Chicago Housing Authority
Chicago, Illinois
Last Updated
1 hours ago
About Chicago Housing Authority
The Chicago Housing Authority (CHA), located in Chicago, Cook County, Illinois (PHA Code: IL002), is a significant provider of assisted housing. It manages approximately 80,518 units, which includes 60,942 Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers and 19,576 Public Housing units across the region.
CHA currently has multiple housing assistance programs open for applications. These include the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program, Project-Based Rental Assistance (PBRA), Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Public Housing, and other available programs. Prospective applicants should note that for a family of four, the Very Low Income limit is $59,950 per year, applicable to the Chicago-Joliet-Naperville, IL HUD Metro FMR Area. Applicants are encouraged to check for specific program eligibility requirements.
Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Waitlist
Status
open
Additional Notes
The Chicago Housing Authority offers affordable rental housing opportunities with open waitlists. This includes the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program. Families with children up to age 16 may be eligible for the Mobility Counseling Program which offers guidance and support to find homes in neighborhoods of their choice.
View original notice — thecha.orgPBRA Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
The waitlist is currently open, and individuals can apply at any time. Eligibility involves income limits, U.S. citizenship/eligible immigration status, good rent payment history, and no money owed to CHA.
Project-Based Voucher (PBV) Waitlist
Status
open
Additional Notes
Project-Based Vouchers (PBV) are tied to a specific unit in a development that is privately-owned. The PBV program connects eligible residents with affordable housing in privately owned buildings. The CHA offers affordable rental housing opportunities with open waitlists, which would include PBV.
View original notice — thecha.orgPublic Housing Waitlist
Status
open
Additional Notes
The Chicago Housing Authority offers affordable rental housing opportunities with open waitlists. This includes Public Housing, where residents live in developments owned and managed by CHA.
View original notice — thecha.orgother Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
This waitlist is continuously open with preferences for victims of federally declared disasters, domestic violence, veterans, homeless individuals, and family preservation.
Other Programs
2 programsThese programs are administered by this housing authority but do not have active waitlist openings at this time. Statuses are verified nightly and subscribers will be notified when changes are detected.
Mainstream Vouchers provide rental assistance specifically for non-elderly persons with disabilities. The program helps individuals transition out of institutional settings or avoid institutionalization by subsidizing housing costs in the private market.
The Rental Assistance Demonstration program converts Public Housing units to project-based assistance, allowing housing authorities to leverage private funding for property rehabilitation while preserving long-term affordability for residents.
Status History
Official Application
Apply directly through the official Chicago Housing Authority portal. Applications are free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.
Go to Official SiteWARNING: DO NOT PAY ANYONE TO APPLY FOR HOUSING
Contact Information
Important Notices
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Waiting lists can close without notice once a specific number of applications is reached.
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Ensure your contact information is always up to date with the PHA to avoid being removed from the list.
How to Apply at Chicago Housing Authority
Check Current Status
Chicago Housing Authority currently has 5 open waiting lists (HCV, PBRA, PBV, Public Housing, other). Application windows can close with little notice, so apply as soon as possible.
Gather Required Documents
For Section 8 voucher programs at Chicago Housing Authority, you will typically need: government-issued photo ID for all adult household members, Social Security cards for all members, birth certificates for minors, proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, benefit letters), and proof of current address. For a family of four, income must be below $59,950/year to qualify in this area. Having these ready before the waitlist opens can make the difference between getting on the list and missing the window.
Submit Your Application
Apply directly through the official Chicago Housing Authority portal. Applications are free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf. If applying online, take a screenshot of your confirmation page for your records.
After You Apply
Once accepted onto the waiting list at Chicago Housing Authority, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. Chicago Housing Authority manages approximately 80,518 assisted housing units (60,942 Section 8, 19,576 Public Housing), and wait times depend on turnover and demand in Chicago. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.
Programs at Chicago Housing Authority
HCV Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) open
The Housing Choice Voucher program at Chicago Housing Authority provides rental assistance that allows you to choose any privately-owned rental unit that meets program requirements. You pay approximately 30% of your adjusted monthly income toward rent, and the voucher covers the remainder up to the Fair Market Rent for Chicago. This program serves approximately 60,942 households. Vouchers are portable — you can take them with you if you move to a different city or state.
PBRA open
The PBRA program at Chicago Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Chicago. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
PBV Project-Based Voucher open
Project-Based Vouchers at Chicago Housing Authority are attached to specific apartment complexes or units in Chicago. Unlike the standard Housing Choice Voucher, PBV assistance stays with the property — not with you. However, after one year of occupancy, you may request a standard portable voucher. PBV waitlists often move faster because fewer applicants know about them.
Public Housing Public Housing open
Public Housing units at Chicago Housing Authority are owned and operated directly by the housing authority. Rent is set at 30% of your adjusted monthly income. Chicago Housing Authority manages approximately 19,576 Public Housing units in Chicago. You may request a transfer to other Public Housing developments but cannot use this benefit at private rental properties.
other open
The other program at Chicago Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Chicago. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Mainstream Mainstream Voucher closed
Mainstream Vouchers at Chicago Housing Authority are specifically designated for non-elderly individuals with disabilities. These vouchers work like standard HCVs but are reserved for this population and often have separate, shorter waitlists.
RAD Rental Assistance Demonstration closed
The Rental Assistance Demonstration program at Chicago Housing Authority converts Public Housing units to project-based assistance with long-term contracts. RAD units in Chicago maintain the same resident protections as Public Housing while enabling capital improvements to the properties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is applying at Chicago Housing Authority free?
How long is the wait at Chicago Housing Authority?
Can I apply to other housing authorities while on this waitlist?
How do I contact Chicago Housing Authority?
What are the income limits for Chicago Housing Authority?
Chicago Housing Authority Income Limits
Income limits for programs at the Chicago Housing Authority are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for Chicago-Joliet-Naperville, IL HUD Metro FMR Area. For a household of four, the current limit for Section 8 eligibility (Very Low Income) is $59,950. Limits are set annually by HUD and vary by household size.
| Household Size | Extremely Low 30% AMI |
Very Low 50% AMI |
Low Income 80% AMI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $25,200 | $42,000 | $67,150 |
| 2 Persons | $28,800 | $48,000 | $76,750 |
| 3 Persons | $32,400 | $54,000 | $86,350 |
| 4 Persons | $35,950 | $59,950 | $95,900 |
| 5 Persons | $38,850 | $64,750 | $103,600 |
| 6 Persons | $43,150 | $69,550 | $111,250 |
| 7 Persons | $48,650 | $74,350 | $118,950 |
| 8 Persons | $54,150 | $79,150 | $126,600 |
What do these income limits mean?
Extremely Low Income (30% AMI) — Households earning at or below 30% of the Area Median Income. This is the threshold for the lowest-income tier of assistance. Many housing authorities give preference to applicants at this level.
Very Low Income (50% AMI) — The standard eligibility threshold for Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers and most Public Housing programs. Your household income must be at or below this limit to qualify.
Low Income (80% AMI) — Some programs, including Project-Based Vouchers and certain local initiatives, use this higher threshold. Check with this housing authority for specific program requirements.
Nearby Housing Authorities
Applying to multiple housing authorities increases your chances of receiving assistance. These PHAs are closest to Chicago Housing Authority — including across state lines.