The cost of housing in Illinois has risen significantly in recent years. In urban areas like Chicago, Champagne, and Rockford, affordable rental living is difficult to come by. Nonetheless, the population of these areas has continued to grow, and so has the demand for housing. Because of this, there are a variety of Illinois emergency rental assistance programs available for state residents who may be struggling with increased rent prices.

During times of emergency or financial hardship, many Americans find themselves at risk of being evicted. The cost of housing isn’t going down any time soon. Fortunately, there are short-term options available for Illinoisans who find themselves struggling to make rent. The state of Illinois provides emergency rental assistance for those who are in financial crisis and at risk of homelessness.

Illinois Emergency Rental Assistance Program Requirements

Each rental assistance program will have different requirements, but you may be eligible for emergency assistance if you find yourself in an emergency situation, for example:

You recently became unemployed and do not have a stable income
You are currently waiting on an eviction court case and are struggling to make rent
You have experienced significant financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath
Your current income is at or below 80% of the area median income

There are many extenuating circumstances that can make paying rent difficult. Below are some state-specific aid programs.

Illinois Rental Assistance

The major rental assistance program in the state is the Illinois Court-based Rental Assistance program. If you are a tenant who is facing eviction but has a pending case in court, you may be eligible for state rent assistance. Proof of citizenship is not a requirement for this form of aid.

Cash assistance programs in Illinois may be able to help your family stay afloat and keep your rental home during a time of financial crisis. For example, TANF can help pay for food, shelter, and other necessities.

Region-Specific Resources

As the greater Chicago area has the highest population density and the highest rate of homelessness, it is one of the most expensive cities in the United States. Funding dedicated to rental assistance is available, particularly for those most impacted by the pandemic. The Chicago Rental Assistance program is available to all Chicago residents who meet the income requirements and are at risk of eviction, regardless of citizenship status. Visit the application portal for more information.

There’s emergency rental assistance in Rockford, IL through their Community Action Assistance Program helps people with their first month of rent in a new location and provides temporary shelter for those who are already homeless.

The Champagne County Habitat for Humanities program can guide families to further housing assistance resources and help with rent assistance applications. The City of Champagne Township also provides general social assistance, which also applies to housing.

Nonprofits, Local Churches, and Private Organizations

State-based options may not be easily accessible to everyone. Another way to receive rental assistance is by working with nonprofit organizations or local churches. These types of organizations tend to have less “red tape” in the way of accessing rental assistance, but they also have limited resources and can only help each individual case to a certain extent.

Often, these organizations have a specific mission or community that they serve, such as:

Domestic violence shelters
Housing for immigrants and refugees
Housing for people with a disability
Housing for people suffering from addiction

These programs may offer temporary housing solutions including rent assistance.

Sometimes, private organizations such as banks or nonprofits can provide small loans to those who need temporary cash assistance for rent. Charity organizations often provide assistance with flexible requirements for paying the money back. Whatever your immediate needs are, there are a variety of emergency rental assistance programs in Illinois to help you get back on your feet.

Frequently Asked Questions

For how long can I receive rent assistance?

Most programs only provide assistance for a few months at a time. Emergency rent assistance is designed for those who are experiencing a temporary crisis that makes them unable to pay their rent for the time being.

What if I need housing assistance for a longer period of time?

For longer-term housing assistance visit the Affordable Housing Hub to explore options in finding affordable housing.
For Illinois residents, it is also a good idea to visit the Illinois Department of Human Services to explore resources.

How long does it take to receive rent assistance?

Depending on the type of program you are applying for, receiving aid can take. It is also never guaranteed that you will receive emergency rent assistance as funding is almost always limited, so it is important to start the process as soon as possible.

Facing housing insecurity is frightening and navigating social aid is not easy. At Affordable Housing Hub, we are here to support you in your path to stable housing.