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About Decatur Housing Authority
The Decatur Housing Authority (DHA), located in Decatur, Macon County, Illinois, manages approximately 2,231 assisted housing units. These include 1,249 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV) and 982 Public Housing units. DHA also administers Project-Based Rental Assistance (PBRA), Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), and Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) programs. All waiting lists for these programs are currently closed.
For eligible applicants, the Very Low Income limit for a family of four in the Decatur, IL MSA area is $45,800 per year. Although DHA's waiting lists, including HCV, Public Housing, PBRA, PBV, and RAD, are presently closed, they have opened and closed in the past. Prospective applicants should regularly check for updates regarding any future openings, as the availability of these lists can change.
Other Programs
5 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 Decatur Housing Authority utilizes a lottery method for placing applicants on the waitlist, with a local preference for those who live or work in Macon County at the time of application. Applicants must be 18 years of age or an emancipated minor, and duplicate applications are not accepted.
Decatur Housing Authority is not taking applications for the PBRA/RAD Waiting list at this time
The waiting list for Project-Based Voucher senior residences, including Calvin Court, Decatur Christian Towers, and Philips Tower, is closed. For these residences, the head of household must be 62 years of age or older.
DHA does not operate any public housing in Decatur.
Decatur Housing Authority is not taking applications for the PBRA/RAD Waiting list at this time. Applicants selected for the PBRA/RAD waiting list may call Candace Evans at 404-270-2154.
Status History
Deadline: Mar 12, 2026
Official Application
Contact Decatur Housing Authority directly at (217) 423-7711 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 Decatur Housing Authority
Check Current Status
All 5 waiting lists at Decatur Housing Authority are currently closed. Lists typically open with short notice — sometimes as little as 48 hours. The status at the top of this page is updated nightly.
Gather Required Documents
For Section 8 voucher programs at Decatur 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 $45,800/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 Decatur Housing Authority directly at (217) 423-7711 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 Decatur Housing Authority, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. Decatur Housing Authority manages approximately 2,231 assisted housing units (1,249 Section 8, 982 Public Housing), and wait times depend on turnover and demand in Decatur. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.
Programs at Decatur Housing Authority
HCV Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) closed
The Housing Choice Voucher program at Decatur 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 Decatur. This program serves approximately 1,249 households. Vouchers are portable — you can take them with you if you move to a different city or state.
PBRA closed
The PBRA program at Decatur Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Decatur. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
PBV Project-Based Voucher closed
Project-Based Vouchers at Decatur Housing Authority are attached to specific apartment complexes or units in Decatur. 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 closed
Public Housing units at Decatur Housing Authority are owned and operated directly by the housing authority. Rent is set at 30% of your adjusted monthly income. Decatur Housing Authority manages approximately 982 Public Housing units in Decatur. You may request a transfer to other Public Housing developments but cannot use this benefit at private rental properties.
RAD Rental Assistance Demonstration closed
The Rental Assistance Demonstration program at Decatur Housing Authority converts Public Housing units to project-based assistance with long-term contracts. RAD units in Decatur maintain the same resident protections as Public Housing while enabling capital improvements to the properties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is applying at Decatur Housing Authority free?
How long is the wait at Decatur Housing Authority?
Can I apply to other housing authorities while on this waitlist?
How do I contact Decatur Housing Authority?
What are the income limits for Decatur Housing Authority?
Decatur Housing Authority Income Limits
Income limits for programs at the Decatur Housing Authority are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for Decatur, IL MSA. For a household of four, the current limit for Section 8 eligibility (Very Low Income) is $45,800. 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 | $19,250 | $32,100 | $51,350 |
| 2 Persons | $22,000 | $36,650 | $58,650 |
| 3 Persons | $26,650 | $41,250 | $66,000 |
| 4 Persons | $32,150 | $45,800 | $73,300 |
| 5 Persons | $37,650 | $49,500 | $79,200 |
| 6 Persons | $43,150 | $53,150 | $85,050 |
| 7 Persons | $48,650 | $56,800 | $90,900 |
| 8 Persons | $54,150 | $60,500 | $96,800 |
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 Decatur Housing Authority — including across state lines.