What happens now that the registration period is over?

All the names of people who submitted a completed registration between June 14 and July 9, 2010 will be entered into an electronic lottery. A computer will randomly select the names of 40,000 individuals and randomly assign them to a position on CHA’s public housing wait list. Everyone who submitted a registration will receive a letter notifying them whether or not they have been placed on the Wait List. The letter to the 40,000 individuals chosen for the Wait List will include a client number. This number does not represent a priority number on the Wait List. It is the number that CHA uses to track your status on the Wait List.

When a family reaches the top of the wait list and a unit becomes available that meets their family size and accessibility needs, the family or individual will be notified in writing by one of CHA’s property management companies. The family will be screened to make sure they meet eligibility requirements. Families who pass screening will be offered a unit at the property.

If I am selected for the Wait List, do I automatically qualify for public housing?

No. To qualify for public housing, you must:

• Be 18 years of age or older. (If over 62, you may qualify for senior housing).
• Meet income guidelines in the chart below.
   

  Family Size	Maximum Income Eligibility (80% AMI)
  1	$42,100
  2	$48,100
  3	$54,100
  4	$60,100
  5	$64,950
  6	$69,750
  7	$74,550
  8	$79,350

  
   
• Meet eligibility guidelines found in CHA's FY2009 Admissions and Continued Occupancy Policy, found here.

What should I do if my address or family composition changes or if I made an error on my application?

In fall 2010, letters will be sent to all registrants letting them know whether they have been selected for the wait list. The letter to the 40,000 individuals who have been selected for the wait list will include instructions on how to update your information in CHA’s database. There is no way for CHA to update registrant information until after the lottery is conducted and letters are sent out.

If you were on a CHA Wait List before the 2010 Family Wait List Lottery, and have questions regarding your status, you may contact the Occupancy Department at 312.913.7266.

What if I move or change my address before notification letters are sent out?

CHA recommends you submit a Change of Address form to the United States Postal Service to have your mail forwarded to your new address. You can do this for free by visiting your local postal office. You can also submit an online form for a charge of $1.00 at usps.com.

What is the Family Housing Wait List?

The Family Housing Wait List is used by CHA to fill public housing rental units for families as they become available in CHA-owned properties across the city.

The registration period for the Family Wait List Lottery is now closed.

The names of all the people who registered for the lottery between June 14 and July 9 will be entered into a computerized system that will randomly select 40,000 families to be added to the Family Housing Wait List. Those selected for the Wait List will be considered for housing as it becomes available.

Why does Chicago have a Wait List for public housing?

There are more people who qualify for public housing than there are public housing units available. The Wait List serves to keep a working record of families interested in public housing so CHA can efficiently fill units as they become available.

How do I get on the Wait List?

To be eligible for the Family Wait List Lottery, you had to register between June 14 and July 9, 2010.

Registration is now closed. If you registered between those dates, you will receive a letter this fall letting you know whether you have been selected by the computerized lottery or not.

If you did not register between those dates, you are not eligible for the Family Housing Wait List Lottery. To search for affordable housing resources offered by the State of Illinois, please visit ILhousingsearch.org.

Will everyone who registered get on the Wait List?

No. There are more people who qualify for public housing than there are public housing units available. Therefore, only 40,000 names selected by the random lottery will be placed on the Wait List.

What happens if I am chosen for the Wait List?

The 40,000 people chosen for Wait List will be assigned a client number. When a family reaches the top of the Wait List and a unit is available, the family will be notified in writing by one of CHA's property management companies. The family will then be screened for eligibility. Families who qualify will be offered a public housing unit.

Is this the same as the Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) Wait List?

No. The Housing Choice Voucher Program allows families and individuals to rent in non-CHA properties in the private market while CHA pays for a portion of your rent. The HCV Wait List has been closed since 2008, with no plans to reopen this year.

If I am on the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Wait List, am I eligible to be selected for the public housing Wait List?

Yes. CHA allows families to be on both the HCV and the public housing wait lists.

Does it matter which day during the registration period I submitted my registration?

No, as long as your registration was submitted between June 14 and July 9, 2010, your application will be treated equally in the lottery.

I was on the Wait List before the lottery, what does this mean to me?

CHA will continue to house all of the applicants that were on CHA's wait lists before the Wait List Lottery this year. You will be housed based on your original date of application with preferences that apply to you. If you have a question about your status on the Wait List, call CHA’s Occupancy Department at 312.913.7266.

How will I know if I am chosen for the Wait List?

Everyone who submitted a registration will receive a letter notifying them whether or not they have been placed on the Wait List. The letter to the 40,000 individuals chosen for the Wait List will include a client number. This number does not represent a priority number on the Wait List. It is the number that CHA uses to track your status on the Wait List.

Can I get a priority/preference?

The CHA Admissions and Continued Occupancy Policy (ACOP) allows for certain ranking preferences that applicants may be eligible for. The preferences only apply to victims of federally declared disasters, victims of domestic violence, and families who are currently working with the courts or Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) on family preservation.

Where are public housing units located?

CHA's public housing units are located in numerous communities throughout the City of Chicago. Location will vary with availability on the south, west and north sides of the city. Please go to thecha.org/housing for more information on our properties.

Does CHA have any other housing opportunities available?

Yes, if you are 62 or older CHA has housing opportunities available NOW in some of our senior buildings. Please go to thecha.org/seniors for further information. If you are 60 or 61, you can apply for these housing opportunities.

What if I have other questions?

CHA has established a telephone hotline for questions on the Wait List. If you have a question, you may call 866-7-thecha (866.784.3242) Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. You also can find answers to many of your questions on this FAQ page.