Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Elgin, Illinois
All waiting lists in Elgin are currently closed. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 1 housing authority serving Elgin, 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 Elgin, 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 Elgin, Illinois
Elgin, Illinois is served by 1 housing authority offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Currently, all waitlists in Elgin are closed. Openings can happen with as little as 48 hours notice, so monitoring is critical. There are also 31 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.
Housing programs available in Elgin include Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Public Housing, RAD.
Open Lists Nearby
While no waitlists are open in Elgin right now, there are 31 open lists within 50 miles. Most housing authorities accept applications from non-residents, so applying in neighboring cities is a practical strategy. Scroll down to "Nearby Cities" below for options.
About Housing in Elgin, Illinois
Affordable housing assistance in Elgin, Illinois, is primarily managed by the Housing Authority of Elgin. Currently, there are no open waiting lists for housing programs in the area; five lists are presently closed. Across Elgin, approximately 1,164 assisted housing units serve residents in need.
The Housing Authority of Elgin offers various programs, each with specific eligibility requirements. These include the Affordable Housing Program, Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program, Project-Based Voucher (PBV) program, Public Housing, and the Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) program. For a family of four, the Very Low Income limit in the Chicago-Joliet-Naperville, IL HUD Metro FMR Area is $59,950 per year for Fiscal Year 2025, which is a common income threshold for many programs.
Those seeking assistance should monitor the Housing Authority of Elgin's announcements for future openings of these programs. Additionally, the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) is the state housing agency, which may offer broader resources or information on affordable housing initiatives throughout Illinois.
Housing Authorities in Elgin
How to Apply for Section 8 in Elgin
To apply for housing assistance in Elgin, Illinois, submit an application directly to Housing Authority of Elgin, the housing authority serving this area. All waitlists are currently closed, but openings happen with as little as 48 hours 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 $59,950/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 Elgin include Affordable Housing Program, Public Housing, RAD, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Project-Based Vouchers (PBV). 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).
Elgin, Illinois Section 8 Income Limits
To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Elgin, Illinois, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the Chicago-Joliet-Naperville, IL HUD Metro FMR Area area. A family of four must earn less than $59,950 per year (Very Low Income) to be eligible for most programs. The area median family income is $119,900.
| 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 |
How do income limits affect my eligibility?
Housing authorities in Elgin 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 Elgin and have active housing programs.