Frequently Asked Questions

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For Homeowners

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What is the Illinois Homeowner Assistance Fund (ILHAF) Program?

The American Rescue Plan Act passed by Congress in March of 2021 provided Illinois with funds to help homeowners at risk of default, foreclosure, and displacement as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Illinois homeowners experiencing financial hardship associated with the COVID-19 pandemic can apply for a housing assistance grant of up to $60,000. The program is administered by the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA). 


Assistance will be paid directly to the mortgagor’s loan servicer, taxing body, or other approved entity on behalf of the homeowner. Homeowners that have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic will be prioritized in the distribution of funds.

When is the ILHAF Program Application Period?

The ILHAF program is no longer accepting applications as of Wednesday, Nov. 1, 2023.

How do I apply for ILHAF assistance?

The application period has closed.

What can I do to prepare for the application?

Applicants are strongly encouraged to make the following preparations before they apply for ILHAF:

  • Get Informed: Homeowners are strongly encouraged to review all ILHAF materials to learn and educate themselves about the program.
  • Explore Your Options: Homeowners are required to contact their mortgage servicer or a HUD-certified housing counseling agency to discuss loss mitigation options before they are eligible to receive assistance. Schedule a meeting with a HUD-approved housing counseling agency as soon as possible. 
  • Get Started: review the Acceptable Documentation list and be prepared with all required documents when the application opens in Nov. 2022. 

Will my ILHAF application be reviewed?

Applications for ILHAF are being currently being reviewed based on the following priority of need:

1) Applications with imminent home loss: those applications with documentation showing they are inactive foreclosure, eviction, or have had property taxes sold;

2) Applications submitted from one of 57 targeted zip codes;

3) Applications with less than 100% area median income;

4) Applications submitted by a Socially Disadvantaged Individual (SDI); and

5) Other eligible applications without the above prioritization criteria.

 

Unfortunately, ILHAF received more applications than IHDA is available to fund. While we wish we could help every eligible household, there is a chance your application for assistance through ILHAF will be denied due to all funds being exhausted.

 

We strongly encourage all applicants to continue working with their mortgage servicers while IHDA is processing applications. If other loss mitigation options are available to you, it is recommended you explore those options as there is no guarantee your ILHAF application will be funded.

Am I guaranteed ILHAF financial assistance if I submitted my application during the open period?

An application submission does not guarantee financial assistance.

If I don’t have access to a computer can I still apply?

Yes. We have housing assistance agency partners who can assist you with your application. All services are free of charge. Partners can be found at  https://www.illinoishousinghelp.org/ilhaf#map.

Who is eligible to apply?

The Program will accept applications from eligible, Illinois homeowners who meet the following criteria:

  • Homeowner owns and occupies the property as their primary residence
  • Property is in Illinois
  • Properties that are eligible for ILHAF are dwellings located in Illinois that are one- to four-unit residential properties, specifically: Single-family/row home (attached or detached properties); condominium units; cooperatives; and manufactured/mobile homes.
  • Homeowner has experienced a financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic since January 21, 2020 and is seeking assistance with past due mortgage and housing-related expenses. This can include a qualified financial hardship that began before January 21, 2020, and continued after that date.
  • Homeowner is past due on the mortgage payments and/or housing-related expenses for which they are requesting ILHAF assistance.
  • Household income is equal to or less than 150% area median income (AMI). Click here to determine your income eligibility for ILHAF.
  • Homeowner’s first mortgage is a conforming loan and meets the federal limits for the year in which the loan was taken.
  • Homeowner cannot receive the same assistance for mortgage payment, mortgage reinstatement, property charges, property taxes, etc. from another federal, state, local, nonprofit, or tribal source.

Are there restrictions for who can apply based on income?

Homeowners whose household income is equal to or less than 150% of the Area Median Income (“AMI”) and who have experienced a financial hardship directly or indirectly related to COVID-19 that began, continued, or worsened after January 21, 2020, are eligible to apply.


Also, federal guidelines require that mortgage assistance be used for homeowners who have an affordable and sustainable mortgage payment.  Affordability is measured by comparing the monthly amount paid to the mortgage servicer and dividing it by the total gross monthly household income. If the result is below 42%, the mortgage is considered affordable, if the result is greater than 42%, the mortgage is deemed to be not affordable. 

What type of assistance is available under the ILHAF program?

The ILHAF will provide homeowners who were affected by COVID-19 with several types of support: 

  • financial support to address delinquent housing payments, including mortgage payments, property taxes, homeowner association/condo/coop fees, manufactured home loans and if applicable, associated monthly lot rents;
  • access to a Call Center and case managers who can help you find out about any mortgage relief you may be entitled to and how it will affect your future housing payments; and 
  • referrals to professional housing counselors or legal service providers who are experts in this field.  


All assistance is free of charge. In all cases, the goal of ILHAF is to help as many Illinoisans as possible stay in their homes.

If provided, what can the financial assistance be used for?
  • Mortgage Reinstatement: Provides funds to bring a first mortgage current and to pay other housing-related costs, such as taxes and insurance, if included in the mortgage payment, related to a period of forbearance, delinquency, or up to the maximum per household assistance cap of $60,000. Note: ILHAF does not cover payments for principal reductions on completed loan modifications or partial claims. ILHAF also does not cover balloon payments.
  • Forward Mortgage Payment: Provides forward payment assistance for up to three months or until the maximum per household assistance cap is met. 
  • Property Charges: Provides funds for past due property taxes, reverse mortgage insurance premiums, homeowner association (HOA) fees, condominium fees, or common charges that put ownership of the property at-risk including mortgage foreclosures and displacement of homeowners. 

Can I apply for funding to cover upcoming expenses?

Homeowners who are unable to afford their ongoing housing payment obligations can elect to receive up to three months of future mortgage payments in their grant application. To be eligible for this assistance, you must also apply for delinquent mortgage assistance.  The total amount of assistance provided to any applicant through ILHAF may not exceed $60,000.

How much financial assistance may be available to homeowners who qualify?

Eligible applicants may apply for the amount that they are behind on mortgage and non-mortgage housing costs and/or mortgage forward payments up to a maximum of $60,000


A grant award must fully satisfy a delinquency category to be awarded. If, therefore, a homeowner is behind $55,000 on their mortgage and $7,000 in back due co-op fees, ILHAF can award the full $55,000 in back due mortgage payments but cannot award any amount on the co-op fees, because a $5,000 payment would not fully satisfy the delinquency. Where a homeowner is more than $60,000 behind on mortgage payments, ILHAF can still help if the homeowner can bring the difference of funds to the table through the process described in the FAQ “What if I am behind on my mortgage more than $60,000, can ILHAF help me?”.

Can I apply if I do not have a mortgage on my home or my mortgage is current?

Yes, homeowners who do not have a mortgage or are current on their mortgage payments but are behind on their property taxes and/or homeowner/condo/coop association fees may apply for assistance. 


In order to apply for property tax assistance, the property tax payment must be due prior to the date of application submission.  Only property taxes that are delinquent for tax years 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022 are eligible for assistance.  New for ILHAF 2.0, earlier delinquencies from tax year 2018 and earlier will no longer make your application ineligible for property tax assistance.  You can now also receive assistance for any property taxes from tax years 2019 through 2022 if they have been sold and are in redemption.


In order to apply for the homeowner/condo/coop association assistance, the fees and dues for the association must be past due prior to the date of your application.


If your mortgage is current, however, your application will not be eligible for assistance with past due second/third mortgage(s), property insurance statement, property flood insurance or manufactured/mobile home lot rent.

What is considered a delinquent housing payment?

A delinquent housing payment is a payment that is past due.


What if I am behind on my mortgage more than $60,000, can ILHAF help me?

If the amount necessary to reinstate your mortgage exceeds $60,000, please submit an application.  When we review your application we will provide an opportunity to close the gap between our cap and the delinquency. . When providing this opportunity, we will direct you to  contact a participating legal aid organization to evaluate eligibility. All services are free of charge. The legal aid organization will walk you through the process of submitting your “gap” funds to reinstate the difference above what ILHAF may fund. If “gap” funds are not available, you will be ineligible for mortgage assistance funding from ILHAF. This process is only available for first mortgage assistance.

Can I apply if I am delinquent on my Contract for Deed?

Yes. Beginning July 1, we are expanding ILHAF to assist applicants with past due Contract for Deeds, Land Contracts or Installment Sales Contracts. An applicant must owe less than 80 percent of the original purchase price of the property to qualify and must meet all other eligibility criteria. Note, if you are in eviction court, visit illinoishousinghelp.org/cbrap to apply and learn more about the Court-Based Rental Assistance Program.


How do I get assistance for delinquent manufactured/mobile home lot rent?

In order to qualify for assistance with delinquent manufactured/mobile home lot rent payments through the ILHAF program, you must also have a mortgage or home loan that is past due at the time of application.


What documentation will I need to apply for ILHAF?

A complete list of acceptable documents is available here.  

For all applications:

  • Proof of ownership
  • Proof of address/residency
  • Proof of identity for the applicant and any co-borrowers
  • Proof of income for each adult member of the household
  • Certificate of Housing Counseling OR Letter from mortgage servicer detailing loss mitigation efforts


As applicable to requested assistance: 

  • Mortgage statement dated with 30 days of application (required for all files unless applying for tax or association assistance only)
  • Mobile home loan statement (if applicable)
  • Second and third mortgage statements (if applicable)
  • Property tax statement (required when applying for tax assistance)
  • Property Insurance statement (required when applying for property insurance assistance)
  • Property flood insurance statement (required when applying for flood insurance assistance)
  • Homeowner Association/Condo Association/Co-Op Statement/Lot Rent Statement (required when applying for association assistance)
  • Lot lease (required when applying for lot lease assistance)


Conditional documents for special circumstances (submit copies of any that have been received): 

  • Notice of default from servicer
  • Court documents for foreclosure proceedings
  • Notification about an upcoming property tax sale
  • Notification about an upcoming foreclosure sale
  • Approval from a bankruptcy trustee for IHDA to communicate with creditors
  • Bankruptcy discharge notice
  • Forbearance agreement 

I received a certificate from a HUD approved housing counselor for the first round of ILHAF assistance. Do I need to see a counselor again for ILHAF?

No.  If you have received housing counseling from a HUD Approved counselor since January 1, 2022, you do not have to see a counselor again.  Please upload your certificate with your application. 

Should I wait for a determination on my ILHAF application instead of exploring loss mitigation options with my servicer?

No, you are required to explore loss mitigation options with your servicer as a condition of receiving an ILHAF grant. There is no guarantee that you will receive ILHAF funds. Furthermore, ILHAF funds are not meant to replace servicer modification offers (also known as loss mitigation). These options are time-sensitive and expire if they are not taken advantage of promptly. You should not delay speaking with your servicer about modification options. ILHAF is available only as an alternative when a modification with your servicer is not affordable based on our calculation. Failing to explore modification options with your servicer can increase your delinquency and may make it more difficult for you to bring your mortgage current. There is no guarantee that you will be approved for ILHAF funds and failing to communicate with your servicer about modification options could result in you not receiving a modification and not receiving ILHAF funds.

My bank offered me a COVID-19 loan modification. Should I take it?

It depends on the new terms and if you can afford your new monthly payments. If you are concerned about your ability to pay your monthly payments, you should apply for ILHAF and make sure that you upload your loan modification offer. The ILHAF program will supplement, and not replace, loss mitigation available to you from your mortgage servicer. If you have been offered a loss mitigation option that reinstates the loan to good standing, you will be ineligible for ILHAF regardless of whether you accept the loss mitigation offer or not unless the option is unfavorable because it increases your monthly payment AND results in a house-to-income (HTI) ratio greater than 42 percent. For these cases, ILHAF staff will review your application for eligibility. If eligible, ILHAF can provide reinstatement assistance of up to $60,000. 


If the loss mitigation option is unfavorable to you because it increases your monthly payment BUT your HTI payment remains less than 42 percent, you will be ineligible for ILHAF. For purposes of calculating HTI, ILHAF will consider your current income. You may need to provide additional information to verify your current income if it has changed since the time you applied. 


ILHAF provides case management support to homeowners and the case managers can assist you with understanding your options that can allow you to remain in your home.  Please contact a housing assistance agency partner for assistance  https://www.illinoishousinghelp.org/ilhaf#map.

I have declined the loss mitigation option offered from my servicer. Am I still eligible for an ILHAF grant?

You may still be eligible for an ILHAF grant if the loss mitigation option was unfavorable to you because it increased your monthly payment AND resulted in an HTI payment greater than 42 percent. ILHAF staff will review your loss mitigation offer letter and your application. If eligible, ILHAF can provide reinstatement assistance of up to $60,000.


If the loss mitigation offered would have resulted in a monthly payment less than 42% HTI, you will not be eligible for the ILHAF grant.  The ILHAF program can supplement, but not replace, loss mitigation available to you from your mortgage servicer. If you have been offered a loss mitigation option that reinstates the loan to good standing with an affordable monthly payment, you will be ineligible for ILHAF regardless of whether you accept the loss mitigation offer or not.

Can I apply if I am currently in a legal proceeding for missed housing payments?

Yes. If you are currently in foreclosure, or in another type of legal proceeding, you may still apply for assistance under the ILHAF. Homeowners who are in active legal proceedings are encouraged to apply as soon as the program opens, and ILHAF can also assist in connecting you to free legal services if you are not already represented by an attorney.  A list of participating legal aids can be found here.  All services are free of charge.

What does an acceptable loss mitigation letter from my servicer include?

An acceptable loss mitigation letter should be dated after January 1, 2022 and include:

  • Homeowner name
  • Property address
  • Whether you have been approved or denied for loss mitigation
  • If you were approved for loss mitigation, what type of loss mitiation assistance you were approved for
  • If you were approved for a modification or repayment plan, the terms of the offer

Will the assistance need to be paid back?

No. The financial assistance will be structured as a grant and no repayment will be required.

How can I check on the status of my submitted application?

Applicants can check on the status of their application by logging into their ILHAF account at ilhaf.ihda.org. Your status will be listed on your application dashboard and is updated in real time.

What do the application status terms mean?

You will see these possible status terms during the application process:

  • In Review: Your application has been assigned to an ILHAF reviewer. Applicants can expect this stage to take up to 120 days from submission.
  • Finalizing Determination: Confirming the final determination, which includes the grant assistance amount or the denial reason.
  • More Info Needed: Instructions Sent to Email: Your application was missing one or more documents required to complete the review. Please check your email for a notification that explains what is needed, and directions on uploading the documentation to your application. 
  • Contact a HUD Approved Housing Counselor: There are two reasons why you may need to contact a HUD-approved housing counselor. 
  1. You need to provide documentation that confirms you have explored loss mitigation options. You may upload one of the following documents:
    — A certificate from a HUD-approved housing counselor. Please contact a HUD-certified housing counseling agency to obtain a certificate and complete the application. 
    — A letter from your mortgage servicer detailing your loss mitigation options.
    — A letter from a legal aid organization detailing the assistance received, or that you are currently receiving.
  2. This status may mean that we have reviewed your application and have determined your mortgage payment is not affordable. Please meet with a HUD-certified housing counseling agency for an additional review of your income and expenses. 
    — Mortgage affordability is determined by comparing your monthly payment to your servicer as a percentage of the amount of your household monthly gross income. 
    — Though meeting with a counselor at this stage is required for further review, it does not guarantee approval for assistance.
  • Referred to Legal Aid: This status is available if you are eligible for the ILHAF Over the Cap process. You will receive an email communication with directions on next steps.
  • Waiting for Mortgage Servicer Response: IHDA has completed a review of your application and has sent it to your servicer for confirmation of the amount owed and other details. Applicants can expect to remain in this status for up to six weeks while awaiting a response from your servicer.
  • Reviewing Servicer Response: IHDA staff are reviewing information provided to us from your mortgage servicer and confirming they can accept payment. 
  • Quality Control Review: Your application has been randomly selected for an additional review to guarantee our reviewers are following program guidelines. Not all applications will go through this process.
  • Approved: Your application has been pre-approved for funding. This is not a guarantee of funding. However, once approval is confirmed, you will receive a payment confirmation email within 14 days. The email will include the date IHDA sent payment(s) and the amount of the payment(s) made directly to your mortgage servicer, taxing body, and/or other approved entity.
  • Paid:  Your application has been approved and we have sent payment on your behalf to your mortgage servicer, taxing body and/or other approved vendors.  Please note, all servicers and vendors will have their own timeline to apply funds.  Please contact them directly for additional information.
  • Denied: Your application did not meet eligibility criteria and has been denied. If you have any questions about the reason for denial, please contact ILHAF customer relations at (866) 454-3571 and press option 3.  You can also email hafquestions@ihda.org with your application ID number, name and address and a representative will respond accordingly.
  • Ready to Be Reviewed: Your application has been received but has not been assigned to a reviewer yet.

When will I be notified if my application is approved or denied?

Reviews are currently expected to take up to 120 days before a determination is made. If you have received a court summons or tax sale notice, please upload this documentation to your application using the “Add Documents” button. If you have a pending foreclosure or tax sale, please contact Customer Relations at HAFQuestions@ihda.org to request an expedited review. Payment timelines will be dependent on the response time of your mortgage servicer, among other factors. Please check your ILHAF account for live application status updates.

Will my mortgage servicer pause foreclosure proceedings if I apply for ILHAF assistance?

Subject to Federal guidance, if your mortgage is backed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, your mortgage servicer is required to suspend foreclosure activities for up to 60 days after being notified that you have applied for ILHAF assistance.

How do I upload additional documents to my application?

Applicants should log into their ILHAF account at ilhaf.ihda.org and select the “Add Documents” button. Cell phone users may need to scroll right or rotate their phone to view the button. After adding one or more documents, you must select “Save All Documents”. 

I believe my application was incorrectly denied for ILHAF assistance, how do I proceed?

If you feel the decision regarding your application is incorrect, you have the opportunity to request your application be reconsidered. A request for reconsideration should be submitted within 14 days of denial. To file a request for reconsideration, please follow one of the following two options: 

  1. Email requests should be made to HAFReconsideration@ihda.org with the following information:
  • Application ID in the subject line (i.e. ILHAF Reconsideration Request – Application # 123456) 
  • Reason for Reconsideration: A full and specific statement as to the reason why the decision is alleged to be an error or incorrect
  • Name, address, phone number and email address of the applicant 


  1. Call our customer service line at (866) IL-HELP1, press option 3 for ILHAF assistance and then option 2 for reconsiderations. A customer service representative will prepare an email to HAFReconsideration@ihda.org on your behalf. 

Note - Making a request for reconsideration does not guarantee a reversal of the initial decision.

Who should I contact with any ILHAF issues?

There are a few different email proxies for ILHAF that are designed to reach the correct team as quickly and efficiently as possible. Please follow the prompts below for email correspondence:

For applicants who have been denied but seek reconsideration:

For applicants who have been denied because of a loss mitigation option, but seek reconsideration:

  • Email proxy: HAFReconsideration@ihda.org
  • Subject line: HAF Request for Reconsideration – Loss Mitigation – [include application number]

For applicants who have been offered a loss mitigation option, but the terms are not sustainable to the borrower, and the application is pending a decision:

For applicants whose delinquency exceeds the $30,000 cap, but borrower has means to provide additional funds:

For all other applicant inquiries:

  • Email proxy: HAFQuestions@ihda.org
  • Subject line: [indicate issue or question topic] [include application number]
Can I apply to other emergency mortgage assistance programs offered by my city or county?

Yes, however, homeowners cannot receive mortgage assistance from more than one source during the same period. Duplication of benefits is expressly prohibited.

What if I need help paying my utility bills?

If you also need utility assistance, please contact the Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity (“DCEO”) for information on eligibility and how to apply for utility assistance funds through their Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).

I was awarded a grant under round one of ILHAF; however, I am delinquent again with housing expenses and need financial assistance. May I apply again?

Yes, homeowners that received a grant under ILHAF are able to apply again. Please review the eligibility criteria prior to applying and submit a new application. A new housing counseling certificate or loss mitigation letter is not required if your documents are dated calendar year 2022 or later. The maximum HAF assistance to any household is capped at $60,000 cumulative total assistance across all application rounds.

I was denied a grant under round one of ILHAF; however, I am delinquent with housing expenses and need financial assistance. May I apply again?

Yes, homeowners that were denied a grant under round one of ILHAF are able to apply again. Please review the eligibility criteria prior to applying and submit a new application. A new housing counseling certificate or loss mitigation letter is not required if your documents are dated calendar year 2022 or later.

I applied for an ILHAF grant in the first application round and my application is still pending. Is my application capped at $30,000 or $60,000?

If your application is pending, IHDA will automatically review it under the new $60,000 cap. You do not need to do anything, but we may be in touch to get additional information or documents from you.

I submitted a request for reconsideration of my prior denial. If my request is granted and my denial is overturned, will I be eligible for $30,000 or $60,000 in assistance?

IHDA will automatically review requests for reconsideration under the new $60,000 cap.

I submitted a request for reconsideration of my prior denial. Can I apply for round 2 while my request for reconsideration is pending?

Although you may apply for round 2 of HAF while the current application window is open, IHDA will close your request for reconsideration upon receipt of a new application. Since pending request for reconsideration will be reviewed under the new $60,000 cap, you should review the eligibility criteria and consider whether to proceed with a new application or await the outcome of your request for reconsideration.

For Landlords

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Who is eligible to receive assistance from the Court-Based Rental Assistance Program?

Illinois tenants may be eligible to receive CBRAP assistance if:

-They have a pending eviction due to nonpayment. A court-summons document will be required.

-The household lives in Illinois and rents their home as their primary residence.

-The household’s total gross income does not exceed 80% of the Area Median Income for location (find county income limits at www.IllinoisHousingHelp.org).

-The household experienced a financial hardship, including a loss of income or increased expenses, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

What is the CBRAP Application Period?

CBRAP grants are subject to availability and a submitted application is not a guarantee of approval or funding. There is no set closing date.

Are there immigration status requirements for the Court-Based Rental Assistance Program?

No, CBRAP assistance is available to all eligible renters in Illinois regardless of immigration status. CBRAP assistance is not a “public charge” benefit.

I am an out of state housing provider with a rental property in Illinois. Can I complete a joint application with my Illinois resident tenants?

Yes. If your tenant is an Illinois resident and rents the unit as their primary residence, they may be eligible for CBRAP assistance.

I own and live in a multi-unit building which is also tenant occupied. If a tenant residing in my building meets the eligibility requirements, can we submit a joint application?

Yes. Tenants may be eligible for CBRAP assistance provided they rent their own unit and are not members of the housing provider’s household.

How do I apply for the Court-Based Rental Assistance Program?

The CBRAP application is a joint application between the tenant and the landlord. Both the tenant and the landlord may initiate and complete their online application by visiting www.IllinoisHousingHelp.org, completing the pre-eligibility questionnaire, creating a CBRAP account, and providing the required information and documents. All CBRAP applications must be submitted online. An application will not be considered complete until both the tenant and the landlord complete their sections of the joint application.

For tenants or landlords with barriers to accessing the online application, Housing Stability Service (HSS) organizations are standing by to help. Visit www.IllinoisHousingHelp.org or contact the CBRAP call center at 866-IL-HELP1 (866-454-3571) to connect with an available HSS agency.

What information do housing providers/landlords need to apply for the Court-Based Rental Assistance Program?

Housing providers/landlords will need the following information to apply:

- Valid email addresses for the tenant and landlord

- Rental unit information (unit type, address, rent amount)

- Grant payment information for check distribution

- Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (if payment is made to an individual)

- Employee Identification Number (if payment is made to a business entity)

What documentation do housing providers/landlords need to provide when applying for the Court-Based Rental Assistance Program?

Housing providers/landlords will need to upload the following documents during the application process:

- Evidence of past-due rent

- Copy of current installment of property tax bill or current monthly mortgage statement (dated within 90 days) or other proof of ownership.

- Current signed lease (if available)

- Fully executed and current property management agreement (if payment is made to a property manager)

- Eviction court documents (court case summons document)

- Proof of identity or LLC, Certificate of Good Standing, or Articles of Incorporation.

A list of acceptable documents is available here

Does my tenant need a lease to apply?

A current lease must be provided if available. If a current lease is not available, housing providers and tenants are still permitted to apply.

Does my tenant need a Social Security Number to apply?

No. Tenants do not need to provide a Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).

How much assistance can my tenant receive?

CBRAP assistance will cover up to 18 months of emergency rental payments, which includes up to two months of future rent payments. Rent owed starting March 2020 may be paid for with CBRAP funds. In addition, the combined assistance received from CBRAP may not exceed a total of $10,000.

Is there a limit to how many applications I can submit?

There is not a limit. Housing providers/landlords will need to apply separately for each household that has a court case number.

What happens after my tenant completes their section of the application?

After the tenant completes their application, it will be matched with their landlord’s corresponding application if one has been submitted and will be considered eligible for review. If the landlord has not yet completed their application, they will receive an email notification inviting them to create a CBRAP account and apply. Housing providers/landlords can check to see if their tenant has completed their application by logging into their CBRAP account and viewing their status on the application dashboard.If further information is needed, you will be contacted by IHDA via email with further instructions.If the landlord does not complete their section of the application, they will be considered unresponsive, and the tenant’s application will go through a separate review process. Those tenants may receive CBRAP funds directly and will be contacted by IHDA with further instructions.

What happens after I complete my section of the application?

After the housing provider/landlord and the tenant have both submitted their information, the application will enter IHDA’s queue for review.

How can I check on the status of my submitted application?

Visit www.IllinoisHousingHelp.org, enter your application ID and log into your CBRAP account. Your status will be listed on the application dashboard.

When will I be notified if my application is approved for funding or deemed ineligible for funding?

IHDA expects extremely high demand for CBRAP assistance and will review completed applications as quickly as possible. Our goal is to notify applicants of funding eligibility within 15 to 30 days.

How will I be notified if my application is approved for funding or deemed ineligible for funding?

All program communications will be sent to the email addresses provided in the application. Please make sure you maintain access to the email accounts associated with the application throughout the entire review and approval process.

Who do I contact with questions about the Court-Based Rental Assistance Program?

If you have any questions or if you are unsure about anything regarding your CBRAP application, please visit www.IllinoisHousingHelp.org for a list of Housing Stability Service agencies standing by to help. For additional information, contact the CBRAP call center at 866-IL-HELP1 (866-454-3571). Call center representatives can answer questions related to the CBRAP program and provide further assistance if needed.

What should I do if I think someone is submitting false information to IHDA in connection with the Court-Based Rental Assistance Program?

IHDA takes all allegations of fraud seriously. If you have reason to believe someone is providing fraudulent information in an attempt to obtain emergency rental assistance, please visit ilrpp.ihda.org/Application/ReportFraud and provide as much detail as possible so that IHDA can promptly investigate the matter. Alternatively, persons can file a complaint online with the Office of the Executive Inspector General.

For Tenants

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Who is eligible to receive assistance from the Court-Based Rental Assistance Program?

Illinois tenants residing may be eligible to receive CBRAP assistance if:

- They have a pending eviction due to nonpayment. A court summons document will be required.

- The household lives in Illinois and rents their home as their primary residence.

- The household’s total gross income does not exceed 80% of the Area Median Income for location (find county income limits at www.IllinoisHousingHelp.org).

- The household experienced a financial hardship, including a loss of income or increased expenses, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

What is the CBRAP Application Period?

CBRAP grants are subject to availability and a submitted application is not a guarantee of approval or funding. There is no set closing date.

Are there immigration status requirements for the Court-Based Rental Assistance Program?

No, CBRAP assistance is available to all eligible renters in Illinois regardless of immigration status. CBRAP assistance is not a “public charge” benefit.

If I am NOT in an eviction proceeding, can I apply for the Court-Based Rental Assistance program?

No, your application will be ineligible for review. You must be in a court eviction proceeding and provide eviction court documentation to receive assistance from CBRAP.

How do I apply for the Court-Based Rental Assistance Program?

The CBRAP application is a joint application between the tenant and the landlord. Both the tenant and the landlord may initiate and complete their online application by visiting www.IllinoisHousingHelp.org, completing the pre-eligibility questionnaire, creating a CBRAP account, and providing the required information and documents. All CBRAP applications must be submitted online. An application will not be considered complete until both the tenant and the landlord complete their sections of the joint application.

For tenants or landlords with barriers to accessing the online application, Housing Stability Service (HSS) organizations are standing by to help. Visit www.IllinoisHousingHelp.org or contact the CBRAP call center at 866-IL-HELP1 (866-454-3571) to be connected with an available HSS agency.

What information do tenants need to apply for the Court-Based Rental Assistance Program?

Renters will need the following information to apply:

- Valid email addresses for the tenant and landlord

- Court case number

-Monthly rent and amount past due.

What documentation do tenants need to provide when applying for the Court-Based Rental Assistance Program?

Renters will need to upload the following documents during the application process:

- Eviction court documents (court case summons document)

- Government-issued photo ID (regardless of expiration date)

- A utility bill or proof of address dated 90 days prior to the application (if the address on your ID is not your current address)

- Proof of current household income

- Proof of past-due rent

- Proof of public assistance (if applicable)

- Recertification of income (if applicable)

A list of acceptable documents is available here

Do tenants need a lease to apply?

Landlords and tenants must provide a current lease in their application if one is available. However, if a current lease is not available you may still apply for assistance.

Do tenants need a Social Security Number to apply?

No, a Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is not required for tenants.

What happens after I complete my section of the application?

After the tenant completes their application, it will be matched with their landlord’s corresponding application if one has been submitted and will be considered eligible for review. If the landlord has not yet completed their application, they will receive an email notification inviting them to create a CBRAP account and apply. Tenants can check to see if their landlord has completed their application by logging into their CBRAP account and viewing their status on the application dashboard.If further information is needed, you will be contacted by IHDA via email with further instructions.If the landlord does not complete their section of the application, they will be considered unresponsive, and the tenant’s application will go through a separate review process. Those tenants may receive CBRAP funds directly and will be contacted by IHDA with further instructions.

How can I check on the status of my submitted application?

Visit www.IllinoisHousingHelp.org, enter your application ID and log into your CBRAP account. Your status will be listed on the application dashboard.

When will I be notified if my application is approved or denied?

IHDA expects extremely high demand for CBRAP assistance and will review completed applications as quickly as possible. Our goal is to notify applicants of funding eligibility within 15 to 30 days.

How will I be notified if my application is approved?

All program communications will be sent to the email addresses provided in the application. Please make sure you maintain access to the email accounts associated with the application throughout the entire review and approval process.

Who do I contact with questions about the Court-Based Rental Assistance Program?

If you have any questions or if you are unsure about anything regarding your CBRAP application, please visit www.IllinoisHousingHelp.org for a list of Housing Stability Service agencies standing by to help. For additional information, contact the CBRAP call center at 866-IL-HELP1 (866-454-3571). Call center representatives can answer questions related to the CBRAP program and provide further assistance if needed.

Understanding Eviction Process

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How can court partners help if there is no official eviction resolution program in the courthouse?

Court partners can take the following actions:

- Refer litigants to the Court-Based Rental Assistance Program as well as legal aid and mediation services:

     Statewide: evictionhelpillinois.org

- Help litigants apply for the Court-Based Rental Assistance program and check the status of their applications.

- Ask for a case to be continued to allow parties to seek legal assistance and rent assistance and provide referral information for legal aid and rental assistance programs.

- Direct litigants to the statewide approved orders in eviction cases to help facilitate resolutions (e.g., Agreed Order Dismissing Eviction Case with Permission to Reinstate, Agreed order in Eviction Case (Pay & Stay), Agreed Order in Eviction Case (Defendants Agree to Move)

How does a CBRAP application impact the eviction process?

Landlords and tenants should inform the judge that a CBRAP application is pending, and the judge may continue the case to allow time for the application to be processed. To check the status of applications submitted with the Illinois Housing Development Authority, visit www.IllinoisHousingHelp.org.

How does the eviction process work in Illinois?

The eviction process involves the following steps:

1. Notice to Terminate Tenancy (eviction notice): A landlord must give a tenant written notice before starting an eviction case in court. This is often a 5-day notice, and if the tenant pays within the 5 days, the landlord must take the money.

2. Filing an Eviction Case: If the tenant does not pay the rent within the notice period, the landlord can file an eviction case in court. The landlord will file an Eviction Complaint, which starts the case, as well as an Eviction Summons, which informs the tenant the case has been sent to eviction court. While the Complaint creates the court case, it does not mean the eviction has been approved.

3. Eviction Order Entered: A hearing will be held and once the judge has enough information, they will make a decision and enter an order. If the judge rules in favor of the landlord, an Eviction Order will be issued, meaning the tenant has lost the right to stay in the unit and the eviction process will proceed. The order may also require the tenant to pay any past-due rent, which may include rent accumulated during the eviction process.

4. Eviction by the Sheriff: After the judge issues an Eviction Order, the Sheriff has the authority to remove a tenant from their home and prevent them from entering. After the Sheriff evicts a tenant, the landlord can remove any remaining belongings from the home. Eviction procedure changes from county to county, contact your Sheriff's office to find out what their process is

For what reasons can a landlord evict a tenant?

A landlord can evict a tenant if the tenant:

- Fails to pay rent.

- Breaks any of the rules in the lease agreement.

- Damages the property.

- Does not leave the property after the lease comes to an end.

- Does not have a written lease, but pays rent monthly, and the landlord gives a notice to move.

A landlord cannot evict a tenant for:

- Complaining to a building inspector, fire department, health inspector, or other governmental agency about unsafe, unhealthy, or illegal living conditions.

- Not paying rent, if the tenant left the property for a period of time because of domestic violence or the threat of domestic violence.

- Not paying rent, if the landlord accepted the rent due before the notice period ended.

- Race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, disability, religion, familial status, military status, age, marital status, sexual orientation, or being a protected party under an order of protection.

Can landlords evict tenants at this time?

Yes. Governor Pritzker’s eviction moratorium expired on October 3, 2021. All eviction cases may be filed, and all eviction orders and judgments may be enforced.