McHenry County Housing Authority
Crystal Lake, Illinois
Last Updated
1 hours ago
About McHenry County Housing Authority
The McHenry County Housing Authority, located in Crystal Lake, McHenry County, Illinois, provides housing assistance programs to eligible residents. This authority manages approximately 1,023 assisted housing units, comprising 1,001 Housing Choice Vouchers (formerly known as Section 8) and 22 Public Housing units.
Currently, the McHenry County Housing Authority has an open waitlist for its Project-Based Voucher (PBV) program. Waitlists for the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program, Public Housing, and the Rental Housing Support Program are presently closed. Applicants for any program must meet specific income guidelines. For a family of four, the very low-income limit for this area is $59,950 per year.
Project-Based Voucher (PBV) Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Additional Notes
Several Project-Based Voucher (PBV) developments have open waiting lists. Some developments have specific age restrictions (55+ or 62+) and income limits (30% or 50% of Area Median Income). Preferences may apply for certain developments.
View original notice — mchenrycountyhousing.orgOther Programs
3 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 Program waiting list is currently closed. Pre-application forms must be mailed to the McHenry County Housing Authority. Background check forms are required for each family member 17 years of age or older.
The Public Housing Program waiting list is currently closed. This program consists of 3-bedroom units.
The waiting list for the Rental Housing Support Program is currently closed, effective 8/2023. This program assists with one, two, and three-bedroom units and has an income limit of 35% of Area Median Income.
Status History
Deadline: Nov 14, 2025
Deadline: Nov 14, 2025
Deadline: Nov 14, 2025
Official Application
Contact McHenry County Housing Authority directly at (815) 338-7752 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 McHenry County Housing Authority
Check Current Status
McHenry County Housing Authority currently has 1 open waiting list (PBV). Application windows can close with little notice, so apply as soon as possible.
Gather Required Documents
For Section 8 voucher programs at McHenry 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 $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
Contact McHenry County Housing Authority directly at (815) 338-7752 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 McHenry County Housing Authority, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. McHenry County Housing Authority manages approximately 1,023 assisted housing units (1,001 Section 8, 22 Public Housing), and wait times depend on turnover and demand in Crystal Lake. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.
Programs at McHenry County Housing Authority
PBV Project-Based Voucher open
Project-Based Vouchers at McHenry County Housing Authority are attached to specific apartment complexes or units in Crystal Lake. 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.
HCV Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) closed
The Housing Choice Voucher program at McHenry 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 Crystal Lake. This program serves approximately 1,001 households. Vouchers are portable — you can take them with you if you move to a different city or state.
Public Housing Public Housing closed
Public Housing units at McHenry County Housing Authority are owned and operated directly by the housing authority. Rent is set at 30% of your adjusted monthly income. McHenry County Housing Authority manages approximately 22 Public Housing units in Crystal Lake. You may request a transfer to other Public Housing developments but cannot use this benefit at private rental properties.
Rental Housing Support Program closed
The Rental Housing Support Program program at McHenry County Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Crystal Lake. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is applying at McHenry County Housing Authority free?
How long is the wait at McHenry County Housing Authority?
Can I apply to other housing authorities while on this waitlist?
How do I contact McHenry County Housing Authority?
What are the income limits for McHenry County Housing Authority?
McHenry County Housing Authority Income Limits
Income limits for programs at the McHenry County 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 McHenry County Housing Authority — including across state lines.