Centralia, IL

Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Centralia, Illinois

There are 2 open waiting lists in the Centralia area right now. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 1 housing authority serving Centralia, 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 Centralia, 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.

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Affordable Housing in Centralia, Illinois

Centralia, Illinois is served by 1 housing authority offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Right now, 2 waiting lists are accepting applications in the Centralia area. There are also 13 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.

Housing programs available in Centralia include Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Public Housing, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV). Of these, the following currently have open waitlists: PBV (1 open), Public Housing (1 open).

Latest Opening

Housing Authority of Marion County opened its PBV waitlist .

About Housing in Centralia, Illinois

Centralia, Illinois is served by the Housing Authority of Marion County (HAMC), which manages affordable housing programs for the area. The HAMC offers assistance through Public Housing, Project-Based Voucher (PBV), and Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) programs. Currently, two waiting lists are open: the Public Housing program and the Project-Based Voucher (PBV) program. The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program's waiting list is presently closed. Across the area, there are approximately 727 assisted housing units available to eligible residents. The Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) also supports affordable housing initiatives statewide.

To provide an example of eligibility, the very low-income limit for a family of four in Marion County for Fiscal Year 2025 is $43,300 per year. Income limits vary based on household size and specific program guidelines, so applicants should verify their eligibility directly with the Housing Authority of Marion County. It is important to contact the Housing Authority for precise application instructions, to understand current eligibility criteria, and to confirm the most up-to-date status of all waiting lists before applying.

How to Apply for Section 8 in Centralia

To apply for housing assistance in Centralia, Illinois, submit an application directly to Housing Authority of Marion County, the housing authority serving this area. Right now, 2 waiting lists are accepting applications — apply as soon as possible, as open enrollment periods can close with short 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 $43,300/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 Centralia include Public Housing, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV). 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).

Centralia, Illinois Section 8 Income Limits

To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Centralia, Illinois, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the Marion County, IL area. A family of four must earn less than $43,300 per year (Very Low Income) to be eligible for most programs. The area median family income is $84,100.

Household Size Extremely Low
30% AMI
Very Low
50% AMI
Low Income
80% AMI
1 Person $18,200 $30,350 $48,550
2 Persons $21,150 $34,650 $55,450
3 Persons $26,650 $39,000 $62,400
4 Persons $32,150 $43,300 $69,300
5 Persons $37,650 $46,800 $74,850
6 Persons $43,150 $50,250 $80,400
7 Persons $48,650 $53,700 $85,950
8 Persons $54,150 $57,200 $91,500
Source: HUD FY 2025 Income Limits Area Median Income: $84,100 Effective April 1, 2025
How do income limits affect my eligibility?

Housing authorities in Centralia 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there open Section 8 waiting lists in Centralia?
Yes — there are currently 2 open waiting lists in Centralia, Illinois. Click into any housing authority above marked "Open" for application details and official portal links.
Can I apply for Section 8 in Centralia if I don't live there?
In most cases, yes. While some PHAs give preference to local residents, there is no federal rule requiring you to live in a city to apply for its waiting list. Many applicants apply to housing authorities in multiple cities and states simultaneously to increase their chances of receiving assistance.
How long is the wait for Section 8 in Centralia?
Wait times vary depending on demand, funding, and your priority status. National averages range from 6 months to 5+ years. Centralia wait times depend on the specific housing authority and program type. Contact the PHA directly for current estimates, and consider applying to multiple PHAs to improve your chances.
All housing authorities in Illinois