With more than 100 counties, Illinois Section 8 programs are one of the largest affordable housing programs in the U.S. Section 8 in IL is managed and maintained on the state and local levels by housing authorities. Throughout the state of Illinois, there are 112 housing authorities who work with qualified applicants to assist them in their search for low income housing in the area. The Chicago Housing Authority, is one of the largest housing authorities in Illinois, with 71,839 rental units rented each year. The local housing authorities in Illinois work with the federal government through HUD (Housing and Urban Development Department). Along with HUD, the local housing authorities determine eligibility, create and make HUD applications available, as well as disburse housing vouchers on behalf of qualified Section 8 participants.

Low income housing in Illinois offers Section 8 housing programs in both a tenant based program and a project based program. Not all housing authorities offer both, so new applicants are urged to select a housing authority to apply with that offers the program they are most interested in. Project based programs allow families to remain in their own low income house rental, if it meets HUD standards. This program also allows Section 8 participants to move from one Section 8 low income housing situation to another. Conversely, while project based Section 8 programs have less out of pocket each month for rent, the funding is tied to the actual rental unit. So, the renter cannot easily move from one rental unit to another. The tenant based program is considered private sector, while the project based program is considered public housing.

In most Section 8 programs the renter is required to pay at least 30 percent of their income toward the rental fee on the home, condo, or apartment. Likewise, qualifying for the Section 8 housing program in Illinois requires the candidate to meet certain low income levels. Qualified Section 8 candidates, in order to qualify for benefits, must make less than the average salary in their area (called the Median Range Salary). Those who make 30-50 percent less than others in their county, on average, will meet the income requirements for the Section 8 program in Illinois. Section 8 gives preferences and priority listing for those who are disabled, elderly, veterans, or for those who have very young families.

Learn the Requirements for Section 8 in Illinois

When first learning about the Section 8 eligibility guidelines, an applicant may be tempted to ask, “What are the qualifications for low income housing in Illinois?” and “Do I qualify for Section 8 housing?” often because there is so much conflicting information pertaining to affordable housing programs. Section 8 eligibility is not difficult but there are a lot of regulations and criteria that applicants must be aware of. If an applicant is not organized, his or her chances of being issued a rejection letter are significant. Section 8 eligibility in IL is comprised of three main areas that will be different depending on where an applicant resides within the state.

Learn How to Apply for Section 8 in Illinois

Low-income families in Illinois can register for Section 8 housing programs and benefit from subsidized housing. The U.S department of Housing and Urban Development provides funding to the Illinois Public Housing Authority, which administers it to the families that need affordable housing. Residents of Illinois can benefit from housing assistance by completing a HUD Section 8 application through the local Public Housing Authority offices all over the state.

Learn About Section 8 Waiting List in Illinois

Section 8 housing program application waiting lists in Illinois are always created by the PHA (public housing authority) if demand for public housing exceeds available resources. Each PHA has its own low-income housing waiting list and new applicants are required to submit applications only if the waiting list is open. The most common question that applicants ask is “When will Section 8 waiting list open so that new applicants can submit their applications?” Each PHA has its own schedule regarding Section 8 housing applications, and for this reason new applicants should confirm the schedules in their area with the individual PHA if their waiting lists are open. Public Housing Authorities are local offices that administer public housing funds on behalf of the US department of Housing and Urban Development. There are 99 Public Housing Authorities in Illinois that can enroll residents for housing assistance.

Learn About Section 8 Denial in Illinois

Due to stringent Section 8 application processes, many applicants may receive a Section 8 denial letter the first time they submit their HUD application. Even if an applicant believes he or she has done everything right, it could be a simple issue of credit scores. What are the reasons for Section 8 denial in IL? There are plenty of reasons to receive a Section 8 denial letter, the most common being documentation. Section 8 denial letters will tell an applicant within the letter what his or her Section 8 housing disqualifications were, so be sure to examine the letter closely.