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Cook County officials have announced the launch of the Homeowner Relief Fund, a $15 million program designed to help homeowners facing significant property tax increases. The fund, introduced by Board President Toni Preckwinkle and Commissioner Bridget Gainer, will provide a one-time payment of $1,000 to selected recipients. Applications are open until October 10, 2025.
The initiative aims to provide immediate financial relief while the county continues broader efforts toward long-term property tax reform. These reforms are being coordinated by the Cook County Property Tax Reform Group (PTAX), which includes various elected offices involved in the property tax system.
“It has been a priority for us to support as many homeowners as possible with a measure of relief,” said President Preckwinkle. “This is part of a broader effort that advances system-wide property tax reforms. In addition, we’re continuing to develop policies that help residents at every stage of the housing continuum, from emergency shelter to homeownership.”
Commissioner Gainer added: "The Homeowner Relief Fund is the culmination of over a year of outreach, research and policy advocacy that will allow us to provide relief to homeowners in need of a lifeline as we work towards sustainable property tax relief. I'm proud to have made this critical program a reality to keep families in their homes and neighborhoods and protect their greatest asset to build wealth: homeownership."
Commissioner Gainer’s office conducted research with the University of Chicago Mansueto Institute for Urban Innovation confirming that fluctuations in property taxes affect homeowners across Cook County. Following this research and public hearings on property tax relief, the Homeowner Relief Fund was included in the county’s 2025 budget.
Eligibility for the program requires homeowners to have experienced at least a 50% increase in property taxes during any of the years 2021, 2022, or 2023. Applicants must also have household incomes at or below 100% of Cook County's Area Median Income—$119,900 for a family of four—and use the residence as their primary home.
The fund is part of larger efforts by Cook County to make homeownership more affordable through programs such as the Modular Homes Pilot Program and Down Payment Assistance Program. The county also supports services like Cook County Legal Aid for Housing and Debt and 211 Metro Chicago for residents experiencing financial difficulties.
AidKit, Inc., will manage applications and distribute payments through an official website. Community organizations throughout Cook County will assist applicants, providing support in multiple languages.
The application process consists of two phases: initial personal information submission followed by document verification for those who qualify. If there are more eligible applicants than available funds, recipients will be chosen through a lottery system managed by the Bureau of Economic Development and AidKit.
More information about eligibility requirements and how to apply can be found at cookcountyil.gov/service/cook-county-homeowner-relief-fund.
