Table of Contents
Illinois Section 8 housing introduction
The Illinois Section 8 Housing program is a nationwide initiative that offers rental support to individuals and families with low incomes. In the state of Illinois, this program is overseen by the Illinois Housing Authorities, who collaborate with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to ensure that eligible households have access to affordable housing options.
Understanding the program and its eligibility requirements is crucial to fully utilize the benefits it provides. This article offers comprehensive information about the qualifications for Illinois Section 8 housing in Illinois, the application process, the maximum rent amount covered by Section 8, income limits, fair market rents, housing authorities in the state, waiting lists, alternative low-income housing options, and the typical approval timeline. By reading this article, individuals can gain knowledge about various aspects of the program and its potential to assist them and their families in securing affordable and secure housing in Illinois. You can find all Section 8 Housing Guide by state on the Section 8 Housing page.
Qualification for Illinois section 8 housing program
In order to qualify for Illinois Section 8 housing in Illinois, there are specific criteria that must be met. These criteria are essential eligibility requirements for the program.
- Income limits: To qualify for certain benefits or assistance programs, your household income must be below a specific threshold determined by HUD. These income limits are adjusted every year and vary depending on the size of your household and the location you reside in.
- Household size: The number of individuals in your household must match the number stated on your application. This is important as it will impact your eligibility for rental assistance and the amount you can receive.
- U.S. citizenship or eligible immigration status:To qualify for Illinois Section 8 housing, you need to be either a U.S. citizen or have lawful immigration status.
- Background checks: Housing authorities may carry out comprehensive background checks in order to verify that applicants do not possess a criminal record that would render them ineligible for receiving assistance.
- Rental history: Your previous rental experiences will be taken into account, including any instances of eviction from a rental property.
There are several factors that can impact an individual’s eligibility for Section 8 housing in Illinois. These factors may include:
- Unpaid debts to a housing authority or landlord
- Past involvement in the program and adherence to its rules
- Possession of property or assets that could be utilized for housing payments
- Inaccurate or incomplete submission of information on the application
The criteria for eligibility and the factors considered may differ among different housing authorities that oversee the Section 8 housing program. If you are uncertain about your qualification for Section 8 housing in Illinois, it is advisable to reach out to your local housing authority for further clarification.
Rent relief of Illinois section 8 housing
Section 8 in Illinois has a maximum rent payment amount, which is calculated using a formula. This formula considers the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the specific area where the rental property is situated, along with the household’s income and the number of bedrooms in the rental unit. The FMR is determined by HUD and reflects the cost of renting a moderately priced unit in the local housing market. The FMR changes yearly and varies depending on the geographic location.
After determining the Fair Market Rent (FMR), the rental assistance payment is calculated as the amount that remains after subtracting 30% of the household’s monthly income from the FMR of the rental unit’s location. However, it is important to note that the rental assistance payment cannot exceed the FMR for that specific area.
Rental properties that are part of the Section 8 program must meet specific criteria set by HUD to be eligible. These criteria include safety, sanitation, and habitability standards. The rental unit must also be priced within the area’s Fair Market Rent and approved by the housing authority overseeing the program. In certain situations, landlords may require tenants to pay extra fees or utilities that are not covered by the rental assistance payment. In such cases, it is the tenant’s responsibility to cover these additional costs.
Income limits for Illinois Section 8 Housing
In order to qualify for Illinois Section 8 housing in Illinois, your household income must be below a specific threshold determined by HUD. These income limits are adjusted on a yearly basis and vary depending on the size of your household and the location you reside in.
The income requirements for Illinois Section 8 housing in Illinois differ depending on the county and are determined by the average income of the area where the rental property is situated. The average income represents the middle point of the income distribution in a region, with half of households earning more and half earning less.
Household income encompasses all forms of cash received by the household, such as earnings, gratuities, financial support for children, Social Security benefits, and governmental aid. The calculation of income takes into account the projected earnings for the next 12 months.
The eligibility criteria for Illinois Section 8 housing vary based on the size of the family. In Cook County, IL, for instance, a family of four must have an annual income that does not exceed $56,200 to qualify for this housing program. It is crucial to understand that any changes in income can impact eligibility. If your income rises, you may no longer be eligible for rental assistance. Conversely, if your income decreases, you may become eligible for more assistance.
Please visit the Illinois Housing Authority page to find contact information to confirm your eligibility.
| Household Size | Income Limit |
| 1 | $49,150 |
| 2 | $56,200 |
| 3 | $63,250 |
| 4 | $70,300 |
| 5 | $76,000 |
Fair market rental for Illinois Section 8 Housing
HUD uses Fair Market Rents (FMRs) to establish the highest amount of rental assistance that Section 8 can offer for a specific rental unit. FMRs are determined annually for each geographic area and are influenced by the local housing market conditions.
The FMR for a particular area considers the rental cost of a moderately priced unit in that area, including utilities (excluding telephone) and other common expenses that tenants typically pay, such as security deposits. FMRs differ based on the size of the unit and its location.
In Cook County, the fair market rent (FMR) for a one-bedroom rental unit is $1,129, and for a four-bedroom rental unit, it is $2,329. These figures may vary slightly depending on the exact location within the county.
The Section 8 program assists families in affording secure and satisfactory housing by offering rental support that bridges the gap between 30% of their monthly income and the Fair Market Rent (FMR) in the specific area where the rental unit is situated. This guarantees that families do not exceed their housing affordability limits and enables them to find housing in secure and satisfactory neighborhoods.
| Unit Size | State Average | Chicago Area |
| Studio | $798 | $1,040 |
| 1 BR | $980 | $1,079 |
| 2 BR | $1,193 | $1,334 |
| 3 BR | $1,634 | $1,767 |
| 4 BR | $1,869 | $2,106 |
Application for Illinois Section 8 Housing
To seek Illinois Section 8 housing in Illinois, you must adhere to the application procedure of the housing authority in your desired county. Here is a broad outline of the application process and the necessary paperwork:
- Find the local housing authority: To begin, find the housing authority in the county where you desire to reside. This can be accomplished by conducting an online search or reaching out to the Illinois Department of Housing and Urban Development for assistance.
- Obtain an application: The majority of housing authorities offer a Section 8 application form that can be obtained through various means such as downloading it from their website, requesting it over the phone, or obtaining it in person.
- Complete the application: Complete the application form thoroughly and accurately, ensuring that all necessary information and documentation is provided. This includes details about your household size, income, assets, and expenses.
- Submit the application: After finishing the application, send it to the housing authority together with any necessary paperwork, such as evidence of earnings, identification, and citizenship.
- Wait for notification: Once you have submitted your application for Illinois Section 8 housing, the housing authority will send you a notification regarding your qualification. If you meet the eligibility criteria, you will be added to a waiting list until a suitable rental unit becomes accessible.
Please be aware that the application process might differ slightly depending on the particular housing authority. Additional documentation or alternative application procedures may be required by some housing authorities.
Some housing authorities in Illinois offer the option to apply for Illinois Section 8 housing online, in addition to the traditional paper application. To apply online, simply visit the housing authority’s website and carefully follow the provided instructions. If you have any doubts or need assistance regarding the application process or required documents, do not hesitate to reach out to the housing authority for guidance.
Illinois Housing Authorities
In Illinois, the Section 8 program is overseen by different housing authorities across the state. These authorities collaborate with HUD to offer rental aid to qualifying individuals and families. Their responsibilities include assessing eligibility, handling applications, and managing waiting lists. Additionally, they collaborate with landlords to approve suitable rental units and ensure they meet the necessary criteria.
| Housing Authority | Contact Information | Website |
| Chicago Housing Authority | 60 E Van Buren St, Chicago, IL 60605(312) 786-3000 | Visit Website |
| Aurora Housing Authority | 1449 Jericho Rd, Aurora, IL 60506(630) 701-9977 | Visit Website |
| Bloomington Housing Authority | 104 E Wood St, Bloomington, IL 61701(309) 829-3360 | Visit Website |
| Champaign County Housing Authority | 205 W Park Ave, Champaign, IL 61820(217) 378-7100 | Visit Website |
| East St. Louis Housing Authority | 700 N 20th St, East St Louis, IL 62205(618) 646-7144 | Visit Website |
| Peoria Housing Authority | 100 S Richard Pryor Pl, Peoria, IL 61605(309) 676-8736 | Visit Website |
| Rockford Housing Authority | 223 S Winnebago St, Rockford, IL 61102(815) 489-8500 | Visit Website |
It is crucial to collaborate with a trustworthy housing authority when seeking Illinois Section 8 housing in Illinois. Reliable housing authorities guarantee fair program administration and ensure that rental properties meet the necessary standards. Additionally, they offer support and guidance to applicants throughout the application procedure.
Conducting thorough research on the housing authority in your locality and seeking recommendations from acquaintances, relatives, or social service organizations is highly advisable. Collaborating with a trustworthy housing authority will guarantee that you receive the necessary aid and guidance to secure secure and reasonably priced accommodation in Illinois.
Illinois Section 8 Housing Waiting List
Due to a high demand for Section 8 housing in Illinois, many housing authorities have waiting lists. The length of these waiting lists can vary 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 based on priority, with families in the greatest need being given priority for available rental units. Priority may be given to families who are homeless, spending more than half of their income on rent, or living in inadequate housing conditions. The table below provides information on the waiting list status of various housing authorities in Illinois.
| 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 |
Low-income housing with no waiting list Illinois
Other than Section 8, Illinois offers various low-income housing alternatives to assist individuals and families in obtaining affordable and suitable housing. These programs aim to provide a secure and comfortable living environment.
- Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP): Offers financial aid to qualifying low-income families to assist with their energy expenses.
- Public Housing: Public housing, owned and managed by local housing authorities, offers rental housing to low-income families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities who meet the eligibility criteria.
- Rental Assistance Program (RAP): Offers rental aid to qualifying individuals and households with low income, disabilities, or elderly status.
- Supportive Housing Program: Offers rental aid and supportive services to qualified individuals who have disabilities, mental health conditions, or substance misuse problems.
Each program has specific requirements and a separate application process. To obtain more information and apply for these programs, reach out to the Illinois Department of Housing and Urban Development or your local housing authority.
It is crucial to understand that these programs may have extensive waiting lists and eligibility criteria can differ across programs. Nevertheless, they offer significant help to families and individuals seeking secure and suitable housing. By thoroughly researching all the low-income housing options in Illinois, you can discover a program that suits your requirements and promotes your overall welfare.
How long does it take to get approved for section 8 in Illinois?
The length of time it takes to be approved for Illinois Section 8 housing in Illinois can fluctuate due to various factors. These factors include the number of rental units available, the volume of applications received, and the duration needed to verify the information provided on the application.
Typically, the approval process for Illinois Section 8 housing in Illinois can span several weeks or even months. During this process, the housing authority will carefully assess your application, confirming your eligibility by examining your income, assets, and household size. Additionally, they will conduct background checks and review your rental history.
Factors that may impact the time it takes for your Section 8 housing application to be approved include providing incomplete or inaccurate information, not submitting all required documents, and delays in verifying the information provided.
If your application for Illinois Section 8 housing in Illinois is denied, you have the right to challenge the decision by filing an appeal. To do so, you should reach out to the housing authority for guidance on how to initiate the appeal process and to understand your rights. It is crucial to maintain regular communication with the housing authority during the application process and promptly provide any additional information or documentation requested.
This proactive approach can help expedite the approval process and enhance your chances of being approved for Section 8 housing in Illinois.
Conclusion
The Section 8 housing program in Illinois plays a vital role in assisting low-income individuals and families in obtaining affordable and suitable housing. Through offering financial aid that bridges the gap between 30% of the household’s monthly income and the fair market rent in the region, the program guarantees that families do not exceed their housing budget while also facilitating their access to secure and pleasant neighborhoods.
In order to be eligible for Section 8 housing in Illinois, individuals and families must fulfill specific criteria regarding their income and household size. The program is overseen by different local housing authorities, each responsible for a particular region within the state.
There are various low-income housing options available in Illinois, such as LIHEAP, public housing, and rental assistance programs, in addition to Section 8. It is crucial to explore all available options and work with a reputable housing authority to find a suitable program. However, it is important to note that applying for Section 8 housing in Illinois may involve a lengthy waiting list that can span several years. The approval process itself can also take several weeks or months, depending on various factors. Nevertheless, Section 8 housing in Illinois serves as a vital resource for low-income individuals and families, providing them with the necessary support to secure safe and affordable housing in the state.