Section 8 Waiting Lists / Illinois

Section 8 Waiting List in Illinois: Open Lists & Status (2026)

In Illinois, none of the 4 housing authorities we track say they are accepting Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher applications as of October 23, 2026.

3 lists are closed by the authority's own statement: CHA, Housing Authority of Elgin, Housing Authority of Joliet.

One authority does not state a status on a page we could read: Cook County Housing Authority. Call before you rely on anything.

Illinois has other housing authorities we do not track; HUD's PHA contact directory lists all of them. Each row below quotes the authority and links the page it came from.

Status as published by the authority on October 23, 2026; confirm with the authority before applying. We do not estimate wait times or predict openings.

Open

The authority says it is accepting Housing Choice Voucher applications. Read the wording — some openings are limited to one preference group.

Open (ongoing lottery)

The authority accepts pre-applications at any time and draws applicants at random when vouchers are available. Applying puts you in the pool, not in a queue.

Closed

The authority says its Housing Choice Voucher waiting list is closed to new applicants.

Not stated

The authority's page did not state a status, or could not be read, on the date shown. Confirm with the authority before relying on anything.

Illinois housing authorities we track

Status is the authority's own wording on the date shown. Each name links to its payment standards page on this site; each source links to the authority's page.

Housing authorityHCV waiting listWhat the authority saysCheckedSource
Housing Authority of Cook County (HACC) Not stated HACC's residents hub, which carries wait list status, could not be read; its recent notices open site-based PBV lists only.
  • HCV: not readable
  • PBV: Hamlin Avenue Apartments PBV list took applications January 7–9, 2026

HACC's PBV notices say current HCV waitlist applicants get priority for site-based PBV lists.

 October 23, 2026 HACC – Residents
Chicago Housing Authority (CHA) Closed The HCV waitlist is not open at this time. Public Housing, Project-Based Voucher (PBV), and PBRA waitlists are open.
  • HCV: closed
  • Public housing: open
  • PBV: open

Apply or check status at applyonline.thecha.org.

 October 23, 2026 CHA Help Center
Housing Authority of Elgin (HAE) Closed The HCV waitlist is currently closed.
  • HCV: closed; last opened March 1, 2024 (first 2,000 pre-applications; 200 chosen by lottery)
 October 23, 2026 Housing Authority of Elgin
Housing Authority of Joliet Closed Status: Closed. The HCV waiting list is currently CLOSED and has been closed for any new applications since March 2010.
  • HCV: closed since March 2010
  • Public housing: closed

'We are unable to determine when our waiting list will re-open at this time.'

 October 23, 2026 Housing Authority of Joliet – HCV Waiting List Status

How to apply through each Illinois authority

Other Illinois housing authorities: HUD PHA contact directory (choose Illinois). An authority must publish a notice before it opens its list (24 CFR 982.206). See also how to check your status and the waiting list guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Section 8 waiting list open in Illinois?

Not at the 4 Illinois authorities we track, as of October 23, 2026. CHA: "The HCV waitlist is not open at this time. Public Housing, Project-Based Voucher (PBV), and PBRA waitlists are open." Housing Authority of Elgin: "The HCV waitlist is currently closed." Housing Authority of Joliet: "Status: Closed. The HCV waiting list is currently CLOSED and has been closed for any new applications since March 2010." Illinois has other authorities we do not track — check HUD's PHA directory.

How do I apply for Section 8 in Illinois?

Apply directly to a housing authority whose list is open — each one takes its own applications, and this page tracks 4 of the Illinois authorities. Each authority above links its own application or portal page. Under 24 CFR 982.206 an authority must give public notice before it opens its list, so sign up for its announcements. You can apply to more than one authority, including a state agency voucher program where Illinois has one (see HUD's PHA directory).

How do I check my Section 8 status in Illinois?

Use the applicant portal or phone number of the Illinois authority you applied to; the links in the table above go to each one's own page. Authorities do not share lists, so check each one separately, and report any change of address or phone in writing — applicants who miss an update letter are removed.

Does Illinois use a Section 8 lottery?

Housing Authority of Elgin: Closed; last opened March 1, 2024 (first 2,000 pre-applications; 200 chosen by lottery). A lottery places applicants in a pool and draws at random; applying early gives no advantage.

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Illinois on this site: rent limits · income limits