Chicago Housing Authority Voucher Programme

CHA is a public agency established under state law to provide housing assistance and support services to people who meet certain conditions such as being elderly or disabled. The purpose of these programs is to ensure access to decent, safe, affordable housing for eligible residents, especially those with limited incomes and resources.

What are the eligibility requirements?

To be eligible to participate in CHA’s Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCVP), you must:

o Be age 55 years old or older;

o Have an income of no more than 130 per cent of the Area Median Income (AMI);

o Live in one of four urban areas: Chicago, Elgin, Kankakee, Gary, Joliet, Naperville, Rockford, Schaumburg, St Louis, Springfield, Tinley Park, Westmont, Wheeling, Wood River, and Yorkville;

o Reside permanently within the area described above;

o Not have been convicted of any crime that would disqualify him from receiving federal benefits;

o Not currently own his/her residence;

o Not receive other public housing assistance; and

o Not live outside of Illinois

How does it work?

The CHA provides rental vouchers to households which qualify for its program. You can use your HCVP voucher at participating private landlords’ apartments, homes and condominiums throughout the City. Your voucher entitles you to rent an apartment following the rules set by HUD.

Who can apply for an HCV?

You may apply for an HCV if you meet all the following criteria:

o You are not currently receiving other public housing assistance;

o You do not own your home;

o You earn $1075 per month or less; and

o Your household size consists of only one person living alone.

Where can I find more information?

For more information on the Chicago Housing Authority, including eligibility requirements, please visit the CHA website at www.chicago.gov/cha. For information specific to the HCVP, please contact the CHA’s HCVP Office at 312-744-0303.

Will the CHA work with me to help me find a place to live?

Yes, the CHA works with residents to assist them in finding suitable housing. This assistance includes referrals to other public and private agencies providing rental listings and assisting in locating housing. When possible, this service is free.

Does the CHA have any funds available now?

The CHA has $1.4 billion in assets and $1.3 billion in outstanding debt. In the fiscal year 2010, the CHA received 5 per cent less in operating funding than it did in 2009. To date, no additional revenue sources have been identified that would allow the CHA to maintain its level of operation without increasing its debt load.

Can I get more than one voucher?

HCVP benefits are awarded only once per household. You are limited to receiving vouchers through the HCVP. If you need to move because of a job relocation or family situation changes such as marriage, divorce, adoption, the birth of a child, etc., you must re-apply using an updated application process.

Do I need to choose an address before I receive my voucher?

You do not need to select an address until after your first rent payment is due. Once you have chosen an address, however, you cannot change your choice unless you submit a request for a hardship exemption.

How many units will there be in each building?

There will be 80 HCVP buildings across Chicago. Each building consists of four to eight apartments and will typically contain three to five units. The number of apartments varies depending on the size of the site.

What if I’m unable to make my rent payments?

As soon as you are notified by the CHA that you’ve missed a rent payment, you should immediately pay off the arrearage. Your landlord may charge a late fee. If you don’t resolve the issue quickly, the CHA reserves the right to terminate your HCVP benefits, which could result in eviction from your current residence.

Where can I apply online?

A link to frequently asked questions about the HCVP is also posted on this Web page under the heading “Chicago Housing Authority Voucher FAQ.”

Can I use my voucher to pay for transportation costs?

Transportation costs include bus fares, parking fees, toll road charges and taxi fares. You are responsible for paying the actual cost of public transportation used in connection with obtaining employment or attending educational activities. This includes the monthly cost of ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft.

Who will be responsible for paying the utilities?

Generally, landlords are responsible for paying the utility bills associated with their property. Utilities include water, gas, electricity, cable television, telephone, trash disposal, sewer and garbage collection. See the CHA’s Renting Out New Apartment guide for more information on how the rent covers electricity, water, trash and garbage.

Conclusion

The Chicago Housing Authority’s Housing Choice Voucher Programme, known locally as the “Voucher” program, helps low-income residents find quality rental housing while providing landlords with much-needed rental income. You can visit online casino games today, choose your best games and place your bets. Who knows? You may win huge amounts of cash after winning.