Housing Authority of Champaign County



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Instructions

Please read all information below before you begin the online registration process.

The Housing Authority of Champaign County (HACC) provides housing assistance for low to moderate income people. Our mission is to provide a quality living environment as a foundation for individuals to achieve their full potential.

GENERAL INFORMATION

  1. Purpose

Housing Assistance Programs are made available to low-income people through federal funds that are used to subsidize a portion of the rent, whether they live in a HACC-owned unit or a unit in the private market.

  1. What is a subsidy?

A participant in a Rental Assistance Payment Program pays rent based on their income. Usually, but not always, their rent is about 30% of their monthly income. HACC pays the rest of the rent, providing a "subsidy."

You may apply for any assistance for which the waiting list is open, but will not receive housing assistance immediately. When your name reaches the top of the waiting list, you will be contacted to determine if you are eligible for the housing assistance program for which you applied.

HOUSING PROGRAMS

HACC administers two different types of rental assistance, tenant-based vouchers and project-based vouchers.

Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV) allow program participants to find a privately-owned apartment or house of their choice, if it meets all program requirements and the owner participates in the HCV program. This program allows you to move from one place to another, meaning the rental assistance follows the tenant.

Project Based vouchers (PBV) provides rental assistance to specific properties. If the tenant moves from the building, they lose their rental assistance. The assistance does not follow the tenant, it stays with the property.

COMPLETING THE APPLICATION

  1. INSTRUCTIONS - HOW DO I APPLY?

Assistance with the online application is available for persons with special needs by calling 217-378-7100 or visiting HACC’s main office, located at 2008 N. Market St., Champaign, IL 61822.

You will only be able to apply to waiting lists that are open. You may apply to more than one waiting list. When completing the application, be sure to answer all the questions carefully and thoroughly. Look for the following symbol: * This means the information is required. BEFORE you click on "Submit" make sure your application is complete.

  1. WHAT DO I NEED TO COMPLETE THE APPLICATION?

Before you begin the application, please have the social security number, name, date of birth, and income information for each family member. Have paper and pen available to write down the confirmation number, once you submit the application.

  1. WHAT DO I DO AFTER I SUBMIT MY APPLICATION?

Once you submit your application, it is your responsibility to ensure that all information remains current. When your online application comes to the top of the waiting list, you will be notified by e-mail or regular mail. If we are unable to contact you because of an e-mail address that is no longer valid, or a letter is returned because of an invalid address, your name will be removed from the waiting list.

Reporting Changes and Updating the Waiting List

You are required to inform HACC of any changes in your name, mailing address, phone number and e-mail address in writing.

  1. WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE ASSISTANCE?

HACC is a Moving to Work (MTW) Housing Authority. To be eligible for assistance under this program you must meet the following requirements: 

  • Head of household must be at least 18 years of age or an emancipated minor under state law.

  • Have an annual income that does not exceed the applicable income limits established by HUD, at the time of admission.

  • All adult members of the household must pass a criminal background check.

  • At least one household member must meet HUD requirements on citizenship or immigration status.

The family must not have been terminated within the past five years from any housing assistance programs, due to violation of family obligations under the voucher or a public housing lease agreement; or, within three years for non-payment of rent in the public housing program.

TERM LIMITS

The Housing Authority of Champaign County (HACC) has an MTW provision that limits housing assistance to no more than eight (8) years for all able-bodied individuals. This "Term limit" initiative will allow the Housing Authority of Champaign County to serve more families on Housing Program waiting lists.

The following households are exempt from the "Term limit" of eight years:

  • Elderly families or person(s) (age 55 or older or who will turn 55 within the eight-year period)

  • Disabled or handicapped families or person(s) (age 18 or older or becomes disabled or handicapped within the eight-year period).

The Housing Authority of Champaign County does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, marital status, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, ancestry or sexual orientation for access, admission, or employment in housing programs, resources or activities.