statewide affordable housing finance, rental assistance, and homeownership programs; (312) 836-5200
- Chicago Housing Authority (CHA): thecha.org — Chicago’s primary Section 8 and public housing administrator; (312) 742-8500
- 2-1-1 Illinois: Dial 211 or visit 211.org (select Illinois) — emergency housing, shelter, utility assistance, and social services statewide, 24/7
- Illinois Department of Human Rights (IDHR): illinois.gov/dhr — file SOI and housing discrimination complaints; (312) 814-6200 (Chicago) / (217) 785-5100 (Springfield)
- Chicago Commission on Human Relations (CCHR): chicago.gov/cchr — Chicago fair housing enforcement; (312) 744-4111
- Lawyers’ Committee for Better Housing (LCBH): lcbh.org — free housing legal assistance for Chicago-area renters; (312) 347-7600
- Metropolitan Tenants Organization (MTO): tenantsorganization.net — tenant rights resources and housing advocacy in Chicago; (773) 292-4980
- Illinois Legal Aid Online: illinoislegalaid.org — free legal help and self-help tools for housing issues statewide
- Prairie State Legal Services: prairiestatelegala.org — free housing legal assistance for low-income residents in northern and central Illinois; (800) 531-7057
- Land of Lincoln Legal Aid: lollaf.org — free housing legal assistance for low-income residents in central and southern Illinois; (877) 342-7891
- Chicago Low-Income Housing Trust Fund (CLIHTF): chicagotrustfund.org — subsidized rental units in Chicago for extremely low-income residents; (312) 744-3653
- HUD-Approved Housing Counselors: Free counseling statewide — find one at hud.gov/housingcounseling
- HUD-VASH for Veterans: Contact Jesse Brown VA at (312) 569-8387 for homeless veteran housing vouchers in Chicago
- All Chicago: allchicago.org — homeless services, rapid rehousing, and housing navigation in Chicago; (312) 379-0301
Final Thoughts: Getting Section 8 Housing in Illinois
Securing a Section 8 housing voucher in Illinois — particularly in Chicago — is one of the most competitive housing assistance processes in the country. But Illinois also offers some of the strongest protections for voucher holders, including a statewide SOI law, Chicago’s Just Housing Amendment, and a robust network of legal aid and housing advocacy organizations.
Here are the most important actions to take right now:
- Apply to every open Illinois PHA waitlist immediately — CHA, Housing Authority of Cook County, all collar county PHAs, and downstate PHAs if you are flexible on location
- Don’t overlook suburban Cook and collar county PHAs — these are often more overlooked than CHA and may have shorter waits
- Keep all contact information current with every PHA you have applied to — this is the most common reason people lose waitlist positions
- Organize your documents now so you are ready the moment your name is called
- Know your legal rights — Illinois law prohibits landlords from rejecting your application solely because of your voucher; report violations to IDHR or CCHR
- Dial 211 for immediate help with housing, emergency rental assistance, and other urgent needs while you wait
For the most current waitlist information, contact your local Illinois PHA directly or visit the Illinois Housing Development Authority at ihda.org.
Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Income limits, Fair Market Rents, payment standards, and program rules are updated annually by HUD. Illinois state and local housing laws are also subject to change. Always verify current information with your local Illinois Public Housing Authority, the Illinois Housing Development Authority, or a HUD-approved housing counselor before applying.