Thank you for your interest in the DFSS Rental Assistance Program. Please call one of the six Community Service Centers for information on applying. 

 DFSS City of Chicago Community Service Centers.

Open Monday-Friday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Para obtener información sobre asistencia de alquiler en español, haga clic aquí.

If you require RAP information in a language other than English and Spanish, in-person and phone translation are available. Please call or visit any of our six Community Service Centers listed at the bottom of this page for help in your language.

RAP is open to all Chicago residents regardless of legal immigration status. Rental assistance is not a “public-charge” benefit. If you are a person living with HIV, specific resources are available for you by calling the HIV Resource Coordination Hub at 1-844-HUB-4040.

Are you Eligible for the Rental Assistance Program?

The Rental Assistance Program (RAP) provides funding to Chicagoans who are at risk of becoming homeless. RAP helps Chicagoans who have housing right now, but who may become homeless soon because they lost income or had another eligible emergency which prevents them from paying rent.

ASSISTANCE MAY INCLUDE:

• Payment of future rent, or rent arrears to prevent eviction
• Security deposits in cases of fire, flood, foreclosure, domestic violence, or eviction

YOU ARE ELIGIBLE IF:

• You live in the City of Chicago
• You are at risk of becoming homeless due to eviction, loss of income or other emergency
• You economically classify as a low-income household
• Your landlord completes the RAP requirements

OPTIONS TO PROVE ELIGIBILITY:

• Eviction notice, proof of loss of income or proof of other qualifying emergency
• Paystub, benefits statement, or affidavit (explanation) of no income
• Driver's License, State ID, CityKey, or other
• Lease
• Landlord agreement forms

Download the RAP Flyer (click here)

Download FAQs (click here)

What Will Happen After You Apply

When you submit your application to a case manager, you will make sure your application is complete with all required documentation. A case manager may ask you to submit additional documentation. 

After your submission of a completed application, if deemed eligible your unit must pass a unit inspection to make sure the unit meets federal standards.

DOWNLOAD DFSS APPLICATION FORM

For help with your application, or to apply in person, call or visit any of the City of Chicago Community Service Centers. Community service centers are open Monday-Friday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.