Contact Chicago Housing Authority
- Phone(312) 742-8500
- Email[email protected]
- Address60 E Van Buren St
Chicago, IL 60605 - CountyCook County
- ProgramsPublic housing and Section 8 vouchers
- HUD codeIL002
Section 8 and public housing at Chicago Housing Authority
Chicago Housing Authority runs both programs: its own public housing apartments and Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers for private rentals. They usually have separate waiting lists, so ask to be placed on both if you qualify.
HUD lists its Public Housing Assessment System (PHAS) status as Advisory.
Income limits for Chicago Housing Authority
HUD sets the income limits for Cook County, IL based on the Chicago-Joliet-Naperville, IL HUD Metro FMR Area figures. Section 8 eligibility depends on your total household income and household size.
| Household size | Extremely low (30%) | Very low (50%) | Low (80%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $25,550 | $42,550 | $68,050 |
| 2 people | $29,200 | $48,600 | $77,800 |
| 3 people | $32,850 | $54,700 | $87,500 |
| 4 people | $36,450 | $60,750 | $97,200 |
| 5 people | $39,400 | $65,650 | $105,000 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $70,500 | $112,800 |
Fair Market Rent near Chicago
Fair Market Rents are HUD's estimate of what a modest rental costs in the Chicago-Joliet-Naperville, IL HUD Metro FMR Area. Housing authorities set their Section 8 payment standard, the most the voucher can cover, usually between 90% and 110% of these figures.
How to apply at Chicago Housing Authority
- Check that you qualify. Compare your household income with the limits above. You also need U.S. citizenship or eligible immigration status for at least one household member.
- Find out if the waiting list is open. Call (312) 742-8500 or email [email protected]. Many agencies open their lists only a few days a year and announce it in advance.
- Submit the pre-application. Most agencies take it online or on paper during the open period. Fill it in for each program you want (public housing and Section 8).
- Keep your contact details up to date. When your name comes up, the agency writes to you. If it cannot reach you, you lose your place.
- Bring your documents to the interview. IDs, Social Security numbers, birth certificates and proof of income for everyone in the household. Full checklist.
We cannot tell you whether this agency's waiting list is open today: HUD does not publish that data, and lists change often. Only Chicago Housing Authority can confirm it.
Housing authorities near Chicago
Applying to more than one agency increases your chances: you can be on several waiting lists at once.
Frequently asked questions
What is the phone number of Chicago Housing Authority?
(312) 742-8500. Email: [email protected]. These are the contacts the agency reports to HUD.
Where is Chicago Housing Authority located?
60 E Van Buren St, Chicago, IL 60605, in Cook County.
Does Chicago Housing Authority offer Section 8?
Yes. HUD reports 61,032 Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8) at this agency, 51,435 of them in use.
What are the income limits for Chicago Housing Authority?
In Cook County, IL, the FY2026 Section 8 (very low income) limit is $42,550 for one person and $60,750 for a family of four. Public housing accepts up to $97,200 for a family of four.
Is the Chicago Housing Authority waiting list open?
Waiting lists open and close on dates each agency sets, often for a few days only. Call (312) 742-8500 or check the agency's notices to confirm whether it is taking applications now.
Section 8 guides
Sources: HUD Public Housing Authorities dataset (agency record updated October 6, 2026) · HUD USER income limits FY2026 · HUD USER Fair Market Rents FY2027. This page is not affiliated with Chicago Housing Authority or HUD.