Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Champaign, Illinois
There is 1 open waiting list in the Champaign area right now. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 1 housing authority serving Champaign, 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 Champaign, 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 Champaign, Illinois
Champaign, Illinois is served by 1 housing authority offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Right now, 1 waiting list is accepting applications in the Champaign area. There are also 6 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.
Housing programs available in Champaign include Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Mainstream, Public Housing, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), RAD. Of these, the following currently have open waitlists: PBV (1 open).
Latest Opening
Housing Authority of Champaign County opened its PBV waitlist on Jan 19, 2026.
About Housing in Champaign, Illinois
Affordable housing assistance in Champaign, Illinois, is primarily provided by the Housing Authority of Champaign County (HACC). HACC currently manages various programs designed to help individuals and families secure stable housing. At present, there is one open waiting list for affordable housing programs, specifically for the Project-Based Voucher (PBV) program. Other programs, including the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV), Mainstream, Moderate Rehabilitation, Near Elderly Housing, Other, Public Housing, and RAD programs, currently have closed waiting lists. It is important to note that waitlist statuses can change, so regular verification is advised.
The Champaign-Urbana area has approximately 2,405 assisted housing units available to residents. Eligibility for these programs depends on several factors, including household income. For example, the Very Low Income limit for a family of four in the Champaign-Urbana area is $50,450 per year for Fiscal Year 2025. The Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) also supports housing initiatives across the state.
To apply for assistance, individuals should monitor the Housing Authority of Champaign County's official channels for announcements regarding waitlist openings and specific program requirements. Understanding the income limits and available program types will help applicants prepare for future opportunities.
How to Apply for Section 8 in Champaign
To apply for housing assistance in Champaign, Illinois, submit an application directly to Housing Authority of Champaign County, the housing authority serving this area. Right now, 1 waiting list is 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 $50,450/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 Champaign include Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Public Housing, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Near Elderly Housing, Mainstream, RAD, Other, Moderate Rehabilitation. 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).
Champaign, Illinois Section 8 Income Limits
To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Champaign, Illinois, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the Champaign-Urbana, IL HUD Metro FMR Area area. A family of four must earn less than $50,450 per year (Very Low Income) to be eligible for most programs. The area median family income is $97,800.
| Household Size | Extremely Low 30% AMI |
Very Low 50% AMI |
Low Income 80% AMI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $21,200 | $35,350 | $56,550 |
| 2 Persons | $24,200 | $40,400 | $64,600 |
| 3 Persons | $27,250 | $45,450 | $72,700 |
| 4 Persons | $32,150 | $50,450 | $80,750 |
| 5 Persons | $37,650 | $54,500 | $87,250 |
| 6 Persons | $43,150 | $58,550 | $93,700 |
| 7 Persons | $48,650 | $62,600 | $100,150 |
| 8 Persons | $54,150 | $66,600 | $106,600 |
How do income limits affect my eligibility?
Housing authorities in Champaign 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 Champaign and have active housing programs.