Questions about Applying for Housing? Start here:
Am I eligible for CHA housing assistance?
Even if you meet all the requirements you might not get housing right away. Learn about the requirements and find out about your eligibility for housing assistance.
How does the waitlist work?
CHA has multiple waiting lists, including one central Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) waiting list, as well as site-based lists for public housing, Project-Based Vouchers, and Property-Based Rental Assistance properties.
Applicants can be on up to four waiting lists:
- The HCV waiting list
- One public housing waiting list
- One Project Based Voucher waiting list
- One Project Based Rental waiting list
The HCV waiting list is currently closed and only accepts new applicants during a specific window of time. However, the other waiting lists are always open, and you can sign up at any time.
There are also certain preferences established by HUD which may result in a higher place on the waiting list. These are (in order):
- Victims of federally declared disasters
- Domestic violence victims
- Veterans
- Homeless
- Family Preservation
CHA won’t verify your information until you reach the top of the waitlist. Once this happens, you will be screened to make sure you qualify. Screening includes background, credit, and residential history checks. Income verification also takes place at this time.
Why might some people be denied subsidized housing?
There are some people with background checks that make them ineligible for public housing. For example, If any household member has ever been convicted of arson, of producing or manufacturing methamphetamine, or any other crime that requires them to be registered as a lifetime sex offender under a state sex offender registration program, that individual is not eligible to live in public housing (although the rest of the household may still qualify).
CHA complies with Cook County’s Just Housing Amendment which:
- Prohibits landlords from denying a housing application based on juvenile or adult arrest records; and
- Requires landlords considering an individual’s covered criminal history to perform an individualized assessment prior to denying any application for housing.
Cook County's website has information on the Just Housing Amendment, including FAQs, Sample Notices, Assessment Tools, and more.
What number am I on the waitlist?
Unfortunately, it is impossible for CHA to tell your exact place on the list because it is constantly changing as applicants are pulled for screening and either offered housing or returned to the waitlist if they are ineligible or decline an offer.
You can check the status of your application and your estimated wait time at the CHA Waitlist Portal. Please continue to update your application as changes occur while you wait for your name to be pulled for eligibility verification.
How do I apply for housing, update my application or check the status of my housing application?
You can apply for public housing, update your application, or check the status of your housing application at the CHA Waitlist Portal.
If you require assistance completing your application, please contact us at (312)-742-8500.
Are there other Housing Resources available?
Learn about other options for subsidized or affordable housing in Chicago.
Questions from Current Residents? Start here:
I’m a current CHA public housing resident. How can I get a Housing Choice Voucher?
There is not a transfer process in place between public housing and the Housing Choice Voucher program. CHA’s Housing Choice Voucher waitlist is closed at this time.
How can I locate my client ID#?
You can look up your client ID number online using the Head of Household last name, last 4 digits of SNN, and date of birth submitted on the original application at the CHA Waitlist Portal.