Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Joliet, Illinois
All waiting lists in Joliet are currently closed. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 1 housing authority serving Joliet, 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 Joliet, 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 Joliet, Illinois
Joliet, Illinois is served by 1 housing authority offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Currently, all waitlists in Joliet are closed. Openings can happen with as little as 48 hours notice, so monitoring is critical. There are also 26 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.
Housing programs available in Joliet include Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Mainstream, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Public Housing, RAD.
Open Lists Nearby
While no waitlists are open in Joliet right now, there are 26 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 Joliet, Illinois
Affordable housing assistance in Joliet, Illinois, is primarily administered by the Housing Authority of Joliet. Currently, there are no open waiting lists for housing programs within this jurisdiction; all four available waiting lists are presently closed. Programs offered by the Housing Authority of Joliet include the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program, Mainstream vouchers, Market Rate Affordable Housing, Mixed Income Housing, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Public Housing, and the Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) program. While waiting lists are closed, applicants are encouraged to stay informed about potential future openings.
Across the Joliet area, there are approximately 3,215 assisted housing units available. Eligibility for many of these programs is determined by income. For instance, the Very Low Income limit for a family of four in the Chicago-Joliet-Naperville, IL HUD Metro FMR Area for FY2025 is $59,950 per year. This means a family of four must earn below this amount to be considered for certain assistance. It is crucial for prospective applicants to regularly check with the Housing Authority of Joliet for updates on waitlist openings and specific program requirements. The Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) also serves as the state's housing agency, providing additional resources and information on affordable housing initiatives.
How to Apply for Section 8 in Joliet
To apply for housing assistance in Joliet, Illinois, submit an application directly to Housing Authority of Joliet, 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 Joliet include Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Mixed Income Housing, Public Housing, Market Rate Affordable Housing, RAD, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), 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).
Joliet, Illinois Section 8 Income Limits
To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Joliet, 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 Joliet 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 Joliet and have active housing programs.