PROGRAM UPDATE: The eligibility requirements for the Cook County Homeowner Relief Fund have changed, and households that experienced a 30% increase in property taxes in any of the 2021, 2022 or 2023 tax years, while still meeting the program's other requirements already in place, are now eligible.

If you've already submitted your application, you do NOT need to update or resubmit your application to be reviewed under this updated criteria.

Applications are now open through October 31, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. To apply today, visit hrf.cookcountyil.gov.

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The Cook County Government has launched its Cook County Homeowner Relief Fund, a $15 million initiative designed to provide targeted financial support to homeowners who have been disproportionately affected by recent spikes in their property tax bills.

This program will deliver one-time payments of $1,000 to qualifying households, offering immediate relief to help manage increasing tax burdens while broader policy reforms are pursued.

How to Apply 

The application process will take place in two phases, with screening followed by documentation review, and (if demand exceeds available funding) a lottery selection.

• Phase 1 (Initial Screening): Applicants provide basic personal and demographic information to determine preliminary eligibility and to enter a lottery for advancement.

• Phase 2 (Document Submission): Selected applicants will be asked to provide supporting documentation to verify eligibility. Those found eligible will enter a final lottery for grant awards.

The application portal is open today, September 29, through October 10. Applicants should prepare basic personal, property, and income information for the initial screening phase. If they advance, additional documentation will be required in Phase 2.

Taxpayers who need assistance with applying may contact a local outreach partner or contact the City's Property Tax Assessment Review Office by emailing mgibbs@cityofevanston.org with questions about the program.

Eligibility

To be eligible, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Owners of single-family homes, condominiums, or small apartment buildings must have experienced a year-over-year property tax increase of 50 percent or more in tax year 2021 (paid in 2022), tax year 2022 (paid in 2023), or tax year 2023 (paid in 2024).

  • Note: This includes those who went from a zero property tax bill to a non-zero bill in tax years 2021, 2022, or 2023.

• The combined 2024 income for all members of the applicant’s household cannot exceed 100 percent of the Cook County Area Median Income (AMI) for the applicant's household size.

  • For example, a four-person household making $119,900 or less would be eligible. 

• The home must be the primary residence of the applicant.

For more information on the Cook County Homeowner Relief Fund, email hrf.oed@cookcountyil.gov or view Cook County’s Bureau of Economic Development’s webpage.