Subsidized Housing in Chicago
Subsidized housing in Chicago covers a range of programs — public housing, Housing Choice Vouchers, and project-based Section 8 — that lower rent for income-eligible households. Most are administered or overseen by the Chicago Housing Authority and HUD.
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About This Program in Chicago
In Chicago, the Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) program and public housing are administered by the Chicago Housing Authority (CHA). Rent is income-based — generally about 30% of adjusted household income — whether in a CHA development or with a voucher used in private housing.
How to Apply in Chicago
Apply through CHA at thecha.org when waitlists are open; openings are often filled by lottery. Chicago and Cook County protect renters from source-of-income discrimination, so most landlords cannot refuse a Housing Choice Voucher. Call CHA at (312) 742-8500 for current waitlist status.