The Rent Assistance Program financially supports Illinois and Wisconsin residents who are blind and have low incomes so that they can remain and succeed in the community in their own apartments or houses. Ongoing rent subsidies are 50% of the individual’s rent up to $300 each month, supporting residents eighteen years and older who are legally blind and have low incomes so that they may remain and succeed in the community in their own rented apartments, houses, or rooms.

Sam & Navigator Rent Assistance Client

Main Eligibility Requirements

Legal blindness

Living and renting in Illinois or Wisconsin for at least three months

Is your annual income at or below 200% of the poverty level (depending on how many are in your household)? For FY26:

  • $31,920 for a one-person household
  • $43,280 for a two-person household
  • $54,640 for a three-person household
  • $66,000 for a four-person household
  • $75,360 for a five-person household

Not receiving other housing subsidies

such as a Housing Voucher or living in a low-income housing program, long-term care program, or any other residential program.

Steps in the application process:

  1. Complete the application online or by phone with one of our staff
  2. Receive a call from one of our staff (usually within a week) to review the program expectations and the specific documents (e.g., proof of blindness, income, bank statements, the lease, etc.) that will need to be submitted.
  3. Submit all required documents within one month of the phone call with one of our staff. It is strongly preferred that all required application documents be submitted together in one batch, rather than being sent piecemeal.

If the documents are not received within one month or an extension given, the application will be closed, although a new application can be submitted at a future date.

Apply by filling out the brief online application below.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

No, unless you can provide a valid lease and have been living in the unit at least three months.

Yes, as long as you have been there at least three months and can provide a valid lease.

No, a lease is required.

No, you cannot be receiving other housing subsidies such as a Housing Voucher (HCV, Section 8, PVB) or living in a low-income housing program, long-term care program, or any other residential program.

No. You cannot apply until you have been living in Illinois or Wisconsin and have been renting an apartment (with a valid Lease) for at least three months.

No, the subsidy payments are paid electronically or checks written only to the landlord as identified on the Lease, although if paid by check can be mailed to you so you can submit it to the Landlord along with your own check at the same time if you would like.

No, records or a letter from an ophthalmologist must indicate total or legal blindness (i.e., best corrected central visual acuity of 20/200 or worse in the better eye and/or a visual field of 20 degrees or less in the better eye). You must provide documentation of blindness from an ophthalmologist or other appropriate physician indicating blindness (total or legal), visual acuity, visual field, and diagnosis.

No. The program does not provide anything towards a security deposit and you must be living in the apartment at least three months when you first apply.

Yes, you will just need to submit additional information such as the new lease. This is a slight exception to the “three months” rule because you have been renting for three months, just in another apartment. Similarly, if you have been living in an apartment for three months and are about to move you can apply now.

You will need to let us know immediately and we will then provide one additional (final) month of subsidy to give you an opportunity to transition.

Only you would be eligible for the subsidy. We would only consider your situation to qualify and the subsidy would be calculated only for your (50%) portion of the rent. All people living in the apartment must be on the lease.

Often yes, although at minimum one face-to-face meeting is required if the applicant lives in Cook County Illinois. If outside of Cook County, at least one virtual video meeting is required.

The income for the entire household will be considered a household and only your portion of the rent will qualify for the subsidy. If there are two adults in the household your portion of rent will be 50% – minor children are not expected to pay rent so while they count as a member of the household and their income (if any) is included, they are not considered when calculating the amount of rent owed by the adults.

Maybe, but probably not. It is unlikely that the relatively small payments will significantly affect taxes or benefits, but they might. We encourage you to consult with a tax preparer and/or the provider of your benefits.

Apply online by clicking the “Apply Here” button above on this page.

Woman eating

“I have been a member of the rental assistance and navigator program for 3 years. The monthly amount has allowed me to stay in my home with rising rental costs and with the extra money I am able to participate in social activities. During the Christmas season, I was able to go to dinner with a friend and see a play with a group of individuals who are also visually impaired. The monthly amount is a gift and a godsend.”

-Navigator and Rent Assistance client