Go Section 8 Chicago: Your 2025 Path to Housing Assistance

For many seeking affordable housing, the search to go Section 8 Chicago is the first step, but it often leads to a complex and confusing system. The primary rental assistance program, known as the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV), is administered by two main bodies: the Chicago Housing Authority (CHA) for the city itself and the Housing Authority of Cook County (HACC) for suburban areas.

While the waitlist for the highly sought-after traditional Section 8 voucher is currently closed in Chicago, this is not a dead end. Several other significant housing assistance programs have waitlists that are open right now. These programs offer a direct path to securing affordable housing for eligible families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities. The key is understanding these alternative programs and knowing how to apply.

The Different Types of Housing Assistance in Chicago

Navigating Chicago’s affordable housing landscape requires understanding the distinct programs available. Each program has its own rules for application and portability. The term "Section 8" is often used as a catch-all, but the CHA offers four main types of subsidized housing, only one of which is the traditional portable voucher.

The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program

This is the federal government's primary program for assisting low-income families and is what most people mean when they refer to "Section 8". It provides a tenant-based voucher that is portable, meaning a family can use it to rent a suitable unit in the private market from a landlord willing to participate in the program.

In Chicago, the CHA manages the HCV program, but its waitlist is closed at this time. The waitlist only opens for short periods, with applicants selected through a lottery system. The Housing Authority of Cook County (HACC) manages a separate HCV program for suburban Cook County.

Public Housing

Unlike the voucher program, Public Housing consists of rental units owned and managed directly by the Chicago Housing Authority. These properties range from family developments to senior-living buildings across the city.

A major advantage of this program is that the waitlists for Public Housing properties are always open. This allows individuals to apply at any time for specific buildings or groups of properties.

Project-Based Vouchers (PBV)

The PBV program provides rental assistance that is tied to a specific unit in a privately-owned building, rather than to the tenant. This means the subsidy does not move with the family if they decide to leave the unit.

However, after living in a PBV unit for at least one year, a resident may be eligible to request a portable Housing Choice Voucher. Availability is not guaranteed and depends on CHA resources. Like Public Housing, the waitlists for designated PBV properties are always open.

Project-Based Rental Assistance (PBRA)

Similar to the PBV program, PBRA provides rental assistance that is attached to units in specific, approved buildings. The subsidy helps tenants afford rent in these designated properties. The waitlists for PBRA properties are also open for applications.

The distinctions between these programs are critical. The fact that the most well-known program (HCV) is closed often creates a barrier, yet three other substantial programs remain continuously open. This shifts the essential question for applicants from "How do I get a Section 8 voucher?" to "How do I apply for the housing assistance that is available in Chicago right now?".

Chicago Housing Assistance Programs at a Glance

2025 Eligibility: Do You Qualify for Assistance

Eligibility for CHA housing programs is determined by several key factors. Income is the primary qualifier, but citizenship, background checks, and rental history are also critical components of the screening process.

2025 Income Limits for Chicago

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) sets income limits annually for different metropolitan areas based on the Area Median Income (AMI). For most CHA programs, a household's gross annual income must fall into the "Extremely Low-Income" (30% of AMI) or "Very Low-Income" (50% of AMI) categories. To qualify for CHA Public Housing, a family's income generally cannot exceed 80% of the AMI.

The official 2025 income limits for the Chicago-Naperville-Joliet metropolitan area are detailed below.

CHA & HACC 2025 Income Limits by Household Size (Chicago-Naperville-Joliet, IL HUD Metro FMR Area)

Other Core Eligibility Requirements

Beyond income, applicants must meet several other criteria.

• Citizenship/Immigration Status: At least one person in the applicant household must be a U.S. citizen or have an eligible immigration status. All members must provide documentation. While undocumented individuals can be part of an applying household, the requirement for at least one eligible member often disqualifies households composed entirely of recent migrants.
• Criminal Background and Rental History: The CHA conducts background, credit, and residential history checks once an applicant reaches the top of a waitlist. Importantly, CHA complies with the Cook County Just Housing Amendment (JHA). This ordinance prohibits denying an application based on arrest records and requires an individualized assessment for any criminal convictions before a denial can be issued.
• Debts to Housing Authorities: Applicants who owe money to the CHA or any other housing authority must repay the debt in full before they can qualify for assistance.
• Household and Unit Size: The size of the household must be appropriate for the size of the available apartment. The CHA generally follows a guideline of one to two persons per bedroom.

How to Apply for Open Housing Waitlists

With the Public Housing, PBV, and PBRA waitlists continuously open, the application process is accessible online. The entire system is centralized through a single portal, but support is available for those who need it.

The CHA Waitlist Portal

The official and only place to apply for open CHA waitlists is the CHA Waitlist Portal, located at applyonline.thecha.org. This website is the hub for submitting new applications, updating existing ones, and checking your status. Be wary of any other websites that charge a fee to apply; the CHA never charges for waitlist applications.

Step-by-Step Application Guide

1. Create an Account: The first step is to register on the portal. This requires a valid email address, your date of birth, and either a Social Security Number or Alien Registration Number. Free email accounts are available from providers like Gmail, Yahoo, and Outlook.
2. Submit a New Application: Once registered, choose the option to begin a new waitlist application. You will need to provide information for all household members, including names, birth dates, and income details.
3. Select Properties and Preferences: The system allows you to apply for specific Public Housing properties, PBV buildings, or PBRA units. You can also request waitlist preferences if you belong to certain groups, such as veterans, persons with disabilities, those experiencing homelessness, or victims of domestic violence. These preferences can result in a higher position on the waitlist.
4. Confirmation and Waiting: After submitting, you will receive an email confirmation. It is critical to understand that the wait for housing can be extremely long, with estimates often exceeding 10 years. Documentation is not verified until your name reaches the top of a list and a unit becomes available.

Checking Your Status and Getting Help

You can log back into the portal at any time to check your application status or update your information, such as a change of address or family composition. Keeping this information current is essential.

The digital nature of the application process can be a hurdle for some. Recognizing this, the CHA provides in-person and phone support. Applicants who need assistance can visit the CHA Client Center at 60 E. Van Buren Street or call (312) 742-8500 for help with their application.

You Have a Voucher: What Happens Next

Being selected from a waitlist and issued a voucher is a major milestone, but it marks the beginning of another complex process. The journey from voucher in hand to moving into a new home involves a series of mandatory steps and strict deadlines.

The Briefing Session

Upon selection, you must attend a mandatory briefing session, which can be held in a group, individually, or remotely. During this session, CHA staff will explain the program rules, family obligations, how to search for housing, and how portability works.

You will receive a briefing packet containing your voucher. This document specifies the unit size you qualify for and, most importantly, the voucher's expiration date.

The Housing Search

You typically have between 60 and 120 days to find a suitable rental unit before your voucher expires. The search is your responsibility. Useful resources include:

• AffordableHousing.com: A CHA partner website for listing and finding units.
• Other Listing Sites: Realtor.com and Apartments.com are also recommended resources.
• Landlord Lists: The CHA may provide lists of property owners who have previously participated in the program.

The Approval Process: A Multi-Step Gauntlet

Finding a landlord willing to accept your voucher is only the first step. A sequence of bureaucratic approvals must be completed before you can move in. This process can take 30 to 45 days or longer after you submit the initial paperwork.

1. Request for Tenancy Approval (RTA): You must give the RTA packet to your prospective landlord. They must complete, sign, and submit it to the CHA to begin the process.
2. HQS Inspection: The CHA will schedule an inspection of the unit to ensure it meets HUD's Housing Quality Standards (HQS). The unit must pass this inspection before the lease can be approved. Common reasons for failure include inoperable smoke detectors, faulty plumbing, or peeling paint.  
3. Rent Reasonableness: CHA determines if the landlord's requested rent is "reasonable" by comparing it to the market rate for similar, unsubsidized units in the same neighborhood. The payment standard is the maximum subsidy CHA can pay, but the final approved rent may be lower.
4. Lease and HAP Contract: Only after the unit passes inspection and the rent is approved can you, the landlord, and the CHA sign the final documents: the lease agreement and the Housing Assistance Payments (HAP) contract. You cannot move in before this step is complete.

Your Ongoing Responsibilities

To remain in the program, you must adhere to all rules. Key obligations include:

• Paying your portion of the rent on time.
• Maintaining the unit in good condition.
• Reporting any changes in your income or household size to the CHA immediately.
• Completing an annual recertification to confirm your continued eligibility.

A Landlord's Guide to the Section 8 Program

For property owners, participating in Chicago's housing assistance programs can offer significant benefits. It also comes with legal and administrative responsibilities. Due to local ordinances, all landlords in Chicago must be familiar with the basics of the program.

Benefits of Participation

The primary advantages for landlords include:

• Reliable Rent Payments: The CHA's portion of the rent is paid directly to the landlord via direct deposit each month, providing a stable and guaranteed income stream.
• Large Tenant Pool: The program provides access to a vast number of prospective tenants seeking housing.
• Free Inspections: The CHA conducts free initial and biennial inspections, which can help landlords ensure their properties are maintained to a safe and decent standard.
• Tax Abatements: Landlords participating with the Housing Authority of Cook County (HACC) may be eligible for a property tax abatement of up to 19%.

The Landlord Process and Legal Obligations

It is illegal in Chicago and Cook County to refuse to rent to someone solely because they use a voucher; "source of income" is a protected class. Therefore, all landlords must be prepared to follow the program's process.

1. Marketing and Screening: Market your property through normal channels. When a voucher holder applies, you must screen them using the same criteria as any other applicant, in compliance with Fair Housing laws. The Just Housing Amendment also places strict limits on how criminal backgrounds can be considered.
2. RTA and Inspection: Once you approve a tenant, you must complete the RTA packet they provide and prepare the unit for the HQS inspection.
3. Contracts and Payments: After the unit passes inspection and the rent is approved by the CHA, you will sign a lease with the tenant and a HAP contract with the CHA. These two documents outline the terms of the tenancy and the payment structure.
4. Responsibilities: Your core responsibilities are to maintain the property in compliance with HQS, adhere to the terms of the lease and HAP contract, and follow all applicable laws if an eviction becomes necessary.

Critical 2025 Program Changes in Cook County (HACC)

Effective May 1, 2025, the Housing Authority of Cook County (HACC) implemented several significant policy changes that impact both tenants and landlords in suburban Cook County. These changes represent a shift in administrative policy, effectively transferring more financial risk to program participants and property owners.

Key Changes and Their Implications

• Reduced Voucher Sizes: HACC now determines voucher size based on a strict "2 people per bedroom" standard, irrespective of age or relationship. A family that once qualified for a three-bedroom unit may now only receive a two-bedroom voucher.
• Lower Payment Standards: For new leases or moves, HACC is using payment standards from 2024. Because these standards are lower than current market rates, the total subsidy HACC will provide for a unit is reduced.
• Combined Impact: The combination of smaller vouchers and lower payment standards means that tenants must pay a significantly larger portion of their rent out-of-pocket. This can be as high as 40% of their monthly income. For landlords, this increases the risk of tenants being unable to afford the rent, potentially leading to payment gaps or vacancies.
• New Procedural Rules: HACC has also instituted stricter rules, including a ban on mid-month moves (leases must start on the 1st) and a higher bar for approving rent increases. Rent increases may be denied if they make the tenant's share of the rent unaffordable, even if the landlord's operating costs have risen.

These updates require both tenants and landlords to be more financially vigilant. Landlords should confirm a tenant's updated voucher size before signing a lease and price units carefully within the new limits. Tenants must be prepared for a higher personal rent burden.

Frequently Asked Questions