Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting Lists in Bloomington, Illinois
All waiting lists in Bloomington are currently closed. Section 8 Waitlist monitors 2 housing authorities serving Bloomington, 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 Bloomington, 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 Bloomington, Illinois
Bloomington, Illinois is served by 2 housing authorities offering federal rental assistance through Section 8 and Public Housing programs. Currently, all waitlists in Bloomington are closed. Openings can happen with as little as 48 hours notice, so monitoring is critical. There are also 24 open waitlists within 50 miles that accept applications from non-residents.
Housing programs available in Bloomington include Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Public Housing.
Open Lists Nearby
While no waitlists are open in Bloomington right now, there are 24 open lists within 50 miles. Most housing authorities accept applications from non-residents, so applying in neighboring cities is a practical strategy. Scroll down to "Nearby Cities" below for options.
How to Apply for Section 8 in Bloomington
To apply for Section 8 or Public Housing assistance in Bloomington, Illinois, you need to submit an application directly to one of the housing authorities listed above during an open enrollment period. 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. Having these ready before a waitlist opens can be the difference between getting on the list and missing the window.
Most housing authorities in the Bloomington area accept online applications through their official portal. 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). Wait times in Illinois typically range from 6 months to 5+ years depending on demand.
Bloomington, Illinois Section 8 Income Limits
To qualify for Section 8 or Public Housing in Bloomington, Illinois, your household income must fall within HUD's income limits for the Bloomington, IL MSA area. A family of four must earn less than $59,400 per year (Very Low Income) to be eligible for most programs. The area median family income is $118,800.
| Household Size | Extremely Low 30% AMI |
Very Low 50% AMI |
Low Income 80% AMI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $25,000 | $41,600 | $66,550 |
| 2 Persons | $28,550 | $47,550 | $76,050 |
| 3 Persons | $32,100 | $53,500 | $85,550 |
| 4 Persons | $35,650 | $59,400 | $95,050 |
| 5 Persons | $38,550 | $64,200 | $102,700 |
| 6 Persons | $43,150 | $68,950 | $110,300 |
| 7 Persons | $48,650 | $73,700 | $117,900 |
| 8 Persons | $54,150 | $78,450 | $125,500 |
How do income limits affect my eligibility?
Housing authorities in Bloomington 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 Bloomington and have active housing programs.