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The Cook County Board of Commissioners has approved a resolution to set eligibility criteria for a new initiative, the Cook County Homeowner Relief Fund. The fund, valued at $15 million, aims to help homeowners who have recently encountered significant property tax bill hikes.
The relief fund is intended to offer immediate financial aid while the county continues its efforts towards comprehensive property tax reform. These reform activities are being overseen by the Property Tax Reform Group (PTAX), in collaboration with various offices that constitute the property tax system, to instigate reforms across the board.
Managed by the Cook County Bureau of Economic Development, the Homeowner Relief Fund will offer one-time $1,000 payments to qualifying households. The application process is anticipated to begin this summer, with payments distributed soon thereafter.
“It is vital that we provide relief to homeowners throughout the County who are experiencing hardship due to their property tax bills increasing," said Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle. "This fund will provide short-term support to those who need it most while my administration continues to work with the PTAX Reform Group to develop long-term solutions."
To qualify, households must have an income at or below 100 percent of the Area Median Income relevant to their household size. For instance, a household of four earning $119,900 or below would qualify. Additionally, eligible applicants must have faced at least a 50 percent increase in their property tax bill in any year since 2021.
AidKit, Inc. has been selected to manage the application process, offering applicant support, reviewing applications, and issuing payments. A lottery system may be used to select applicants if necessary.
The issue of rising property taxes and their impact on residents was highlighted during a public hearing convened by Commissioner Bridget Gainer in September. "As we've met with over a thousand homeowners during the last few years to assist with property taxes, we've heard firsthand the need for a lifeline. Property taxes are rising faster than homeowners’ ability to pay, forcing people to leave neighborhoods they love and undermining the best ability to build wealth—homeownership," said Commissioner Gainer. "I'm proud of the work we've done to launch the Homeowner Relief Fund and provide much-needed relief in the short term, while we seek solutions for sustainable property tax relief in Springfield."
The foundation of the $15 million Homeowner Relief Fund was approved by the County Board in October 2024 and was subsequently incorporated in the County's 2025 budget ratified in November.
