In Chicago, the cost of housing is higher than in some other cities, making it difficult for low-income families and individuals to afford rent. The state of Illinois offers a housing assistance program to help those who qualify pay for safe and sanitary housing. Understanding how this program works and the eligibility requirements can help applicants determine whether they may qualify for housing assistance.
Chicago Section 8 Housing Program
Illinois operates a Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program that provides rental assistance to low-income residents in Chicago as well as in other cities throughout the state. This program exists to help make sure residents can afford sanitary and safe housing, as well as be able to pay for other basic living expenses rather than having to spend the majority of their income on rent.
During the Great Depression, the federal government enacted the Housing Act of 1937, which extended assistance to low-income households to pay for housing costs. Although the majority of the funds distributed through the programs come from federal government agencies, each individual state operates its own program and distributes its own vouchers. In Chicago, vouchers are available through the Chicago Housing Authority. However, they are not easy to obtain. Some applicants to the program have waited over 10 years to receive vouchers.
Applying for Section 8 Housing Assistance
Since the waitlist is so long, the Chicago Housing Authority rarely opens up the application process to new applicants. On occasion, the agency will randomly select individuals on the list through a lottery system to receive vouchers, but this only occurs when funds are available. The process of applying includes completing an application form, passing a criminal background check, and meeting all income criteria and other eligibility requirements. Program administrators also perform multiple verifications to weed out anyone who may be trying to commit fraud.
The specific income limits for a Section 8 voucher Chicago can change based on inflation and other factors. In 2019, the limit for a family of four was between $26,750 per year (extremely low) and $71,300 per year (low). At this time, the Chicago Housing Authority is not accepting applications for Section 8 vouchers, but individuals can check back regularly to find out when they may open the process and accept new applicants.
Section 8 Rentals Chicago
As of October 2013, private landlords with properties available for rent in Chicago or anywhere in Cook County are legally prohibited from refusing to lease to renters based on the source of income. This means that holding a Section 8 voucher cannot restrict a renter from being eligible to rent an apartment that qualifies under the program. In order for a voucher holder to select an apartment, condominium, or single-family house to rent, the unit must meet basic housing quality standards and undergo an inspection performed by a program representative.
After receiving approval, the renter can then enter into a rental agreement with the landlord. They will pay an agreed-upon portion of the rent directly to the landlord, while the remainder of the monthly cost will come from the Chicago Housing Authority. Landlords must maintain their residences in accordance with the quality standards outlined by the HUD and consent to any required audits or periodic inspections.
Finding Section 8 apartments Chicago is part of the process for those who qualify for the voucher program. Since landlords are not legally able to restrict who rents the properties they have available, voucher recipients have more options when it comes to where they live.
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