Chicago Section 8 Calculator — Cook County and DuPage County Income Limits & Rent Estimate
Renters in Chicago, IL often search for the Housing Choice Voucher program — commonly called Section 8. Vouchers help very low-income households afford rent in private housing. In this city or town, HUD rules are usually applied through a Public Housing Authority (PHA) serving Cook County and DuPage County.
Expanded local guide
Section 8 in Chicago — CHA, Waiting Lists & Mobility Programs
Local Section 8 overview for Chicago renters: CHA's voucher program, waiting list status, landlord incentives, mobility counseling, and how to estimate voucher help.
Updated May 26, 2026
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 →
HUD income limits & Fair Market Rents — Chicago
Official HUD figures for Cook County (area: Chicago-Joliet-Naperville, IL HUD Metro FMR Area). Local PHA payment standards are often 90–110% of FMR.
This place spans multiple counties (Cook County, DuPage County). Tables show the primary county — confirm with your ZIP in the calculator.
Annual income limits (FY 2026)
Very low income (~50% AMI) and low income (~80% AMI) by household size. Section 8 typically prioritizes very low-income households.
| Household size | Very low (50%) | Low (80%) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $42,550 | $68,050 |
| 2 | $48,600 | $77,800 |
| 3 | $54,700 | $87,500 |
| 4 | $60,750 | $97,200 |
| 5 | $65,650 | $105,000 |
| 6 | $70,500 | $112,800 |
| 7 | $75,350 | $120,550 |
| 8 | $80,200 | $128,350 |
Monthly Fair Market Rents (FY 2027)
Benchmark gross rent (rent + utilities) by unit size. Use the ZIP calculator for Small Area FMRs or an estimated voucher amount.
This area uses Small Area FMRs by ZIP. County-level FMR rows may be blank — use the calculator with your ZIP code.
| Bedrooms | FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $1,678 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,780 |
| 2 bedrooms | $2,011 |
| 3 bedrooms | $2,586 |
| 4 bedrooms | $2,954 |
Source: HUD USER API (income limits & FMR). Educational estimate only; not affiliated with HUD or any PHA. Reference fiscal year: 2026.
Chicago Section 8 Rent Calculator & Voucher Estimate
Because Chicago may sit in a multi-county HUD area, use our Section 8 rent calculator to check your county, HUD income limits, and estimated tenant rent share before you contact a housing authority.
Calculate Chicago rent share & voucherHousing Choice Voucher program
A Section 8 voucher in the Chicago area does not pay your full rent. You pay a tenant share (often about 30% of adjusted income), and the voucher covers part of the rent up to the local payment standard, which is based on HUD Fair Market Rents for Cook County and DuPage County.
Most PHAs near Chicago run waiting lists that open only periodically. Eligibility depends on income, household size, and local preferences — not on applying first online alone.
- Project-based Section 8 — Project-based Section 8 — subsidy stays with specific buildings (different application path).
- Tenant-based vouchers (HCV) — Tenant-based vouchers (HCV) — you find a unit; the voucher moves with you in many cases after initial lease-up.
- Local preferences — Local preferences — veterans, elderly, disabled, or working families may get priority on some lists.
Section 8 guides for Chicago renters
These guides explain vouchers, income limits, and rent math for households in Chicago and across Illinois. Each links to our calculator so you can run numbers for your ZIP.
How Section 8 HAP Is Calculated (Tenant Share vs Owner)
HAP is min(payment standard, gross rent) minus TTP. See family rent to owner, utility reimbursement, the 90–110% FMR band, and what this calculator can and cannot decide.
RentHow Much Section 8 Pays by Bedroom Size
There is no national dollar amount for a 1-, 2-, or 3-bedroom voucher. Family unit size, the PHA payment standard, and your TTP decide HAP — plus the 40% first-lease rule.
PHAFind Your Public Housing Authority (PHA) for Section 8
Learn what a PHA is, how to find the housing authority for your city or county, and where to apply for a Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher waiting list.
ApplicationHow to Apply for Section 8 — Waiting Lists & PHA Steps
Step-by-step overview of Section 8 waiting lists, PHA applications, and what to do while you wait for a voucher.
Voucher programHousing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8) Explained
What the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program is, how PHAs run it, and how vouchers differ from public housing.
RentSection 8 Rent Calculator — How Much Will I Pay With a Voucher?
Estimate your Section 8 tenant share (TTP), payment standard, and maximum voucher subsidy. Includes rent above payment standard examples.
Income limitsSection 8 Income Limits Explained by Household Size
HUD very low and low income limits determine Section 8 eligibility. See how limits vary by ZIP, county, metro area, and family size.
BasicsHow Section 8 Housing Works — Vouchers, PHAs & What You Pay (2026)
How Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers work in 2026 — who qualifies, how PHAs issue vouchers, how payment standards are calculated, and exactly what renters pay vs what the subsidy covers.
Apply near Chicago
- Confirm income limits with the calculator.
- Find your PHA in our PHA Directory or the HUD contacts tool (Cook County and DuPage County).
- Join the waiting list when the PHA opens applications — many lists close for years at a time.
- When selected, find a rental at or below the payment standard and complete inspection.
Ready to apply? Download the PDF application checklist before your appointment.
FAQ — Section 8 in Chicago
Can I use Section 8 in Chicago, IL?
Many renters in Chicago can apply if they meet HUD income limits and the local PHA has an open waiting list. Vouchers are portable in some cases, but you must apply through the housing authority that serves your area — often tied to Cook County, DuPage County.
How much rent will I pay with a voucher near Chicago?
Your minimum share is the Total Tenant Payment (TTP) — typically the greater of 30% of adjusted monthly income, 10% of gross income, or a small PHA minimum. Use our calculator with your ZIP to see an estimate for Cook County, DuPage County.
Where do I apply for Section 8 in Chicago?
Applications are handled by your local Public Housing Authority, not this website. Search HUD's PHA contact directory for authorities serving Cook County, DuPage County, then follow their waiting list instructions.
Does Chicago have its own income limits?
HUD publishes income limits and Fair Market Rents by county or metro area. Chicago uses the limits for Cook County, DuPage County. Enter your ZIP in our calculator to pull the current HUD figures for your household size.
Do medical bills lower Section 8 rent in Chicago?
If your household is elderly (62+) or disabled, HUD may deduct unreimbursed medical costs above 10% of annual income, plus a family allowance. That reduces the adjusted income used for your tenant share (TTP). Run a Chicago ZIP in the calculator; the PHA serving Cook County, DuPage County decides which receipts count.