Last Updated
23 hours ago
About Rockford Housing Authority
The Rockford Housing Authority (RHA), located in Rockford, Winnebago County, Illinois (PHA Code: IL022), manages approximately 3,671 assisted housing units. This includes 2,363 Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers and 1,308 Public Housing units, providing essential housing assistance to residents in the area.
RHA administers several programs, including the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program, Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), and Public Housing. All of the waiting lists for these programs are currently closed. Historically, the Public Housing waiting list has seen changes, moving from open to closed and then from closed to open at different times.
To be eligible for assistance, applicants must meet income limits. For example, a very low-income family of four in the Rockford, IL MSA area has an income limit of $43,300 per year. As all waiting lists are presently closed, prospective applicants should monitor RHA's official channels for any announcements regarding future openings.
Other Programs
3 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 Rockford Housing Authority is not currently accepting applications for the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program. Information regarding future openings is not available on this page.
The Rockford Housing Authority is not currently accepting applications for the Project-Based Voucher (PBV) program. Information regarding future openings is not available on this page.
The Rockford Housing Authority is not currently accepting applications for Public Housing. Information regarding future openings is not available on this page.
Status History
Official Application
Contact Rockford Housing Authority directly at (815) 489-8520 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 Rockford Housing Authority
Check Current Status
All 3 waiting lists at Rockford 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 Rockford 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 $43,300/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 Rockford Housing Authority directly at (815) 489-8520 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 Rockford Housing Authority, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. Rockford Housing Authority manages approximately 3,671 assisted housing units (2,363 Section 8, 1,308 Public Housing), and wait times depend on turnover and demand in Rockford. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.
Programs at Rockford Housing Authority
HCV Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) closed
The Housing Choice Voucher program at Rockford 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 Rockford. This program serves approximately 2,363 households. Vouchers are portable — you can take them with you if you move to a different city or state.
PBV Project-Based Voucher closed
Project-Based Vouchers at Rockford Housing Authority are attached to specific apartment complexes or units in Rockford. 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 Rockford Housing Authority are owned and operated directly by the housing authority. Rent is set at 30% of your adjusted monthly income. Rockford Housing Authority manages approximately 1,308 Public Housing units in Rockford. You may request a transfer to other Public Housing developments but cannot use this benefit at private rental properties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is applying at Rockford Housing Authority free?
How long is the wait at Rockford Housing Authority?
Can I apply to other housing authorities while on this waitlist?
How do I contact Rockford Housing Authority?
What are the income limits for Rockford Housing Authority?
Rockford Housing Authority Income Limits
Income limits for programs at the Rockford Housing Authority are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for Rockford, IL MSA. For a household of four, the current limit for Section 8 eligibility (Very Low Income) is $43,300. 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 | $18,200 | $30,350 | $48,550 |
| 2 Persons | $21,150 | $34,650 | $55,450 |
| 3 Persons | $26,650 | $39,000 | $62,400 |
| 4 Persons | $32,150 | $43,300 | $69,300 |
| 5 Persons | $37,650 | $46,800 | $74,850 |
| 6 Persons | $43,150 | $50,250 | $80,400 |
| 7 Persons | $48,650 | $53,700 | $85,950 |
| 8 Persons | $54,150 | $57,200 | $91,500 |
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 Rockford Housing Authority — including across state lines.