Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Pekin, Illinois
There are 4 open waiting lists in the Pekin area right now. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 1 housing authority serving Pekin, 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 Pekin, 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 Pekin, Illinois
Pekin, Illinois is served by 1 housing authority offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Right now, 4 waiting lists are accepting applications in the Pekin area. There are also 31 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.
Housing programs available in Pekin include Public Housing, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV). Of these, the following currently have open waitlists: Public Housing (1 open).
Latest Opening
Housing Authority of the City of Pekin opened its RD 515 waitlist .
About Housing in Pekin, Illinois
Pekin, Illinois offers various affordable housing options for individuals and families seeking assistance. The primary provider of housing services in the area is the Housing Authority of the City of Pekin, which manages programs designed to help residents secure stable and affordable living situations.
Currently, several housing waitlists are open through the Housing Authority of the City of Pekin. While the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program waitlist is presently closed, applicants can find open waitlists for Public Housing and the Rural Development 515 (RD 515) program. There are approximately 196 assisted housing units available in the Pekin area. To qualify for assistance, households must meet specific income limits. For example, a family of four in the Peoria, IL MSA area, which includes Pekin, must have an income at or below $48,800 per year to be considered Very Low Income for FY2025.
For comprehensive information regarding eligibility criteria, application procedures, and the most current waitlist statuses, it is essential to directly contact the Housing Authority of the City of Pekin. The Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) also serves as the state housing agency, overseeing various housing initiatives throughout Illinois.
How to Apply for Section 8 in Pekin
To apply for housing assistance in Pekin, Illinois, submit an application directly to Housing Authority of the City of Pekin, the housing authority serving this area. Right now, 4 waiting lists are 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 $48,800/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 Pekin include RD 515, Rural Development 515 program, Public Housing, Rural Development 515, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV). 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).
Pekin, Illinois Section 8 Income Limits
To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Pekin, Illinois, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the Peoria, IL MSA area. A family of four must earn less than $48,800 per year (Very Low Income) to be eligible for most programs. The area median family income is $97,600.
| Household Size | Extremely Low 30% AMI |
Very Low 50% AMI |
Low Income 80% AMI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $20,550 | $34,200 | $54,700 |
| 2 Persons | $23,450 | $39,050 | $62,500 |
| 3 Persons | $26,650 | $43,950 | $70,300 |
| 4 Persons | $32,150 | $48,800 | $78,100 |
| 5 Persons | $37,650 | $52,750 | $84,350 |
| 6 Persons | $43,150 | $56,650 | $90,600 |
| 7 Persons | $48,650 | $60,550 | $96,850 |
| 8 Persons | $54,150 | $64,450 | $103,100 |
How do income limits affect my eligibility?
Housing authorities in Pekin 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 Pekin and have active housing programs.