Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in East Saint Louis, Illinois
There is 1 open waiting list in the East Saint Louis area right now. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 1 housing authority serving East Saint Louis, Illinois and updates statuses nightly. Below you will find every PHA in the area with current waitlist status, program types, and direct application links.
If no lists are currently open in East Saint Louis, we recommend applying to nearby cities as well. There is no limit to the number of waiting lists you can join, and many housing authorities accept applications from non-residents.
Affordable Housing in East Saint Louis, Illinois
East Saint Louis, Illinois is served by 1 housing authority offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Right now, 1 waiting list is accepting applications in the East Saint Louis area. There are also 15 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.
Housing programs available in East Saint Louis include Public Housing, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Mainstream, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), RAD. Of these, the following currently have open waitlists: Public Housing (1 open).
Latest Opening
The Housing Authority of City of East St. Louis opened its Public Housing waitlist on Aug 1, 2017.
About Housing in East Saint Louis, Illinois
Affordable housing in East Saint Louis, Illinois, is primarily administered by The Housing Authority of City of East St. Louis. This agency manages various housing assistance programs designed to help low-income families, seniors, and individuals find stable housing. Currently, the Public Housing waiting list is open for applications, while one other waiting list remains closed. Programs offered include Housing Choice Voucher (HCV), Homeless Permanent Supportive Housing, Mainstream, Project-Based Voucher (PBV), Public Housing, and Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD).
East Saint Louis is part of the St. Louis, MO-IL HUD Metro FMR Area. For a family of four, the Very Low Income limit is set at $55,700 per year for Fiscal Year 2025. There are approximately 1,764 assisted housing units available across the area. Those seeking assistance should be prepared to meet specific income and eligibility criteria for each program. The Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) also supports affordable housing initiatives statewide. It is advisable to regularly check the housing authority's official communications for updates on application periods and eligibility requirements.
How to Apply for Section 8 in East Saint Louis
To apply for housing assistance in East Saint Louis, Illinois, submit an application directly to The Housing Authority of City of East St. Louis, the housing authority serving this area. Right now, 1 waiting list is accepting applications — apply as soon as possible, as open enrollment periods can close with short notice. Applications are always free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.
Before applying, gather the following documents for all household members: government-issued photo ID, Social Security cards, birth certificates for minors, proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, benefit statements), and proof of current address. For a family of four in this area, income must be below $55,700/year (Very Low Income threshold) to qualify for most programs. Having these ready before a waitlist opens can be the difference between getting on the list and missing the window.
Housing programs available in East Saint Louis include Public Housing, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Homeless Permanent Supportive Housing, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), RAD, Mainstream. Applying to multiple program types simultaneously improves your chances of receiving assistance. After submitting, you will be placed on the waiting list based on the date of your application and any applicable preferences (veterans, elderly, disabled, working families, or local residents).
East Saint Louis, Illinois Section 8 Income Limits
To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in East Saint Louis, Illinois, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the St. Louis, MO-IL HUD Metro FMR Area area. A family of four must earn less than $55,700 per year (Very Low Income) to be eligible for most programs. The area median family income is $111,400.
| 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 |
How do income limits affect my eligibility?
Housing authorities in East Saint Louis use these income limits to determine who qualifies for rental assistance. Your total household income before taxes is compared against the limit for your household size.
Very Low Income (50% AMI) — Most Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers and Public Housing programs require your income to be at or below this level. This is the primary eligibility threshold.
Extremely Low Income (30% AMI) — Households at this level often receive priority on waiting lists. By law, housing authorities must allocate a portion of vouchers to extremely low-income families.
Low Income (80% AMI) — Some programs, including Project-Based Vouchers and locally funded initiatives, accept applicants up to this threshold. Contact individual housing authorities below for their specific requirements.
Nearby Cities with Housing Authorities
Applying to nearby cities increases your chances of receiving assistance sooner. These cities are within 75 miles of East Saint Louis and have active housing programs.