Apply for Housing
Start by choosing a program. Each program has different rules and application steps.
Before You Apply
Before starting an application, gather the following documents for everyone in your household:
- Photo ID for all adults
- Birth certificates for all household members
- Social Security cards
- Proof of income (pay stubs, benefit letters, bank statements)
Having these documents ready will help your application move forward without delays.
Important: PHA's website will never ask for your Social Security number. You will only provide your SSN on official application forms or through the secure waitlist portal.
Choose a Program
We offer two main housing assistance programs. Each has its own eligibility requirements, application process, and waitlist. Visit the program pages below to learn which is right for you:
- Public Housing — Affordable rental units owned and managed by PHA
- Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) — A voucher to help pay rent with a private landlord
What Happens Next
After you submit an application:
- Waitlist placement — Eligible applicants are placed on a waitlist. Wait times vary depending on the program, unit availability, and any preferences that may apply.
- Verification — When your name comes up, PHA will contact you to verify your information and eligibility.
- Housing offer — For Public Housing, you will be offered an available unit. For HCV, you will attend a briefing and then search for a qualifying rental.
You can check your waitlist status at any time using the portal link below.
Need Help?
If you have questions about the application process or need assistance, we're here to help.
- Call us: (309) 676-8736
- Visit: Contact page for more ways to reach us
- En español: Solicitar vivienda
Our Programs
Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS)
A voluntary program that helps families build skills, increase income, and work toward financial goals.
Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8)
The Housing Choice Voucher program helps eligible families afford housing in the private rental market by subsidizing a portion of rent.
Public Housing
PHA owns and operates public housing developments in Peoria County with affordable rental units for eligible low-income families, seniors, and persons with disabilities.
Check Waitlist Status
You can check your waitlist status through the official waitlist portal.
Important: The waitlist portal is a separate system that will ask for your Social Security number to verify your identity. PHA's main website will never ask for your SSN. Do not enter your SSN on this site.
Go to Waitlist Portal (External)