What "Affordable Housing" Means in Chicago
In Chicago, affordable housing isn't just about finding a cheap apartment—it's a category of housing with income eligibility limits. Depending on the program, rent is either based on your household's adjusted income (public housing and vouchers, generally about 30%) or capped at a set amount tied to Area Median Income (AMI) (ARO and LIHTC units).
The Area Median Income (AMI) used by the City of Chicago for 2026 (effective May 1, 2026) is $121,500 for a family of four. Different housing programs target different percentages of this:
Source: City of Chicago 2026 Income and Rent Limits. Effective May 1, 2026. Last verified: .
Types of Affordable Housing Programs in Chicago
ARO (Affordable Requirements Ordinance)
Income-restricted units in City-assisted or rezoned developments
When developers build large residential projects in Chicago, they're required to set aside a percentage of units as "affordable." These ARO units are located inside the development, so some are in newer market-rate buildings. Amenity access for affordable units depends on the building—ask the leasing office.
- Income-restricted to set AMI tiers (commonly around 60% AMI; each property lists its tiers)
- No central City application—contact each building directly
- City dataset includes properties in many community areas
CHA / Public Housing
Chicago Housing Authority managed properties
The Chicago Housing Authority (CHA) owns and manages thousands of public housing units across the city. Rent is generally based on about 30% of your household's adjusted monthly income.
- Rent based on adjusted household income
- Applications go through CHA waitlists, which open and close—check thecha.org for current status
- Serves lower-income households under HUD income limits
Section 8 / Housing Choice Voucher (HCV)
Portable rental assistance you take anywhere
Section 8 provides a voucher that pays a portion of your rent at any participating landlord. Unlike public housing, you choose where to live—as long as the unit passes inspection and the landlord accepts vouchers.
- Voucher is portable—you choose your apartment
- You generally pay about 30% of adjusted income; more if the rent is above CHA's payment standard
- The CHA voucher waitlist opens only periodically—check thecha.org for current status
Project-Based Vouchers (PBV)
Vouchers tied to specific buildings
Similar to Section 8, but the subsidy is attached to a specific unit rather than portable. Each PBV property keeps its own waitlist, separate from the tenant-based voucher waitlist.
- Apply to the specific property or through CHA's PBV waitlists
- Rent generally based on about 30% of adjusted income
- Assistance stays with the unit; after a required period, tenants may request a tenant-based voucher if one is available (ask CHA)
Who Qualifies for Affordable Housing in Chicago?
Eligibility depends on the specific program, but the three main factors are:
Income
Your household income must fall below the program's limit (each program and property sets its own AMI tier)
Household Size
Income limits adjust based on how many people live in your household
Citizenship
Federally assisted programs (public housing, vouchers) require at least one household member with U.S. citizenship or eligible immigration status; ARO and LIHTC rules vary by property
2026 Income Limits (Chicago Area)
| Household Size | 60% AMI | 80% AMI |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $51,060 | $68,050 |
| 2 People | $58,320 | $77,800 |
| 3 People | $65,640 | $87,500 |
| 4 People | $72,900 | $97,200 |
Individual properties may set lower limits. See the 2026 Chicago income limits for all household sizes and tiers.
Source: City of Chicago 2026 Income and Rent Limits. Effective May 1, 2026. Last verified: .
How to Apply for Affordable Housing
Check Your Eligibility
Use our eligibility checker to see which programs you may want to explore based on your income and household size. It gives an estimate, not a determination.
Gather Your Documents
You'll need proof of income, ID, and other documents. Our document checklist shows what is commonly requested; each property confirms its own list.
Find Available Listings
Use the City-listed ARO property directory and call buildings to ask about current availability, and check thecha.org for CHA waitlist status.
Submit Your Application
Apply directly to the building (ARO) or through CHA (Section 8/Public Housing). Keep copies of everything and follow up in writing.
Common Myths & Mistakes
Myth: "You need to be unemployed to qualify"
Reality: Most programs are designed for working families. Many income-restricted units, including ARO rentals, are set at income tiers such as 60% of Area Median Income, which includes many working households.
Myth: "The waitlists are always years long"
Reality: Wait times vary by program and building. For ARO units there is no central City waitlist—you contact each building, and each property manages its own interest list or waitlist.
Myth: "Affordable housing is only in bad neighborhoods"
Reality: The City of Chicago ARO dataset includes properties in many community areas, including Lincoln Park, the Near North Side (River North), and the Near West Side (West Loop).
Myth: "You can't make any money and still qualify"
Reality: Income limits vary by program. Under the 2026 limits, a family of 4 can earn up to $97,200/year (80% AMI) and still fall within the 80% AMI tier used by some income-restricted units. Each property sets which tiers it offers.
Myth: "The application process is impossible to navigate"
Reality: It takes documentation and follow-up, and each program works differently. Our guides break down what is commonly requested for each program.
All Guides & Resources
ARO Program Guide
Complete guide to Affordable Requirements Ordinance units with 2026 income limits
Section 8 / HCV Guide
Everything you need to know about Housing Choice Vouchers in Chicago
CHA Housing Guide
Chicago Housing Authority public housing options and eligibility
How to Apply
Step-by-step application process for all Chicago housing programs
Document Checklist
Complete list of documents needed for your housing application
ARO Property Directory
City-listed ARO properties to contact directly about current availability
Ready to Find Your Affordable Home?
Estimate which programs fit your household, find City-listed properties to contact, and get your documents ready.