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Chicago Housing Authority
Chicago, Illinois
Last Updated
20 hours ago
About Chicago Housing Authority
The Chicago Housing Authority (CHA), located in Chicago, Cook County, Illinois (PHA Code: IL002), is a significant provider of assisted housing. It manages approximately 80,518 units, which includes 60,942 Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers and 19,576 Public Housing units across the region.
CHA currently has multiple housing assistance programs open for applications. These include the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program, Project-Based Rental Assistance (PBRA), Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Public Housing, and other available programs. Prospective applicants should note that for a family of four, the Very Low Income limit is $59,950 per year, applicable to the Chicago-Joliet-Naperville, IL HUD Metro FMR Area. Applicants are encouraged to check for specific program eligibility requirements.
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Disaster Victims Waitlist
Status
open
Open Date
Dec 11, 2018
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
This waitlist is specifically for victims of federally declared disasters and has been open since at least December 11, 2018. This status is also a preference for other housing programs.
Other Waitlist
Status
open
Open Date
Dec 11, 2018
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
This is a general 'Other' category waitlist.
Other (Disaster Victims) Waitlist
Status
open
Open Date
Dec 11, 2018
Additional Notes
This is another category specifically for disaster victims.
Other - Disaster Victims Waitlist
Status
open
Open Date
Dec 11, 2018
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
This waitlist has been open since at least December 11, 2018, specifically for victims of federally declared disasters. This is also listed as a preference for other housing programs.
PBRA Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Online, Phone
Additional Notes
The waiting list is continuously open; applicants can be on one Project-Based Rental Assistance waiting list. Preferences may include victims of federally declared disasters, domestic violence victims, veterans, homeless individuals, people with disabilities, and family preservation.
Project-Based Voucher (PBV) Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
Application is continuous. Preferences include victims of federally declared disasters, domestic violence victims, veterans, homeless, and people with disabilities, particularly for supportive housing. Income limits apply.
Public Housing Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
CHA selects applicants based on application date and preferences for groups such as veterans, people with disabilities, victims of domestic violence, homeless individuals, and family preservation. Income limits apply, generally not exceeding 80% of the Area Median Income.
other Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
This waitlist is continuously open with preferences for victims of federally declared disasters, domestic violence, veterans, homeless individuals, and family preservation.
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 HCV waitlist is currently closed and only accepts new applicants during specific windows of time through a lottery system.
The Mainstream waitlist closed on June 4, 2026.
The RAD waitlist closed on June 4, 2026.
Status History
Official Application
Apply directly through the official Chicago Housing Authority portal. Applications are free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.
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 Chicago Housing Authority
Check Current Status
Chicago Housing Authority currently has 8 open waiting lists (Disaster Victims, Other, Other (Disaster Victims), Other - Disaster Victims, PBRA, PBV, Public Housing, other). Application windows can close with little notice, so apply as soon as possible.
Gather Required Documents
For Section 8 voucher programs at Chicago 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 $59,950/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
Apply directly through the official Chicago Housing Authority portal. Applications are free — never pay to apply.
After You Apply
Once accepted onto the waiting list at Chicago Housing Authority, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. Chicago Housing Authority manages approximately 80,518 assisted housing units (60,942 Section 8, 19,576 Public Housing), and wait times depend on turnover and demand in Chicago. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.
Programs at Chicago Housing Authority
Disaster Victims open
The Disaster Victims program at Chicago Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Chicago. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Other open
The Other program at Chicago Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Chicago. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Other (Disaster Victims) open
The Other (Disaster Victims) program at Chicago Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Chicago. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Other - Disaster Victims open
The Other - Disaster Victims program at Chicago Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Chicago. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
PBRA open
The PBRA program at Chicago Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Chicago. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
PBV Project-Based Voucher open
Project-Based Vouchers at Chicago Housing Authority are attached to specific apartment complexes or units in Chicago. 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 open
Public Housing units at Chicago Housing Authority are owned and operated directly by the housing authority. Rent is set at 30% of your adjusted monthly income. Chicago Housing Authority manages approximately 19,576 Public Housing units in Chicago. You may request a transfer to other Public Housing developments but cannot use this benefit at private rental properties.
other open
The other program at Chicago Housing Authority provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Chicago. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
HCV Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) closed
The Housing Choice Voucher program at Chicago 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 Chicago. This program serves approximately 60,942 households. Vouchers are portable — you can take them with you if you move to a different city or state.
Mainstream Mainstream Voucher closed
Mainstream Vouchers at Chicago Housing Authority are specifically designated for non-elderly individuals with disabilities. These vouchers work like standard HCVs but are reserved for this population and often have separate, shorter waitlists.
RAD Rental Assistance Demonstration closed
The Rental Assistance Demonstration program at Chicago Housing Authority converts Public Housing units to project-based assistance with long-term contracts. RAD units in Chicago maintain the same resident protections as Public Housing while enabling capital improvements to the properties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is applying at Chicago Housing Authority free?
How long is the wait at Chicago Housing Authority?
Can I apply to other housing authorities while on this waitlist?
How do I contact Chicago Housing Authority?
What are the income limits for Chicago Housing Authority?
Chicago Housing Authority Income Limits
Income limits for programs at the Chicago Housing Authority are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for Chicago-Joliet-Naperville, IL HUD Metro FMR Area. For a household of four, the current limit for Section 8 eligibility (Very Low Income) is $59,950. 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 | $25,200 | $42,000 | $67,150 |
| 2 Persons | $28,800 | $48,000 | $76,750 |
| 3 Persons | $32,400 | $54,000 | $86,350 |
| 4 Persons | $35,950 | $59,950 | $95,900 |
| 5 Persons | $38,850 | $64,750 | $103,600 |
| 6 Persons | $43,150 | $69,550 | $111,250 |
| 7 Persons | $48,650 | $74,350 | $118,950 |
| 8 Persons | $54,150 | $79,150 | $126,600 |
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 Chicago Housing Authority — including across state lines.