The Section 8 program is funded by the federal government, but administered at the state level by local housing authorities that distribute housing vouchers to low income residents in need of affordable housing. The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is responsible for allocating Section 8 housing program funds to the states, but it is the local housing authority that distributes the housing vouchers. Low income housing is made available to qualified candidates who apply for aid. Low income house rentals are reserved for applicants whose combined household income falls well below the average for their area. The Section 8 vouchers cover the majority of the cost of rent, and in some cases will even completely cover rent payment.

Learn About Section 8 Requirements in Illinois

What are the qualifications for low income housing in Illinois? The Section 8 eligibility requirements cover three main areas: income level, citizenship status, and previous landlord referral. Applicants wondering, “Do I qualify for Section 8 housing in Illinois” will have to evaluate their current situation to see if their household meets the minimum requirements.

Income level is the most important factor in determining Section 8 eligibility. Income level is determined by the median area income for a county. Income information by county is available online, or at the local HUD office. Applicants that make 30 percent of the area’s median income fall in the extremely low income bracket. The very low income bracket is for applicants who earn 50 percent of the median income, and applicants that make at least 80 percent of the median income level are in the low income bracket. Applicants who fall in the extremely low or very low income bracket will be eligible for Section 8 housing in Illinois.

What are the requirements for Section 8 aside from income level? Family size is also considered when determining Section 8 eligibility in Illinois. Applicants with a larger family will have a higher income bracket since the household will have more income-earning members. Additionally, the applicant must be a legal U.S. citizen and receive a positive evaluation from former landlords.

Section 8 applicants wanting to know, “what do I need to apply for Section 8 housing in Illinois?” should know that they will have to gather a number of different documents for themselves and each member of their household. For more details about the Section 8 application process, continue reading on below.

Learn How to Apply for Section 8 Housing in Illinois

Section 8 applicants who want to learn how to sign up for Section 8 housing in Illinois can get personalized assistance from an HUD agent at the local housing authority office. To register for Section 8 housing program benefits in Illinois, applicants must first submit an initial application. The initial HUD Section 8 application can be submitted without any supporting documentation, and asks applicants to provide basic information, including past employment history, income information, and family size. Afterward, applicants can check status for Section 8 application by contacting HUD or going online. Even though there is an online application for low income housing in Illinois, it cannot be submitted digitally and must be printed out and mailed in or submitted in person.

If the initial application is approved, the applicant will be invited to an interview with a housing authority agent. During this time, applicants will be asked to bring various supporting documentation. Required documents include past pay stubs, history of previous employment, and references from past landlords. Housing authority agents will work directly with applicants to ensure that all of the required information is gathered. If the applicant is approved, he or she will be added to the Section 8 waiting list. Applicants who are are chosen from the waiting list will undergo one final interview with a private landlord. During this time, the applicant and landlord will come to a lease agreement.

Learn About Section 8 Waiting Lists in Illinois

When will the Section 8 waiting list open in Illinois? The Section 8 waiting list will open depending on the county housing availability. The Section 8 housing waiting list 2016 has no set opening dates, but will likely open a few times during the year. Applicants can work with a HUD agent or look online to get more information about the Section 8 housing program waiting list in Illinois. It is a good idea for applicants to follow the Section 8 wait list status in their county and surrounding counties as well.

Applicants wanting to check waiting list status for Section 8 can visit the local HUD website online or go to the office in person. The local housing authority tries to provide information about when the waiting list will next open up months in advance to give applicants plenty of time to get ready and apply.

The low income housing waiting list can fluctuate from week to week, so applicants are urged to check back often. The average wait time for Section 8 in Illinois can last anywhere from several months to a few years.

Learn About Section 8 Denials in Illinois

What are the reasons for Section 8 denial in Illinois? The most common Section 8 housing disqualifications include having a criminal record and receiving a negative review from a past landlord. In some cases, applicants can file a Section 8 denial appeal to request reconsideration.

Applicants who want to know what to do if Section 8 application was denied can refer to the Section 8 denial letter, which will detail the exact reason their application was rejected. The letter should also include instructions on how to appeal Section 8 denial in Illinois. Typically, applicants only have a period of 20 days to make an appeal, unless the letter indicates otherwise. During the appeal, the Section 8 application will be reevaluated by a different committee. If the appeal is denied, then the applicant will be unable to make a second appeal.

Website: Local Offices.

State: Illinois