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1 hours ago
About Madison County Housing Authority
The Madison County Housing Authority (MCHA), located in Collinsville, Madison County, Illinois (PHA Code: IL015), manages approximately 1,790 assisted housing units. This includes 1,223 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV) and 567 Public Housing units across its jurisdiction.
Currently, MCHA is accepting applications for its Project-Based Voucher (PBV) and Public Housing programs. The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program waitlist is closed, a recent change from its previous open status. The "Other" program type is also closed to new applications.
Applicants should be aware of income restrictions for eligibility. For example, a family of four must meet the Very Low Income limit of $55,700 per year for the St. Louis, MO-IL HUD Metro FMR Area. Specific eligibility criteria vary by program.
Project-Based Voucher (PBV) Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Additional Notes
On project based programs, all prospective residents are evaluated from a desirability perspective. Standards are similar to those used by a private owner to screen prospective tenants.
View original notice — mchail.orgPublic Housing Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Additional Notes
All waiting lists for public housing are site-based, meaning an applicant must apply for a specific development. Waiting lists for older adults (at least 62 years of age) wishing to live in senior developments are generally shorter.
View original notice — mchail.orgOther 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.
The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program has an exceptionally long waiting list averaging up to 3-5 years.
May Building and Stevens Building Senior and Disabled Project Based Section 8 Waiting List is currently closed. It is not known when this waiting list was last open, or when it will reopen.
Status History
Official Application
Contact Madison County Housing Authority directly at (618) 345-5142 to request an application. Applications are always free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.
Contact the housing authority directly for application information.
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 Madison County Housing Authority
Check Current Status
Madison County Housing Authority currently has 2 open waiting lists (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 Madison County 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 $55,700/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
Contact Madison County Housing Authority directly at (618) 345-5142 to request an application. Applications are always free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.
After You Apply
Once accepted onto the waiting list at Madison County Housing Authority, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. Madison County Housing Authority manages approximately 1,790 assisted housing units (1,223 Section 8, 567 Public Housing), and wait times depend on turnover and demand in Collinsville. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.
Programs at Madison County Housing Authority
PBV Project-Based Voucher open
Project-Based Vouchers at Madison County Housing Authority are attached to specific apartment complexes or units in Collinsville. 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 Madison County Housing Authority are owned and operated directly by the housing authority. Rent is set at 30% of your adjusted monthly income. Madison County Housing Authority manages approximately 567 Public Housing units in Collinsville. You may request a transfer to other Public Housing developments but cannot use this benefit at private rental properties.
HCV Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) closed
The Housing Choice Voucher program at Madison County 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 Collinsville. This program serves approximately 1,223 households. Vouchers are portable — you can take them with you if you move to a different city or state.
Other closed
The Other program at Madison County Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Collinsville. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is applying at Madison County Housing Authority free?
How long is the wait at Madison County Housing Authority?
Can I apply to other housing authorities while on this waitlist?
How do I contact Madison County Housing Authority?
What are the income limits for Madison County Housing Authority?
Madison County Housing Authority Income Limits
Income limits for programs at the Madison County Housing Authority are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for St. Louis, MO-IL HUD Metro FMR Area. For a household of four, the current limit for Section 8 eligibility (Very Low Income) is $55,700. 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 | $23,400 | $39,000 | $62,400 |
| 2 Persons | $26,750 | $44,600 | $71,300 |
| 3 Persons | $30,100 | $50,150 | $80,200 |
| 4 Persons | $33,400 | $55,700 | $89,100 |
| 5 Persons | $37,650 | $60,200 | $96,250 |
| 6 Persons | $43,150 | $64,650 | $103,400 |
| 7 Persons | $48,650 | $69,100 | $110,500 |
| 8 Persons | $54,150 | $73,550 | $117,650 |
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 Madison County Housing Authority — including across state lines.