What the Waukegan Housing Authority Does
The Waukegan Housing Authority (WHA) is a local government agency that manages public housing and rental vouchers in Waukegan, Illinois. It does not build or own most of the housing itself — instead, it pays private landlords to rent units to low-income residents, and it runs a smaller number of public housing buildings. The WHA also administers the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program, which is the largest rental information tool it operates.
The WHA's main job is to hold a waiting list, verify income and household composition, inspect units for safety, and process rent payments to landlords. It is not a social service agency — it does not help you find a job, manage debt, or explore for other benefits. If you need those services, the WHA can sometimes refer you to community partners, but that is not its core function.
Key Takeaways
- The Waukegan Housing Authority manages Section 8 vouchers and public housing units for low-income residents in Waukegan.
- You must be on the WHA waiting list to receive a voucher or public housing unit, and waiting times vary depending on the program and current demand.
- Income limits exist for both programs — you must earn below a certain threshold, which changes yearly and depends on household size.
- The WHA requires proof of income, Social Security numbers, citizenship or may be able to access immigration status, and a background check before approval.
- Once you receive a voucher, you search for your own rental unit and the WHA pays the landlord a portion of the rent; you pay the rest.
How to Get on the Waukegan Housing Authority Waiting List
The WHA maintains a single waiting list for both Section 8 vouchers and public housing. You must submit an process in person at the WHA office, located at 2 South Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, Waukegan, IL 60085. Phone the office at (847) 623-4330 to confirm current hours and whether the list is open — the WHA closes the list when demand is very high and reopens it periodically.
You will need to bring a photo ID, proof of income (recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer), and proof of residency in Waukegan or the surrounding area. Bring Social Security cards or numbers for all household members. If you have children, bring birth certificates. The WHA staff will help you fill out the process on the spot.
After you submit your process, the WHA will send you a letter confirming your position on the waiting list. Waiting times range from several months to several years depending on the program and the number of people ahead of you. The WHA does not have a way to speed up the process — you move through the list in order.
Income Limits and Who Can Receive information
The WHA sets income limits based on the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) guidelines. These limits change each year and depend on your household size. For example, the 2024 limit for a family of four in the Chicago area is approximately $65,000 per year, but this figure varies. You must earn less than 50 percent of the area median income to initially receive a voucher or public housing unit.
Income includes wages, Social Security, disability payments, child support, and unemployment benefits. It does not include food stamps or temporary information. The WHA will ask for recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer to verify income. If you are self-employed, bring tax returns from the past two years.
You must also be a U.S. citizen or have may be able to access immigration status. The WHA will ask for a Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) for each household member. If you are not a citizen, bring documentation of your status — a green card, work permit, or other proof that you are legally present.
What Happens After You Are Selected from the Waiting List
When your name reaches the top of the waiting list, the WHA will contact you by phone or mail. You will be asked to come to the office for an in-person interview. At this meeting, a WHA staff member will review your process, ask questions about your household, and explain the program rules. Bring the same documents you brought when you applied, plus any updates (new pay stubs, a lease, proof of address).
The WHA will run a background check, which includes a criminal history search and a check of the HUD database to see if you have been evicted or had housing information terminated in the past. Some criminal convictions and evictions can disqualify you. The WHA will tell you if there is a problem and give you a chance to explain.
If you are approved, the WHA will issue you a voucher (if you are in the Section 8 program) or assign you a public housing unit. For Section 8, you then have a set amount of time — usually 60 to 90 days — to find a rental unit. The WHA will give you a list of landlords who participate in the program and explain how to search. For public housing, the WHA will tell you which units are available and you choose from those.
How Section 8 Vouchers Work Once You Have One
A Section 8 voucher is a document that tells a landlord the WHA will pay part of the rent. You search for an apartment on the private rental market — the WHA does not find it for you. Once you find a unit you want, the landlord must agree to participate in Section 8. Not all landlords do, so you may need to contact several.
The WHA will inspect the unit to make sure it meets safety and quality standards. If it passes, the WHA and landlord sign a contract. You sign a lease with the landlord. The WHA then pays the landlord a portion of the rent each month — usually 70 to 80 percent — and you pay the rest out of pocket. Your share is called your "tenant contribution" and is based on your income.
You must report any changes in income, household size, or address to the WHA within 10 days. If you move, you can take your voucher to a new unit (subject to WHA approval and inspection). If you lose your job or your income drops, tell the WHA — your rent share may go down. If your income rises above the limit, you may eventually lose the voucher, though the WHA usually gives you time to adjust.
Public Housing Units Managed by the Waukegan Housing Authority
The WHA owns and operates a smaller number of public housing buildings in Waukegan. These are apartments where the WHA is the landlord. Rent is set at 30 percent of your household income, so if you earn $2,000 per month, your rent is $600. This is usually lower than Section 8 because you are not paying a market-rate lease.
Public housing units are subject to the same income limits as Section 8. You must report income changes and household changes to the WHA. The WHA can evict you for non-payment of rent, lease violations, or criminal activity. Public housing leases typically run for one year and renew automatically unless the WHA or you choose not to renew.
The WHA is responsible for maintenance and repairs in public housing. If something breaks — a pipe, a window, the stove — you call the WHA maintenance line and they send someone to fix it. You do not pay for repairs. You are responsible for keeping the unit clean and not damaging it beyond normal wear and tear.
Documents You Will Need to Bring
| Document Type | What It Proves | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Photo ID | Your identity | Driver's license, state ID, passport |
| Proof of income | What you earn | Recent pay stubs, tax returns, employer letter |
| Social Security card or number | Identity and background check | Card itself or written number for each household member |
| Proof of residency | You live in Waukegan | Lease, utility bill, mail from government agency |
| Citizenship or immigration status | Legal presence in the U.S. | Birth certificate, green card, work permit, passport |
| Birth certificates (for children) | Proof of household members | Original or certified copy |
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a voucher or public housing unit?
Waiting times depend on demand and the size of the waiting list. Some people wait six months to a year; others wait several years. The WHA does not have a way to speed this up. Call the office at (847) 623-4330 to ask roughly where you are on the list, though staff cannot give exact timelines.
What if I have a criminal record or an eviction on my history?
The WHA will run a background check and may deny you based on certain convictions or evictions. However, denial is not automatic — the WHA must consider the nature of the offense, how long ago it happened, and your circumstances. If you are denied, you have the right to request a hearing and explain your situation.
Can I use my voucher to move to a different city?
Section 8 vouchers are portable — you can move to another city if you find a landlord who participates in Section 8 there. However, you must contact the WHA first and get permission. The new housing authority will take over your case. Public housing units cannot move with you — if you move out, you lose the unit.
What happens if I lose my job while I have a voucher?
Tell the WHA when ready. Your income will drop, so your rent share will go down. The WHA will recalculate your contribution based on your new income. You may also be referred to job training or employment services, depending on what the WHA offers.
Can the WHA evict me from public housing?
Yes, the WHA can evict you for non-payment of rent, serious lease violations, or criminal activity. The WHA must follow the eviction process, which includes giving you notice and a chance to respond. If you fall behind on rent, contact the WHA when ready — they may work with you on a payment plan before filing for eviction.