Chicago Housing Authority
Chicago, Illinois
Last Updated
1 hours ago
About Chicago Housing Authority
Chicago Housing Authority (HUD agency code IL002) is the public housing agency serving Chicago, Cook County, Illinois. It administers 19,576 public housing units and 60,942 Housing Choice Vouchers.
Section 8 Waitlist tracks 9 waiting lists at this agency, covering Other, PBRA, PBV, Public Housing, HCV, Mainstream, RAD. As of Aug 13, 2026, 5 are open and 4 are closed.
Income eligibility is set by HUD for the Chicago-Joliet-Naperville, IL HUD Metro FMR Area. A four-person household qualifies as Very Low Income at or below $59,950 per year, and as Low Income at or below $95,900 (HUD FY2025 limits). Most waiting lists at this agency apply the Very Low Income threshold.
Section 8 Waitlist has recorded 20 status changes at this agency, most recently on Sep 25, 2026. Always confirm current status with the agency directly before applying.
Other Programs Waitlist
Status
open
Open Date
Dec 11, 2018
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
This waitlist is specifically for victims of federally declared disasters and provides a preference for other housing programs, remaining open indefinitely.
Disaster Victims
Status
open
Open Date
Dec 11, 2018
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
This waitlist is specifically for victims of federally declared disasters and provides a preference for other housing programs.
Project-Based Rental Assistance (PBRA) Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Online, In-person, Phone
Additional Notes
The Project-Based Rental Assistance waiting list is always open. Applicants can be on one Project-Based Rental Assistance waiting list.
Project-Based Voucher (PBV) Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Online, Phone, In-person
Additional Notes
Project-Based Voucher and Project-Based Rental Assistance waitlists are open for application at any time. Specific properties may have unique preferences, such as disability preferences for certain units.
Public Housing Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Online, Phone, In-person
Additional Notes
The Public Housing waitlist is open, and applications can be submitted at any time, though wait times can be 10-25 years. Preferences include victims of federally declared disasters, domestic violence victims, veterans, homeless, and family preservation; confirmed homeless applicants may receive a higher ranking.
Other Programs
4 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.
The HCV waitlist is currently closed and only accepts new applicants during a specific window of time, opening by lottery. Preferences include victims of federally declared disasters, domestic violence victims, veterans, homeless, and family preservation.
Mainstream vouchers are accessed through partner agencies via referral, not open public registration.
Specialty referral programs like HUD-VASH, FUP, EHV, Mainstream, and FYI are accessed through partner agencies rather than open public registration.
The RAD program converts Public Housing units to project-based assistance.
Status History
Official Application
Apply directly through the official Chicago Housing Authority portal. Applications are free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.
WARNING: 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 (Other Programs, Project-Based Rental Assistance (PBRA), Project-Based Voucher (PBV), Public Housing). 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 to apply.
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
Other Other Programs open
The Other Programs 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.
PBRA Project-Based Rental Assistance (PBRA) open
The Project-Based Rental Assistance (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 (PBV) 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.
HCV Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) closed
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.
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 (RAD) 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.