Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Bloomington, Illinois
All waiting lists in Bloomington are currently closed. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 2 housing authorities serving Bloomington, Illinois and updates statuses nightly. Below you will find every PHA in the area with current waitlist status, program types, and direct application links.
If no lists are currently open in Bloomington, we recommend applying to nearby cities as well. There is no limit to the number of waiting lists you can join, and many housing authorities accept applications from non-residents.
Affordable Housing in Bloomington, Illinois
Bloomington, Illinois is served by 2 housing authorities offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Currently, all waitlists in Bloomington are closed. Openings can happen with as little as 48 hours notice, so monitoring is critical. There are also 24 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.
Housing programs available in Bloomington include Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Public Housing.
Open Lists Nearby
While no waitlists are open in Bloomington right now, there are 24 open lists within 50 miles. Most housing authorities accept applications from non-residents, so applying in neighboring cities is a practical strategy. Scroll down to "Nearby Cities" below for options.
About Housing in Bloomington, Illinois
Affordable housing in Bloomington, Illinois, is primarily administered by two local agencies: the Housing Authority of the City of Bloomington and the Housing Authority of the County of McLean, Ill. These authorities offer programs such as the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program and Public Housing. Currently, all four waiting lists for these programs (two for HCV and two for Public Housing) are closed, with no lists open for new applications. The Bloomington area has approximately 1,422 assisted housing units, reflecting the ongoing need for affordable options.
To qualify for most affordable housing programs, applicants must meet specific income guidelines. For example, a family of four in the Bloomington, IL MSA area considered Very Low Income has an annual income limit of $59,400 for Fiscal Year 2025. This threshold helps determine eligibility for assistance. Given that all local waiting lists are currently closed, individuals seeking housing assistance should regularly check directly with both the Housing Authority of the City of Bloomington and the Housing Authority of the County of McLean, Ill. for updates on when lists might reopen. Additionally, the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) serves as the state housing agency, providing broader resources and information regarding housing initiatives across Illinois.
How to Apply for Section 8 in Bloomington
To apply for housing assistance in Bloomington, Illinois, submit an application directly to one of the 2 housing authorities serving the Bloomington area (listed above). All waitlists are currently closed, but openings happen with as little as 48 hours notice. Applications are always free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.
Before applying, gather the following documents for all household members: government-issued photo ID, Social Security cards, birth certificates for minors, proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, benefit statements), and proof of current address. For a family of four in this area, income must be below $59,400/year (Very Low Income threshold) to qualify for most programs. Having these ready before a waitlist opens can be the difference between getting on the list and missing the window.
Housing programs available in Bloomington include Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Public Housing. Applying to multiple program types simultaneously improves your chances of receiving assistance. After submitting, you will be placed on the waiting list based on the date of your application and any applicable preferences (veterans, elderly, disabled, working families, or local residents).
Bloomington, Illinois Section 8 Income Limits
To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Bloomington, Illinois, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the Bloomington, IL MSA area. A family of four must earn less than $59,400 per year (Very Low Income) to be eligible for most programs. The area median family income is $118,800.
| Household Size | Extremely Low 30% AMI |
Very Low 50% AMI |
Low Income 80% AMI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $25,000 | $41,600 | $66,550 |
| 2 Persons | $28,550 | $47,550 | $76,050 |
| 3 Persons | $32,100 | $53,500 | $85,550 |
| 4 Persons | $35,650 | $59,400 | $95,050 |
| 5 Persons | $38,550 | $64,200 | $102,700 |
| 6 Persons | $43,150 | $68,950 | $110,300 |
| 7 Persons | $48,650 | $73,700 | $117,900 |
| 8 Persons | $54,150 | $78,450 | $125,500 |
How do income limits affect my eligibility?
Housing authorities in Bloomington use these income limits to determine who qualifies for rental assistance. Your total household income before taxes is compared against the limit for your household size.
Very Low Income (50% AMI) — Most Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers and Public Housing programs require your income to be at or below this level. This is the primary eligibility threshold.
Extremely Low Income (30% AMI) — Households at this level often receive priority on waiting lists. By law, housing authorities must allocate a portion of vouchers to extremely low-income families.
Low Income (80% AMI) — Some programs, including Project-Based Vouchers and locally funded initiatives, accept applicants up to this threshold. Contact individual housing authorities below for their specific requirements.
Nearby Cities with Housing Authorities
Applying to nearby cities increases your chances of receiving assistance sooner. These cities are within 75 miles of Bloomington and have active housing programs.