Introduction

Illinois Section 8 Housing is a federal program that provides rental assistance to low-income families and individuals across the United States. In Illinois, the program is administered by the Illinois Housing Authorities, which work with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to provide affordable housing to eligible families.

It's important to understand the program and its eligibility requirements to take advantage of the benefits it offers. This article provides information on who qualifies for Section 8 housing in Illinois, how to apply for the program, the maximum amount of rent that Section 8 will pay in the state, income limits for the program, fair market rents, housing authorities in Illinois, waiting lists, other low-income housing options in the state, and how long it takes to get approved for Section 8 in Illinois. By reading this article, you can learn about the different aspects of the program and how it can help you and your family find affordable and safe housing in Illinois.

Who Qualifies for Section 8 Housing in Illinois?

To be eligible for Section 8 housing in Illinois, you must meet certain criteria. Some of the main eligibility requirements for the program include:

Income limits: Your income must be below a certain level based on your household size and the area where you live. Income limits are set by HUD and are adjusted annually.
Household size: Your household size must be consistent with the number of people listed on your application. The number of people in your household will be taken into account when determining your eligibility and the amount of rental assistance you can receive.
U.S. citizenship or eligible immigration status: You must be a U.S. citizen or have eligible immigration status to be eligible for Section 8 housing.
Background checks: Housing authorities may conduct background checks to ensure that applicants do not have a criminal history that would prevent them from receiving assistance.
Rental history: Your rental history will also be considered, including whether you have been evicted from a rental property in the past.

Factors that can affect eligibility for Section 8 housing in Illinois include:

Outstanding debt owed to a housing authority or landlord
Previous participation in the program and compliance with its requirements
Ownership of property or assets that could be used to pay for housing
Failure to provide accurate and complete information on the application

It's important to note that eligibility requirements and factors can vary depending on the specific housing authority administering the program. If you're unsure about whether you qualify for Section 8 housing in Illinois, contact your local housing authority for more information.

What is the Maximum Amount of Rent That Section 8 Will Pay in Illinois?

The maximum amount of rent that Section 8 will pay in Illinois is determined by a formula that takes into account the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the area where the rental property is located, as well as the household's income and the number of bedrooms in the rental unit.

The FMR is determined by HUD and is based on the local housing market conditions. It represents the cost of renting a moderately priced rental unit in the area. The FMR varies by geographic location and is adjusted annually.

Once the FMR is determined, the rental assistance payment is calculated as the difference between 30% of the household's monthly income and the FMR for the area where the rental unit is located. The amount of rental assistance cannot exceed the FMR for the area.

Rental properties that participate in the Section 8 program must meet certain quality standards to be approved for the program. These standards are set by HUD and include requirements related to safety, sanitation, and habitability. The rental unit must also be priced within the FMR for the area and must be approved by the housing authority administering the program.

In some cases, landlords may charge additional fees or utilities that are not covered by the rental assistance payment. In such cases, the tenant is responsible for paying these additional costs.

Income Limits for Section 8 Housing in Illinois

To be eligible for Section 8 housing in Illinois, your income must be below a certain level based on your household size and the area where you live. Income limits are set by HUD and are adjusted annually.

The income limits for Section 8 housing in Illinois vary by county and are based on the area median income (AMI) for the area where the rental property is located. The AMI is the midpoint of a region's income distribution, meaning that half of households earn more than the AMI and half earn less.

Income includes all sources of cash received by the household, including wages, tips, child support, Social Security, and public assistance. Income is calculated based on the anticipated income for the upcoming 12-month period.

The income limits for Section 8 housing are organized by family size. For example, a family of four in Cook County, IL, would need to have an annual income of $56,200 or less to be eligible for Section 8 housing.

It's important to note that changes in income can affect eligibility for Section 8 housing. If your income increases, you may no longer be eligible for rental assistance. Conversely, if your income decreases, you may become eligible for additional assistance.

If you're unsure about whether you meet the income limits for Section 8 housing in Illinois, contact your local housing authority for more information.

The following table shows the average Income Limits in Illinois.

Fair Market Rents for Section 8 Housing in Illinois

Fair Market Rents (FMRs) are used by HUD to determine the maximum amount of rental assistance that Section 8 can provide for a given rental unit. FMRs are determined annually for every geographic area and are based on the local housing market conditions.

The FMR for a specific area takes into account the cost of renting a moderately priced rental unit in the area, including the cost of utilities (except telephone) and other typical tenant-paid expenses such as security deposits. FMRs vary depending on the size of the rental unit and the geographic location.

For example, in Cook County, the FMR for a one-bedroom rental unit is $1,129, while the FMR for a four-bedroom rental unit is $2,329. These amounts may be adjusted slightly based on the specific location within the county.

The Section 8 program helps families afford safe and decent housing by providing rental assistance that covers the difference between 30% of the household's monthly income and the FMR for the area where the rental unit is located. This ensures that families are not paying more than they can afford for housing, while also helping them to access housing in safe and decent neighborhoods.

By providing assistance that is tied to the local rental market conditions, the Section 8 program helps families afford housing that meets their needs and supports their overall well-being.

The following table shows Fair Market Rents in Illinois and the greater chicago area.

How Do I Apply for Section 8 Housing in Illinois?

To apply for Section 8 housing in Illinois, you will need to follow the application process for the housing authority in the county where you want to live. Here's a general overview of the application process and the required documentation:

Find the local housing authority: Start by identifying the housing authority in the county where you want to live. You can search for housing authorities online or by contacting the Illinois Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Obtain an application: Most housing authorities have a Section 8 application form that you can download from their website or request by phone or in person.
Complete the application: Fill out the application form completely and accurately. Provide all the required information and documentation, including your household size, income, assets, and expenses.
Submit the application: Once you have completed the application, submit it to the housing authority along with any required documentation, such as proof of income, identification, and citizenship.
Wait for notification: After submitting your application, you will receive a notification from the housing authority about your eligibility for Section 8 housing. If you are eligible, you will be placed on a waiting list until a rental unit becomes available.

It's important to note that the application process may vary slightly depending on the specific housing authority. Some housing authorities may require additional documentation or have different application procedures.

In addition to submitting a paper application, some housing authorities in Illinois also allow applicants to apply online for Section 8 housing. To apply online, visit the housing authority's website and follow the instructions for submitting an online application.

If you have any questions about the application process or required documentation, contact the housing authority for assistance.

Illinois Housing Authorities

The Section 8 program in Illinois is administered by various local housing authorities, each serving a specific geographic area within the state. These housing authorities work in partnership with HUD to provide rental assistance to eligible families and individuals.

The housing authorities are responsible for determining eligibility for the program, processing applications, and maintaining waiting lists. They also work with landlords to approve rental units for the program and ensure that rental properties meet the required standards.

Some of the housing authorities in Illinois that administer the Section 8 program include:

Housing Authority	Contact Information	Website
Chicago Housing Authority	60 E Van Buren St, Chicago, IL 60605 (312) 786-3000 Email	Visit Website
Aurora Housing Authority	1449 Jericho Rd, Aurora, IL 60506 (630) 701-9977 Email	Visit Website
Bloomington Housing Authority	104 E Wood St, Bloomington, IL 61701 (309) 829-3360 Email	Visit Website
Champaign County Housing Authority	205 W Park Ave, Champaign, IL 61820 (217) 378-7100 Email	Visit Website
East St. Louis Housing Authority	700 N 20th St, East St Louis, IL 62205 (618) 646-7144 Email	Visit Website
Peoria Housing Authority	100 S Richard Pryor Pl, Peoria, IL 61605 (309) 676-8736 Email	Visit Website
Rockford Housing Authority	223 S Winnebago St, Rockford, IL 61102 (815) 489-8500 Email	Visit Website

When applying for Section 8 housing in Illinois, it's important to work with a reputable housing authority. Reputable housing authorities will ensure that the program is administered fairly and that rental properties meet the required standards. They will also provide assistance to applicants throughout the application process.

It's a good idea to research the housing authority in your area and to ask for recommendations from friends, family, or social service agencies. By working with a reputable housing authority, you can ensure that you are receiving the support and assistance you need to find safe and affordable housing in Illinois.

Section 8 Housing Illinois Waiting List

Due to high demand, many housing authorities in Illinois have waiting lists for Section 8 housing. Waiting lists can vary in length depending on the area and the availability of rental units.

When you apply for Section 8 housing, you will be placed on a waiting list until a rental unit becomes available. The waiting list is organized by priority, with families in the most need given priority for available rental units. Priority may be given to families that are homeless, paying more than 50% of their income for rent, or living in substandard housing. The following table shows Illinois Housing Authorities and their current waiting list status.

  
      Housing Authority
      Waiting List Status
    
      Chicago Housing Authority
      Open
    
      Aurora Housing Authority
      Closed
    
      Bloomington Housing Authority
      Open
    
      Champaign County Housing Authority
      Open
    
      East St. Louis Housing Authority
      Open
    
      Peoria Housing Authority
      Open
    
      Rockford Housing Authority
      Closed
    
      Decatur Housing Authority
      Closed
    
      DuPage Housing Authority
      Open
    
      Elgin Housing Authority
      Closed
    
      Elmhurst Housing Authority
      Open
    
      Harvey Housing Authority
      Closed
    
      Joliet Housing Authority
      Closed
    
      McHenry County Housing Authority
      Closed
    
      Moline Housing Authority
      Open
    
      North Chicago Housing Authority
      Closed
    
      Peoria County Housing Authority
      Open
    
      Springfield Housing Authority
      Open
    
      Waukegan Housing Authority
      Closed

Other Low-Income Housing Options in Illinois

In addition to the Section 8 program, there are other low-income housing options available in Illinois. These programs are designed to help families and individuals afford safe and decent housing.

Some of the other low-income housing options in Illinois include:

Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP): Provides financial assistance to eligible low-income households to help with energy bills.
Public Housing: Provides rental housing to eligible low-income families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities. Public housing is owned and operated by local housing authorities.
Rental Assistance Program (RAP): Provides rental assistance to eligible low-income families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities.
Supportive Housing Program: Provides rental assistance and supportive services to eligible individuals with disabilities, mental illness, or substance abuse issues.

Each of these programs has its own eligibility requirements and application process. To learn more about these programs and how to apply, contact the Illinois Department of Housing and Urban Development or your local housing authority.

It's important to note that these programs can have long waiting lists and eligibility requirements may vary by program. However, they can provide valuable assistance to families and individuals in need of safe and decent housing.

By exploring all available low-income housing options in Illinois, you can find a program that meets your needs and supports your overall well-being.

How Long Does it Take to Get Approved for Section 8 in Illinois?

The timeframe for approval for Section 8 housing in Illinois can vary depending on a number of factors, including the availability of rental units, the volume of applications received, and the time it takes to verify information provided on the application.

In general, it can take several weeks or months to get approved for Section 8 housing in Illinois. The housing authority will review your application and verify your eligibility, including your income, assets, and household size. They will also perform background checks and check your rental history.

Factors that can affect the approval timeline include incomplete or inaccurate application information, missing documentation, and delays in verifying information.

If you are denied approval for Section 8 housing in Illinois, you have the right to appeal the decision. Contact the housing authority to find out how to file an appeal and to learn about your rights.

It's important to stay in contact with the housing authority throughout the application process and to provide any additional information or documentation that is requested. This can help speed up the approval process and increase your chances of being approved for Section 8 housing in Illinois.

Conclusion

Section 8 housing in Illinois is an important program that helps low-income families and individuals afford safe and decent housing. By providing rental assistance that covers the difference between 30% of the household's monthly income and the fair market rent for the area, the program ensures that families are not paying more than they can afford for housing, while also helping them to access housing in safe and decent neighborhoods.

To qualify for Section 8 housing in Illinois, families and individuals must meet certain eligibility requirements, including income limits and household size requirements. The program is administered by various local housing authorities, each serving a specific geographic area within the state.

In addition to the Section 8 program, there are other low-income housing options available in Illinois, including LIHEAP, public housing, and rental assistance programs. It's important to explore all available options and to work with a reputable housing authority to find a program that meets your needs.

If you are interested in applying for Section 8 housing in Illinois, be prepared for a waiting list that can be several years long. The approval process can also take several weeks or months, depending on a number of factors.

Overall, Section 8 housing in Illinois is an important resource for low-income families and individuals. By understanding the program and its eligibility requirements, families can access the support they need to find safe and affordable housing in Illinois.