Section 8 programs & vouchers in Chicago, IL

CHA Section 8 in Chicago

The Chicago Housing Authority (CHA) operates one of the largest Housing Choice Voucher programs in the nation:

• Over 54,000 authorized Section 8 units, serving more than 47,000 families across Chicago. (PlainVoucher Rankings)
• Participants rent from private landlords in every part of the city, paying roughly 30% of adjusted income toward rent while CHA pays the rest up to the payment standard.
• CHA also runs a Mobility Counseling Program with Housing Choice Partners to help families move to lower-poverty “Mobility Areas.”

Income Limits & Payment Standards

HUD income limits for Section 8 in Chicago are set at the Cook County/metro level:

• Household income must generally fall below 50% of the Area Median Income (AMI), with most vouchers targeted to households below 30% AMI.
• Payment standards are based on HUD’s Fair Market Rents and SAFMRs, so the maximum rent covered varies by neighborhood.
• Most households pay about 30% of adjusted monthly income toward rent and utilities.

Check your estimated eligibility and voucher amounts →

Waiting List Status

CHA’s Section 8 waiting list opens infrequently via lottery:

• CHA has gone years without accepting new applications. When open, the process is typically online.
• Demand far exceeds supply — being eligible only puts you on a waiting list, not guarantees a voucher.
• Watch CHA announcements closely for the next opening.

Tips: While waiting, explore the Chicago Low-Income Housing Trust Fund for rental subsidies and nonprofit programs like Solid Ground Chicago for emergency assistance.

Landlord Incentives & Mobility

CHA actively recruits landlords in higher-opportunity areas:

• Landlord Incentive Payment — One-time payment equal to the full contract rent for new owners in mobility areas.
• Vacancy Payments — Up to two months of the previous tenant’s payment to bridge between tenancies.
• Home Modification Program — Accessibility upgrades at no cost to owners.
• Mobility Counseling — Workshops, one-on-one counseling, and post-move support to help families reach “Mobility Areas” with poverty rates under 20%.

Additional Affordable Housing Resources

• DOH LIHTC Developments — $300M+ for 15 affordable housing projects creating 1,200+ units.
• Chicago Low-Income Housing Trust Fund — Rental subsidies for 30–50% AMI households.
• Solid Ground Chicago Rental Relief — Up to 3 months of rent for South Side renters facing crises.
• Supportive housing funded by DOH, CHA, CLIHTF, and state partners.

Read our full deep-dive: Section 8 in Chicago: Voucher Neighborhoods & Programs →