Frequently Asked Questions

• What are LCHA's hours of operation?
• Who may apply?
• How am I ranked?  What is my status?
• What is the UPDATE?
• How long are the wait lists?
• Where am I on the waiting list?
• What is the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program?
• What is the Family Self-Sufficiency Program?
• How is rent determined?
• Are public housing residents allowed to have pets?
• What's the difference between Section 8 and Public Housing?

What are LCHA's hours of operation?

The LCHA is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Wednesday 8 a.m. to 12:00 noon. We are closed for 12 Holidays during the year. Our Central Office is located at 33928 N. Route 45, in Grayslake, IL.  Please call 847-223-1170 if you have specific questions about our hours of operation. For your convenience we have placed a secure DROP BOX at the outside front entrance of the Central Office. Use this box for payment or paperwork at any time. Staff checks it every day the Authority is open. [Back to Top]

Who may apply?

Anyone may apply for housing with the Lake County Housing Authority when the waiting lists are open.  However, there are income eligibility standards. Your income must be below these numbers in order for you to be eligible. Your ranking will be determined by total preference points claimed on your pre-application but you do not need any points to be ranked. [Back to Top]

How am I ranked?  What is my status?

Your rank on the waiting list is determined by the total preference points claimed by you and your household. Your rank changes every time a new application is added to the waiting list. When your name rises to the top of the waiting list you will receive a letter to submit proof of all preferences claimed. Your “status” on the waiting list is active or not active. Due to the daily fluctuation of the waiting list as a result of our preference point system we are unable to provide you with your position on the waiting list or your progress.  When your total preference points rises to the top of the waiting lists you will be notified by mail.   The following are the only preferences that may be claimed on a pre-application.   Residency (15 Points) Head-of-Household or Spouse lives in Lake County, IL or Head-of-Household or Spouse works in Lake County, IL or Head-of-Household or Spouse has been hired to work in Lake County, IL     Veteran (5 Points) Head-of-Household or Spouse is a US Veteran, not dishonorably discharged.   Nursing Home (10 Points) Head-of-Household or Spouse resides in nursing home and remains there due to inability to afford housing elsewhere.     [Back to Top]

What is the UPDATE?

An UPDATE happens every year.  You will be mailed a  letter, usually in December, and must respond by the date specified on the letter in order to remain on the waiting list.  Failure to respond to the letter by the deadline will result in your name being dropped from all waiting lists.  It is in your best interest to keep your pre-application updated on a continuous basis with your family composition, address, phone and preferences claimed. Any changes must be submitted in writing and include your social security number and signature. Changes should be sent to the attention of "Waiting List".     [Back to Top]

Where am I on the waiting list?

Due to the daily fluctuation of the waiting list as a result of our preference system we are unable to provide you with your position on the waiting list.  You may verify your status at any time. When your total preference points rises to the top of the waiting lists you will be notified by mail.    [Back to Top]

What is the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program?

The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program provides rent assistance for very low and moderate income persons in privately owned rental apartments, flats, townhomes or houses.  The Section 8 program permits landlords renting sound housing at reasonable rental rates to receive a portion of the rent for a subsidized tenant directly from the Housing Authority.      You can find more information on the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program here.   [Back to Top]

What is the Family Self-Sufficiency Program?

The Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program, designed by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and run under the Section 8 program, was created to aid families in earning money so that they are able to support themselves and to put them in a situation in which they are no longer in need of government assistance.  As part of Family Self-Sufficiency, you meet with a counselor or case manager.  They will create an Individual Training & Services Plan for you, which is required by HUD for any participants of the FSS Program.  Then you take steps outlined in the Plan to work your way towards self-sufficiency. For more in-depth information on Family Self-Sufficiency, visit our page on the FSS Program. [Back to Top]

How is rent determined?

Your rent is based upon your adjusted monthly income.  In the Section 8 Program, if the gross rent for the unit you select is at or below the payment standard, you pay the higher of 30% of your adjusted monthly income or 10% of your gross income.  At the time that you sign the lease, your rent share can be no more than 40% of your adjusted monthly income.  For low rent/public housing, your rent can be no more than 30% of the adjusted monthly income.   [Back to Top]

Are public housing residents allowed to have pets?

Yes, residents are allowed to have pets, but with some restrictions.  Only common domesticated household pets may be maintained on Authority property.  These are dogs, cats, ferrets, gerbils, guinea pigs, hamsters, rabbits, fish, turtles  and caged birds.  Reptiles are prohibited.  Cats may not weigh more than 15 pounds.  Dogs may not weigh more than 35 pounds and/or stand 24 inches from the ground to the top of the head.  The capacity of aquariums shall not exceed 20 gallons.  All pet owners or residents wishing to own a pet shall be required to complete a Pet Application in the form prescribed by the Housing Authority.  Along with the application, a pet policy must be signed by the tenant and a pet deposit paid.   [Back to Top]

What's the difference between Section 8 and Public Housing?

Public Housing is residential property owned and maintained by the Housing Authority.  This housing is leased to low-income families by the Authority.  The Section 8 program provides assistance in paying rent to a private owner.  The tenant pays for part of the rent based upon their adjusted monthly income, and the the Section 8 program subsidizes a part of the rent.   [Back to Top]

All Lake County Housing Authority offices will be closed in 2010 as follows: