Illinois Court-Based Rental Assistance Program

The Illinois Court-Based Rental Assistance Program (CBRAP) provides up to $10,000 in funding to Illinois tenants and landlords across Illinois who have pending cases in eviction court. CBRAP assistance may cover up to 18 months of emergency rental payments, which includes up to two months of future rent payments to prevent eviction. 

CBRAP grants are subject to availability and a submitted application is not a guarantee of approval or funding.

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/ let your home in Illinois.
  • 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)

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)

A complete list of acceptable documents is available here.

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.

Couple looking over documents

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.

Click here or on the image below to download a listing of counselors for the Court Based Rental Assistance Program.

Resources for Tenants and Landlords in Eviction Court