(Formerly Known as Section 8)
The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program is the federal government's major program for assisting very low-income families, the elderly, and the disabled to afford decent, safe, and sanitary housing in the private market.
Since housing assistance is provided on behalf of the family or individual, participants are able to find their own housing, including single-family homes, townhouses and apartments. The participant is free to choose any housing that meets the requirements of the program and is not limited to units located in subsidized housing projects.
Vouchers are administered locally by a Public Housing Agency (PHA), who receives federal funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to administer the program. The Springfield Housing Authority administers the housing choice voucher program for Springfield, Illinois and Sangamon County.
A family that is issued a housing voucher is responsible for finding a suitable housing unit of the family's choice where the owner agrees to rent under the program. This unit may include the family's present residence. Rental units must meet minimum standards of health and safety, as determined by the PHA based on Housing Quality Standards set by HUD.
A housing subsidy is paid to the landlord directly by the PHA on behalf of the participating family. The family then pays the difference between the actual rent charged by the landlord and the amount subsidized by the program.
Eligibility for a housing voucher is determined by the PHA (public housing authority) based on the total annual gross income and family size and is limited to US citizens and specified categories of non-citizens who have eligible immigration status. In general, the family's income may not exceed 50% of the median income for the county or metropolitan area in which the family chooses to live.
By law, a PHA must provide 75 percent of its voucher to applicants whose incomes do not exceed 30 percent of the area median income. Median income levels are published by HUD and vary by location. The Springfield Housing Authority can provide you with the income limits for Sangamon County and your family size.
| Household Size | FY 2024 Income Limit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $37,000 |
| 2 | $42,250 |
| 3 | $47,550 |
| 4 | $52,800 |
| 5 | $57,050 |
| 6 | $61,250 |
| 7 | $65,500 |
| 8 | $69,700 |
During the application process, the Springfield Housing Authority will collect information on family income, assets, and family composition. The SHA will verify this information with other local agencies, your employer and bank, and will use the information to determine program eligibility and the amount of the housing assistance payment.
If the SHA determines that your family is eligible, the then your name will be placed on the waiting list, unless it is able to assist you immediately. Once your name is reached on the waiting list, the SHA will contact you regarding additional information which may be required and to have fingerprints completed to screen from criminal history.
Once this has taken place, then you will be sent a notice to attend a New Participant Briefing session and upon attendance of this session your voucher for housing assistance will be issued. The Springfield Housing Authority screens applicants based on criminal history. A qualified applicant may not have a misdemeanor for the last 3 years or any felonious activity for the last 10 years.
The SHA HCV Waiting list is currently CLOSED.
Applications: Applications for special programs only will be accepted IN PERSON only at SHA’s Administrative Office located at 200 N 11th St in Springfield, Illinois. All applicants MUST be interviewed by a Section 8 Specialist who will review the application for completeness, accuracy and ensure that appropriate signatures have been obtained. Applications submitted by mail, fax, or internet WILL NOT be accepted.
SHA provides equal housing opportunities to all persons interested in participating in the Section 8 HCV Program without discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, familial status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, martial status, and/or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state, or local laws.
Special Programs applications will ONLY be accepted Tuesdays from 8:30 to 11:30 am & 1 to 4 pm.
Any changes to your Section 8 application, including but not limited to mailing address, phone, family composition and household income, MUST be submitted to SHA in writing. Telephone notification will NOT be accepted.
Failure to update your mailing address could cause your application to be withdrawn. Any mail sent by SHA to an applicant which is returned by the United States Postal Service for any reason is grounds for automatic withdrawal from the waiting list.
Do you need to submit a change of address? Click here for the Section 8/Housing Choice Voucher Change of Address Form. Changes are only accepted in writing in person, by mail or fax.
As a participant in the program you have certain obligations under the rules of the program.
Tenant's Obligations: When a family selects a housing unit, and the PHA approves the unit and lease, the family signs a lease with the landlord for at least one year. The tenant may be required to pay a security deposit to the landlord. After the first year the landlord may initiate a new lease or allow the family to remain in the unit on a month-to-month lease.
When the family is settled in a new home, the family is expected to comply with the lease and the program requirements, pay its share of rent on time, maintain the unit in good condition and notify the PHA of any changes in income or family composition. The family must also complete an annual recertification with the Springfield Housing Authority and the assisted unit will be inspected at least annually to ensure housing quality standard compliance.
Monday from 1 to 4 pm
Wednesday from 8:30 to 11:30 am OR 1 to 4 pm
All other times are by APPOINTMENT ONLY
Income changes are ONLY accepted the first 10 business days each month with. To see upcoming Income Changes dates, click here.
Changes in family composition can be made during any walk-in appointment time.
| Voucher Size | FY 2025 Amounts* |
|---|---|
| 0 | $853 |
| 1 | $1,013 |
| 2 | $1,245 |
| 3 | $1,681 |
| 4 | $1,720 |
| 5 | $1,977 |
| 6 | $2,236 |
*Landlord pays utilities. If utilities are not included, a utility allowance based on each type of unit will be used to determine rental payments.
Is it time to move? Looking for another home or unit in a different neighborhood? You need to complete a 30 day notice in our office. To see the upcoming 30 day notice dates and times click here.
Check out our property listings below. These are updated on a regular basis and the information is obtained directly from Landlords who already have a relationship with SHA.
| 1 Bedroom Homes/Units | 2 Bedroom Homes/Units |
| 3 Bedroom Homes/Units | 4, 5, & 6 Bedroom Homes/Units |
You can also print your Request for Tenancy Approval (RFTA) Packet for the new landlord to complete below. You MUST see your specialist to submit your RFTA during regular walk-in appointment hours.
Request for Tenancy Approval FormYou must also bring all of the information requested on the front page of the RFTA packet. Be sure that the packet has been completed in full by yourself and the prospective new landlord. Any packets which are incomplete or missing required documentation will not be accepted.
Bank of Springfield (BOS) is the new debit card provider for SHA. The Visa debit cards work at any location that Visa is accepted. BOS has a number of surcharge-free BOS ATM’s located throughout Sangamon County. BOS also has two surcharge-free ATM networks, Money Pass and AlphaLink Alliance Network, which provide over 23,000 ATM locations nationwide. You can check your balance, access information, and/or report the card as lost/stolen through the 1-800 number located on the back of the card. BOS has three full service branches in Springfield and one in Chatham to serve you:
*850 E Madison St
*3400 Wabash Ave
*1140 Commercial Ct (Chatham)
ATM and branch locations can be viewed by going to their website at www.bankwithbos.com. To speak to a BOS Representative, you can call 217-529-5555 or toll-free at 1-877-698-3278.
SHA is currently absorbing tenants from other housing authorities via portability. For more information and steps you need to take to transfer your voucher to SHA, click here.