housing help is here!

See below for information on the rent, utility, and legal assistance programs currently available!

The state of Illinois is providing emergency housing assistance to help renters maintain stable, affordable housing.
This site is intended to help guide Illinoisans in need of emergency housing assistance due to financial hardship. Discover the emergency assistance programs available to you by multiple state agencies including: the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA), the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS), and the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO).
Illinois Rental Payment Program (ILRPP)

Find an IDHS Service Provider Near You

The Illinois Rental Payment Program is now closed for new application. For struggling renters who missed the window to apply for assistance through IHDA, the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) is currently accepting applications for rental assistance. Those looking for assistance, please contact an IDHS Service Provider Agency to ask about rental assistance, find out if you’re eligible and get help with applying.

Renters can find a IDHS Service Provider at: illinoisrentalassistance.org/providers 

Illinois Court-Based Rental Assistance Program (CBRAP)

The Illinois Court-Based Rental Assistance Program (CBRAP) provides funding to Illinois tenants and housing providers/ landlords across Illinois who have pending cases in eviction court. Applicants may qualify for up to $15,000 in emergency rental payments that can can be applied to past due rent, up to $500 for court costs, and up to two months’ future rent to prevent eviction.

Pre-Eligibility Check

To be eligible for ILRPP, applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:
Illinois Resident

You are either a renter in Illinois or a landlord with a tenant who lives in Illinois.

Financial & Unemployment Difficulty

Your household (or your tenant’s household) experienced a financial hardship during or due, directly or indirectly, to the coronavirus pandemic.

Housing Instability

Your household (or your tenants’ household) is behind on rent and/or is at risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability.

Income Limits

Your (or your tenant’s) household income is at or below the limit for your county. Click here to find the income limits for your county.

Before you apply, please make sure to review the list of acceptable tenant and landlord documents.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program

Utility Bill Assistance

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), administered by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), helps eligible low-income households pay for home energy services (primarily heating during winter months). Illinois residents with a household income that does not exceed an amount determined annually by DCEO are eligible. Annual eligibility levels are determined based on available funding and may not exceed 200% of the federal nonfarm poverty level.

Utility Bill Assistance, Illinois Housing Help

Need help applying for utility bill assistance?

Find the nearest LIHEAP administering agency to you.
Have questions about utility bill assistance?
Call the LIHEAP Hotline at 1-833-711-0374.
Already applied for utility bill assistance?
Find out the status of your LIHEAP application.
ilhousingsearch.org

looking for an affordable home?

For those looking for a new place to call home, ILHousingSearch.org allows you to search thousands of affordable, subsidized and market rate units throughout Illinois. You can customize your search based on your specific needs, budget, and desired location.

The service is also available through a toll-free, bilingual call center at (877) 428-8844.

Keys to affordable home search, Illinois

FAQs

Have questions about Illinois rental, utility, or eviction prevention legal aid?
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