How to Apply for Section 8 Housing in Illinois

Section 8 housing is a government subsidy that helps make rent affordable for low income families and individuals by reducing the maximum rent to 30 percent of adjusted gross income. Because this is a federal program, each county of each state has an office where you can apply for this subsidy. Here's how to find the resources to apply for Section 8 housing in Illinois.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Proof of income, such as tax return statements and paycheck stubs Proof of expenses, such as utility bills and rental agreement Proof of identity for all members of your household such as social security cards and state identification

Steps to apply for Section 8

1. Check to make sure you are qualified for Section 8 housing in Illinois based on your income. You can find the current documentation and income tables at the HUD User website (see Resources below).

2. Contact your regional HUD office. You can find the contact information for regional Illinois offices at the HUD website. Representatives at these offices will be able to provide you with the application forms and answer any questions about how to proceed.

3. Determine the Section 8 program for which you will apply. Each program has a different waiting list and availability. At times, these waiting lists are closed to new applicants or it can take several years before your file comes to the top. It is best to get your name on the list as soon as you know you qualify.

4. Apply for the project-based program, in which you live in a designated Section 8 housing unit and pay reduced rent for as long as you live there. If you move, the assistance will no longer be available to you.

5. Choose the tenant-based program, in which you are able to move into a rental unit of your choice and if you decide to relocate, the Section 8 housing assistance will transfer to the rent payment at your new home. This is obviously preferred, and may have a longer waiting list.

6. After applying for Section 8 make sure you inform them of any change in your status, such as changes of address or telephone number, number of members in the household or change in income. If you move and they are unable to contact you, you may lose your place on the waiting list!

Tips & Warnings

• The telephone number for the Chicago office is [phone]; [phone] will connect you to the downstate Springfield office. Ask if you can apply simultaneously in different counties or for both project-based and tenant-based programs at the same time. Because each Illinois county has its own funding, you may be able to qualify sooner if you can do this.
• After applying for Section 8 housing in Illinois make sure you inform representatives of any change in your status, such as changes of address or telephone number, number of members in the household or income. You may lose your place on the waiting list if they can't contact you.

Resources

• Housing and Urban Development website
• Illinois Section 8 income requirements
• Illinois regional offices contact information