Cook County extends deadline, expands eligibility for $15 million Homeowner Relief Fund

Cook County is expanding eligibility requirements and extending the application deadline for the Cook County Homeowner Relief Fund.

The $15 million program will assist homeowners who have experienced a substantial increase in property taxes in recent years. Selected recipients will receive $1,000 in one-time assistance.

To qualify, Cook County homeowners must have experienced a property tax increase of at least 30% (lowered from the previous threshold of 50%) in the 2021, 2022 or 2023 tax years. The deadline to submit a request is now Oct. 31.

Homeowners must also have a household income at or below 100% of the county’s Area Median Income, which starts at $84,000 for one person and climbs by roughly $12,000 for each additional occupant. Applicants must also occupy the property as their primary residence.

Homeowners who have already applied for the Homeowner Relief Fund program do not need to reapply. All previously submitted applications will be reviewed under the expanded eligibility requirement.

The program, which launched Sept. 29, will provide immediate relief to residents as Cook County continues to pursue long-term property tax reform efforts at the state and local levels.

For more information, visit cookcountyil.gov/service/cook-county-homeowner-relief-fund.