In Illinois, especially in Chicago, many families struggle to pay rent due to financial hardships like job loss, illness, or other emergencies.

To help, Illinois and Chicago offer rental assistance programs to prevent evictions and homelessness.

These programs provide critical financial support to low-income households, ensuring they can stay in their homes.

What Are the Chicago and Illinois Rental Assistance Programs?

Chicago Rental Assistance Program (RAP)

The Chicago Rental Assistance Program (RAP), run by the City of Chicago’s Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS), helps Chicago residents at risk of homelessness. It provides short-term financial aid for rent, utilities, or back-owed rent (arrears) to prevent eviction.

The program also offers case management to help families budget and address the root causes of their housing crisis. RAP is funded through the federal Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Illinois Court-Based Rental Assistance Program (CBRAP)

The Illinois Court-Based Rental Assistance Program (CBRAP), managed by the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA), supports tenants and landlords across Illinois facing eviction court cases.

It provides up to $15,000 to cover past-due rent (dating back to March 2020), up to $500 for court costs, and up to two months of future rent to stabilize housing.

The program requires both tenants and landlords to apply together, but tenants can still qualify for future rent payments if landlords don’t cooperate.

How Do These Programs Help?

These programs are lifelines for families facing financial crises. Here’s how they help:

• Prevent Eviction: By paying past-due rent, RAP and CBRAP stop evictions, allowing families to stay in their homes. An eviction on a tenant’s record can make it harder to find future housing, so this support is crucial.
• Cover Future Rent: Both programs can pay for a few months of future rent, giving families time to regain financial stability.
• Support Landlords: Landlords receive payments for unpaid rent, reducing financial losses and encouraging them to keep tenants in place.
• Case Management: Chicago’s RAP includes guidance on budgeting and resolving financial issues, helping families avoid future crises.
• No Immigration Status Required: Both programs are open to all residents, regardless of immigration status, and are not considered “public-charge” benefits, making them accessible to more people.

Who Benefits?

The programs target low-income households facing housing instability. Eligibility includes:

• Chicago RAP:
• Chicago residents at risk of homelessness due to emergencies like job loss, illness, domestic violence, or natural disasters (e.g., fire or flood).
• Household income at or below 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI). For a family of four in Chicago, this is about $89,700 annually.
• Proof of an emergency, such as an eviction notice or loss of income.
• Landlords must agree to participate and complete required forms.
• Illinois CBRAP:
• Illinois residents with a pending eviction court case for nonpayment of rent.
• Household income at or below 80% of the AMI for their area.
• No social security number or proof of citizenship required.
• Both tenants and landlords must submit application parts, but tenants can apply for future rent if landlords don’t respond within 21 days.

These programs benefit low-income families, seniors, people with disabilities, and those hit by unexpected crises, ensuring they don’t lose their homes.

How Are Funds Distributed?

Funds are distributed as follows:

• Chicago RAP:
• Payments are made directly to landlords for rent, arrears, or security deposits in cases of emergencies like fire or domestic violence.
• A case manager reviews applications, and a rental unit inspection ensures it meets federal standards.
• Funds come from HUD’s ESG, and applications are processed through Chicago’s Community Service Centers or online when open.
• Illinois CBRAP:
• Up to $15,000 is paid to landlords for past-due rent, court costs (up to $500), and up to two months of future rent.
• Applications are submitted online at illinoishousinghelp.org/cbrap. Both tenants and landlords complete separate sections, which are linked after submission.
• If approved, landlords receive checks within 10-14 days, though it may take longer. Applicants are notified within 30-45 days.
• If landlords don’t participate, tenants may receive two months of future rent directly if they plan to move.

What’s Happening with the Programs?

In September 2024, the Illinois CBRAP was restarted with $75 million in state funding after pausing in May 2024 due to depleted funds from the American Rescue Plan Act.

The program, which began in October 2022, is expected to help about 8,900 households before funds run out. However, it stopped accepting new applications on June 6, 2025, at 6:59 p.m. CDT, and funding dropped to $50 million in fiscal year 2026, potentially limiting its reach.

The Chicago RAP is currently not accepting applications, but residents can check chicago.gov or contact Community Service Centers for updates. The program remains a vital resource when active, especially for Chicago’s most vulnerable residents.

On August 15, 2025, the Chicago Tribune reported that Illinois’ rental assistance program had restarted, highlighting its role in supporting tenants and landlords. The article emphasized the program’s importance in preventing evictions amid rising housing costs.

Poverty Statistics and Their Connection to Rental Assistance

Poverty is a major driver of housing instability in Illinois and Chicago. According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2023 American Community Survey:

• Illinois: 11.9% of residents (about 1.5 million people) live below the federal poverty line, set at roughly $13,590 for an individual or $27,750 for a family of four.
• Chicago: The poverty rate is higher at 17.2%, affecting over 460,000 residents. Black and Hispanic communities face disproportionately higher poverty rates, at 27.4% and 17.5%, respectively.
• Housing Costs: In Chicago, the median rent in 2024 was about $1,900 per month, while many low-income households earn less than $30,000 annually, making rent unaffordable without assistance. U.S. Census Bureau

These stats show why rental assistance is critical. Low-income families, especially in Chicago, spend a large share of their income on rent, leaving little for other needs.

A single emergency, like a job loss or medical bill, can lead to eviction. RAP and CBRAP provide a safety net, helping families stay housed and avoid the cycle of poverty and homelessness.

Additional Important Information

• High Demand, Limited Funds: Both programs have limited funding, so applying early is crucial. Last year, missing documents were the top reason for CBRAP denials, so applicants should ensure all paperwork is complete.
• Legal Support: Tenants and landlords can access free legal help through Eviction Help Illinois (855-631-0811) or Cook County Legal Aid for Housing and Debt for eviction proceedings and application assistance.
• Other Resources: For those not facing eviction, the Illinois Department of Human Services offers cash assistance like TANF to help with rent and other needs. Nonprofits, churches, and local organizations also provide short-term aid, especially for specific groups like domestic violence survivors or immigrants.
• Housing Crisis Context: Chicago’s high poverty and rising rents make rental assistance vital. The city’s homelessness rate is among the highest in the U.S., with over 6,000 people homeless on any given night, per HUD’s 2024 Annual Homeless Assessment Report. Programs like RAP and CBRAP reduce this number by keeping families housed.

Why Rental Assistance Matters

Rental assistance programs like RAP and CBRAP are essential for addressing Illinois’ and Chicago’s housing and poverty challenges.

They provide immediate relief for families in crisis, prevent evictions, and support landlords, creating a win-win situation. By addressing the link between poverty and housing instability, these programs help families stay in their homes, maintain stability, and work toward a better future.

For more information or to apply:

• Chicago RAP: Visit chicago.gov or call a Community Service Center (e.g., Englewood: 312-747-0200).
• Illinois CBRAP: Apply at illinoishousinghelp.org/cbrap or call 866-454-3571 before June 6, 2025.
• Poverty Data: U.S. Census Bureau

By acting quickly and providing complete applications, eligible residents can access these vital resources to stay housed and secure.