Illinois Emergency Rental Assistance Programs

Illinois Emergency Rental Assistance Programs: What’s Open Now

The Court-Based Rental Assistance program below is currently open!

Illinois Residents

Court-based Rental Assistance Program (CBRAP)

Administered by the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA), the Illinois Court-Based Rental Assistance Program (CBRAP) is now open. Tenants who have an eviction case in court may be able to access Court-Based Rental Assistance to prevent eviction. 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.

  • For Illinois residents, including City of Chicago, visit www.illinoishousinghelp.org/cbrap for more information and to apply online.
  • If you have any questions regarding CBRAP or your application, please visit www.IllinoisHousingHelp.org.
  • 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.

If you need rental assistance, but are not in a court proceeding, help is still available through the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS). Visit https://www.illinoishousinghelp.org/ for more information.

Get Ready to Apply!

Most programs will require similar documentation. Here’s the documentation that needs to be submitted for eligible tenants.

You will need:

  • An email address. Tenants and landlords will both need email addresses. If you don’t have an email address, you can create one for free using Google, Yahoo, or any other free email provider.
  • A photo ID. This could be a State ID, Driver’s License, Passport, or an official photo ID issued by another government body, such as the City of Chicago CityKey ID card.
  • A copy of the lease or rental agreement. If you are applying as a tenant, you should ask your landlord or property manager for a copy if you do not have one.
  • Proof of total annual household income. Proof of total annual household income can include, but is not limited to:
    • paystubs or wage statements,
    • a W-2 or other tax document(s),
    • Social Security, SSI, or SSDI award letter or documentation,
    • proof of TANF or other cash assistance,
    • other documents showing regular payments received by members of your household.
  • If you are a tenant: tell your landlord or property manager that you are going to apply for rental assistance and ask them for the email address and phone number you should use for them on the application.
  • If you are a property owner: tell your tenant(s) that you are going to apply for rental assistance and ask them what contact information you should use for them on the application.

You do not need to have a social security number or proof of immigration status to apply for help. These programs will be open to all renters who meet the geographic and income requirements regardless of immigration status. Rental assistance is not a “public-charge” benefit.

Legal Help Available

Chicago and Suburban Cook County

Outside of Cook County

The Preservation Compact worked in partnership with the State, Cook County, and City of Chicago to create this webpage. Visit The Preservation Compact’s main website to learn more about strategies for preserving affordable rental housing.