Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program
CHA's Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program assists in housing families with children, the elderly, and people with disabilities across Chicago. Using federal funds provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the voucher program helps participant families pay for housing in the private market, such as apartments, duplexes, condominiums, townhouses, and single-family homes. Participant families contribute 30-40% of their income toward rent and utilities, and CHA pays the remainder directly to the property owner.Since more families need rental assistance than funds available, CHA uses a waiting list to administer the program. Currently, the HCV waitlist is closed. Notice will be posted through a variety of media outlets when it reopens.
Date of Last Formal Update
01/28/2023
Data provided by
211 Metro Chicago
Location
60 East Van Buren Street, Chicago, IL 60605
Voice
Hours
Mon 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM; Tue 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM; Wed 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM; Thu 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM; Fri 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM; HCV Program offices are open by appointment only. Click here (https://selecttime.appointy.com/chicagoc) to schedule an appointment. For public convenience, "no contact" document drop boxes are available at each location for client use during normal business hours.
Application process
Once selected from the waitlist, the family follows the steps outlined below:1. Apply and interview2. Attend a voucher briefing3. Select a unit, submit a Request for Tenancy Approval4. Await inspection results5. Await rent determination6. Sign the lease7. Move in, pay rent and utilities8. Comply with HUD and CHA's rules and regulationsAfter admission to the program, families must re-establish eligibility approximately every two years. All household members must follow the lease terms with the property owner and CHA's Family Obligations to remain in good standing on the program. CHA operates three Regional Offices to accommodate in-person visits. HCV Program participants will be assigned to one of these offices (based on ZIP code) to attend appointments and conduct business with CHA.HCV Program offices are open by appointment only. For public convenience, "no contact" document drop boxes are also available at each location for client use during normal business hours.
Eligibility
Applicant families must meet the following eligibility requirements to qualify for the HCV Program:Meet HUD's definition of familyMeet income limits specified by HUDQualify based on citizenship or eligible immigrant statusProvide Social Security number informationSign the required consent formsPass the screening process
Languages
Spanish
English
Service area
Chicago, IL
Agency info
Chicago Housing Authority
The Chicago Housing Authority provides homes to more than 63,000 households while supporting healthy communities in neighborhoods throughout the city. Designated a Moving to Work agency by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, CHA has used that flexibility to create innovative partnerships that expand choices and opportunities for the low income families and individuals it serves. This agency also refers eligible clients needing home furniture to the Chicago Furniture Bank (CFB), which does not accept walk-ins or calls for furniture requests. Individuals requesting furniture may contact Chicago Housing Authority staff to discuss further. CHA staff will work to assess the client's needs and schedule an appointment on their behalf.