Illinois Court-Based Rental Assistance Program

The Illinois Court-Based Rental Assistance Program (CBRAP) provides funding to Illinois tenants and landlords across the state (outside of Cook County) who have pending cases in eviction court. The program is only available to litigants in eviction court. Applicants may qualify for up to $25,000 in emergency rental payments that can include up to 15 months of past-due rent and 3 months of future rent payments to prevent eviction.

‍You may be eligible for CBRAP if:

  • You are in a court eviction proceeding due to nonpayment.
  • You have experienced financial hardship during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Proof of citizenship is not required. Rental assistance is not a “public charge” benefit.
  • Your household income is at or below 80% of the area median income, adjusted for household size. (See the income limits for your county here.)
  • You rent your home in Illinois (outside of Cook County)
  • The Court Based Rental Assistance Program (CBRAP) is designed to serve residents in Eviction courts outside of Cook County. Landlords and Tenants who have an active eviction court case in Cook County, can visit cookcountylegalaid.org or call 855-956-5763 to connect with court-based rental assistance.
  • A sample CBRAP Grant Agreement for tenants is available here.
  • A sample CBRAP Grant Agreement for landlords is available here.
Illinois homes, receiving rental assistance

Documentation Requirements

Tenants

  • Eviction court complaint, summons and court-case number
  • Government-issued photo ID (regardless of expiration date)
  • Proof of address
  • Evidence of household income
  • Evidence of past-due rent
  • Current signed lease (if available)
  • Proof of public assistance (if applicable)

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A complete list of acceptable documents is available here.

Landlords

  • Eviction court complaint, summons and court case number
  • Proof of Identity or LLC, Certificate of Good Standing, or Articles of Incorporation
  • Proof of ownership
  • Evidence of past-due rent
  • Current signed lease (if available)
  • Fully executed and current property management agreement (if applicable)

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A complete list of acceptable documents is available here.

Click Here to Apply

What Will Happen After You Apply?

CBRAP offers an expedited review and payment process compared to other rental assistance programs offered by the state. IHDA will notify applicants of funding eligibility upon completion of application review. IHDA will issue payment within three business days of the notification that the application has been approved. (Delivery of check by USPS will vary.)

Already applied? Check the status of your CBRAP application here. 

Is your landlord unresponsive? Find information about Tenant Direct payments here.

Need Help Applying?

Locate a HUD-Certified Housing Counselor near you to help with accessing the online application, assembling the required documents, or finding other housing help.

Resources for Tenants and Landlords in Eviction Court