Section 8 Housing in Illinois is a federal program that provides rental assistance to low-income families, individuals, and seniors, helping them afford safe and decent housing. Administered by local Illinois Housing Authorities in partnership with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), this program makes housing accessible to those who meet specific eligibility criteria.

Understanding the program’s requirements and application process is essential for those seeking assistance. This guide outlines who qualifies, how to apply, income limits, fair market rents, and other relevant details for Illinois in 2025.

Who Qualifies for Section 8 Housing in Illinois?

To qualify for Section 8 housing in Illinois, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements:

Income limits: Income must be below HUD’s established thresholds, which vary by household size and location.
Household size: Eligibility considers the number of household members and their relationship to one another.
U.S. citizenship or eligible immigration status: Applicants must be U.S. citizens or possess eligible immigration documentation.
Background checks: Housing authorities may disqualify applicants with criminal records or a history of eviction.
Rental history: A stable rental history may enhance eligibility.

Factors Affecting Eligibility for Section 8 in Illinois (2025)

Several factors can influence your eligibility for Section 8 housing assistance in Illinois. While basic requirements such as income limits and household size are standard, additional considerations may impact your application:

Outstanding Debt to a Housing Authority
Applicants with unpaid debts to any housing authority may face delays or disqualification until those debts are resolved.
Program Compliance History
A history of violations or non-compliance with Section 8 program rules, such as subleasing a unit or failure to report income changes, can affect eligibility.
Ownership of Significant Assets
Applicants who own substantial assets, such as a second home or investments exceeding program thresholds, may not qualify.
Incomplete or Inaccurate Application Information
Providing incomplete, false, or inconsistent information during the application process can result in denial or delays.
Criminal Background and Rental History
Certain criminal convictions or a poor rental history, including evictions or disputes, may influence your eligibility.
Local Housing Authority Policies
Eligibility requirements and preferences may vary slightly between housing authorities. For example, some prioritize individuals experiencing homelessness, veterans, or households with seniors or disabled members.

For detailed and up-to-date information about specific requirements and application processes, contact your local housing authority in Illinois. You can find contact information and resources through the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) or your nearest public housing authority.

What is the Maximum Rent Section 8 Will Cover in Illinois?

The maximum rent covered by Section 8 is determined by HUD’s Fair Market Rent (FMR) calculations and household income. FMR reflects the typical rent for a modest unit in a specific area, including basic utilities but excluding telephone services.

Calculation formula: Rental assistance = Fair Market Rent - 30% of household’s monthly income.

For example, in Cook County:

A one-bedroom unit has an FMR of $1,129.
A four-bedroom unit’s FMR is $2,329.

Rental units must meet HUD’s housing quality standards and fall within FMR limits to qualify for Section 8 payments. Any additional fees not covered by the program are the tenant’s responsibility.

Income Limits for Section 8 Housing in Illinois

HUD’s income limits for Section 8 eligibility vary by county and household size, based on the Area Median Income (AMI). Income includes all cash sources, such as wages, child support, and public benefits.

For example, a single person may need an income below $23,100, while a family of four may need to earn less than $33,000 to qualify. Income increases may impact continued eligibility. Contact your local housing authority to confirm current limits.

The following table shows the average Income Limits in Illinois.

Fair Market Rents for Section 8 Housing in Illinois

Fair Market Rents (FMRs) are established by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) annually to determine the maximum amount of rental assistance that Section 8 can provide for a given rental unit. FMRs are based on local housing market conditions and reflect the cost of renting a moderately priced unit, including utilities (except telephone) and other standard tenant-paid expenses.

FMRs vary depending on the size of the rental unit and the geographic location. They are updated yearly to account for changes in the housing market and ensure Section 8 participants have access to affordable housing.

FMRs may vary slightly within different parts of Cook County, depending on the specific neighborhood or suburb. These figures ensure that Section 8 recipients have housing options that meet their needs while aligning with current market conditions.

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:

Locate your local housing authority: Visit HUD’s website or search for housing authorities in Illinois.
Complete the application: Provide accurate details about your income, household size, and assets. Applications may be available online or in person.
Submit documentation: Include proof of income, identification, and any requested paperwork.
Wait for eligibility notification: Approved applicants are added to a waiting list, which may take months due to demand.

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:

Public Housing: Provides rental units owned by local authorities.
Rental Assistance Program (RAP): Offers subsidies to eligible households.
Supportive Housing Program: Assists individuals with disabilities or chronic issues.
LIHEAP: Helps with energy costs for low-income households.

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.

Benefit From Section 8 in Illinois

Section 8 Housing in Illinois provides essential support for low-income individuals and families. By covering the gap between income and fair market rents, the program ensures access to safe, affordable housing. Understanding eligibility requirements and applying through your local housing authority can help secure assistance. For additional resources, explore other state and federal housing programs.