Cook County Homeowner Relief Fund Frequently Asked Questions
Please find frequently asked questions about the Cook County Homeowner Relief Fund below.
Information is also available on the Cook County Homeowner Relief Fund landing page.
What is the Cook County Homeowner Relief Fund?
The Cook County Homeowner Relief Fund is a cash assistance program for income-eligible homeowners in Cook County whose property tax bills increased by 30% or more in tax year 2021, 2022 or 2023. The one-time $1,000 payment is intended to help residents meet basic needs, reduce housing cost burdens and provide financial relief for their households.
This program is funded by the Cook County Bureau of Economic Development and administered by AidKit.
Who is eligible for this program?
This program is for Cook County homeowners who meet all the following requirements:
- Experienced a property tax bill increase of at least 30% in tax year 2021, 2022 or 2023
- NOTE: This includes those who went from a zero property tax bill to a non-zero bill in tax year 2021, 2022 or 2023.
- Have a Cook County homeowner exemption on the property, which shows it is your primary residence
- Have a household income at or below 100% of Cook County's Area Median Income (AMI) for the applicant's household size
- Visit Cook County Homeowner Relief Fund to view the County's AMI guide for this program.
- Are at least 18 years of age
- Resided in the home both the year of the increase and the year prior, and still reside in the home
- Are in a Class 2 residential property, with some exceptions (Email hrf.oed@cookcountyil.gov to learn more about exceptions.)
What does the household income at or below 100% Area Median Income mean?
To qualify for the Cook County Homeowner Relief Fund, your total household income must be at or below 100% of the Area Median Income (AMI) for the Chicago–Naperville–Joliet metro area (which includes Cook County). AMI is a standard set each year by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and varies by household size.
Visit Cook County Homeowner Relief Fund to view the County's AMI guide for this program.
How is a household defined?
Your household includes you, your spouse or partner, and anyone who relies on you for most of their expenses, such as children or elderly family members. A household is a group of people living together and sharing expenses and responsibilities.
If you are living in a home or apartment with one or more other individuals who are financially independent, you are all considered separate households. Roommates and tenants should not be counted as part of your household.
Can I apply if I live in Cook County but don’t own the home?
No. This program is only for Cook County homeowners whose names are on the County’s records. Renters and developers are not eligible.
Can I apply more than once?
No. The program will only accept one application per eligible property. Submitting multiple applications for your household will not increase your chance of being selected for enrollment.
Do I need to be a permanent resident or a U.S. citizen to participate?
This program is open to all residents of Cook County, regardless of your legal immigration status. If you live in Cook County and meet the eligibility criteria, you can apply.
You will not be asked about your citizenship or immigration status in the application. Your information will not be shared with federal government agencies, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) unless required by law or court order.
What happens if more than one person applies from the same address?
If multiple applications are submitted with the same Property Index Number (PIN), address, or Social Security/ITIN, they will be flagged for review.
If more than one application is tied to the same property (same PIN), only one will be reviewed and considered. Submitting multiple applications will not increase your chances of being selected.
Are Cook County employees eligible to apply?
Cook County employees and their household members are not eligible for this program.
Learn how to submit your application, what information you’ll need and what happens after you apply.
When can I apply?
Phase 1 (Initial Screening) applications opened on September 29, 2025, at 10 a.m. CT and close on October 31, 2025. at 11:59 p.m. CT. Applying early does not increase your chances of being selected.
How long does the application take?
The Phase 1 application takes about 5-10 minutes if you have the information on hand. You can save and return to it before the deadline with your date of birth and email address.
How does the application process work?
The application is conducted in two phases to help the County ensure that relief goes to eligible households while reducing the burden on applicants and simplifying documentation needs.
How does Phase 1 (Initial Screening) work?
In this phase, you will:
- Provide basic personal and demographic information
- Enter your Property Index Number (PIN) to verify your property tax history
- Self-report your household income and household size
What documents will I need for Phase 1?
To apply for Phase 1 (Initial Screening), you’ll need:
- Your Tax Property Index Number (PIN)
- Your home address (for which you have a homeowner exemption)
- Your annual income estimate for your household
If you meet the basic criteria, your application will be included in a lottery for Phase 2 (Document Submission).
How does Phase 2 (Document Submission) work?
If selected to advance to this phase, you will be invited to submit identification, income and residency documents to verify your eligibility. Successful submissions will move on to a final lottery that will determine who receives payment.
Where can I receive assistance with my application?
You can reach out to support@hrfcookcountyil.aidkit.org or (708) 834-7895 via text, email or voicemail if you have program or application questions.
If you would like in-person application assistance, several community-based organizations and non-profits are providing in-person application assistance:
Please visit the outreach partner webpage to view locations where you can receive in-person assistance.
When will I hear back if I am selected to move onto Phase 2?
You’ll be contacted in November 2025 if you are selected to move on to Phase 2. If selected, you’ll be asked to submit documents and undergo final verification. Selection for Phase 2 does not guarantee funding.
Please make sure your contact information is correct, and check your phone and email for updates about Phase 2.
What happens after I apply?
After you apply:
- You’ll receive confirmation by email or text when your Phase 1 application was successfully submitted.
- If you meet the basic eligibility criteria, your application will be included in a lottery for Phase 2.
- If selected, you’ll be invited to complete Phase 2 Document Submission. The information and documents you provide in Phase 2 must match what you reported in Phase 1. You will also choose your preferred payment method in case you are ultimately approved for relief.
- Your Phase 2 documents will be reviewed to confirm eligibility. You will be contacted if more information is needed.
- If selected, you’ll receive a final selection for payment notice prior to receiving your relief payment.
When will I receive relief payment if selected?
If selected and your documents are approved, you’ll receive your $1,000 payment via direct deposit or prepaid card in late 2025. Exact timing will be shared during final selection.
How will my information be used?
This application will ask questions to help us determine your eligibility for the program. None of the information you provide will be shared with parties outside of Cook County without your consent, except as required for program administration and by law. We will securely store any information you share in the application stage. In the unlikely event of a data breach, you will be informed.
Understand how property tax increases are measured, where to find your property tax bill and what counts toward eligibility.
Where can I find my Property Index Number (PIN)?
Your Property Index Number (PIN) is a unique 14-digit identifier for your property, used for property tax records in Cook County. You can find the PIN on your Cook County property tax bill or in the Cook County Property Tax Portal.
How do I know if my property tax bill increased by 30%?
You can check the tax billed amounts for tax years 2021, 2022 and 2023 by using the Cook County Property Tax Portal. Compare each year to see if your bill went up by 30% or more in 2021, 2022 or 2023 (based on the prior year).
If you believe your bill increased by 30% in one of those years but it is not showing correctly in county records, please contact the Cook County Bureau of Economic Development at hrf.oed@cookcountyil.gov.
What is the Cook County Homeowner Exemption?
The Cook County Homeowner Exemption is a property tax exemption that reduces the Equalized Assessed Value (EAV) of a primary residence, lowering the property tax bill for eligible homeowners. To be eligible for the Cook County Homeowner Relief Fund, your property must have had a Homeowner Exemption before you apply. You can view your exemption history in the Cook County Property Tax Portal.
How can a homeowner see which exemptions were applied to their home?
Check the Property Details, then review the Exemption History and Status section.
Exemptions appear on your second installment tax bill issued in the summer. To learn more about how the property tax system works, click here.
What if I was eligible for the Homeowner Exemption but it was not applied to my property tax bill?
If your home was eligible for the Homeowner Exemption for past tax years including 2023, 2022, 2021 and 2020 and the exemption was not applied to your property tax bill, the Assessor’s Office can help you obtain a refund through what is called a Certificate of Error. You can apply online at the Cook County Assessor's website.
What is a Senior Freeze Exemption?
Senior homeowners are eligible for this exemption if they are over 65 years of age and had a total household annual income of $65,000 or less in the 2023 calendar year. A Senior Freeze Exemption provides property tax savings by freezing the equalized assessed value (EAV) of an eligible property.
If you are applying to the Cook County Homeowner Relief Fund, having the Senior Freeze Exemption may help you qualify. It can be used as proof of income eligibility even if you don’t have other income documents. Learn more at the Cook County Assessor's website.
Learn what happens if you are selected to move forward, what documents will be required and how final eligibility is confirmed.
What will I need to complete my Phase 2 application?
If you are selected for Phase 2 of the Cook County Homeowner Relief Fund application, you will need the following to complete your Phase 2 application:
- A phone or computer with a camera to take a self portrait for identity verification
- A government-issued photo ID or equivalent proof of identity
- Proof of household income, such as a benefits letter, 2024 tax return, W-2 or 1099
Important tips:
- Your photo ID must clearly show your full legal name.
- At least one of your submitted documents must also list the address of your eligible property.
- If neither your ID nor your income documentation lists your eligible address, you will need to upload an additional proof of residency such as 2024 tax return, utility bill, etc.
- Make sure all documents are clear, legible, and include your name and address. If information doesn’t match, you may be asked to resubmit.
Do I need to be selected for Phase 2 in order to continue?
Yes. Only applicants selected and contacted from Phase 1 can move forward with a Phase 2 application.
Can I pause and return to my Phase 2 application?
Yes. You can pause and return any time before the deadline by using the contact information you entered in Phase 1.
What if my ID is expired?
Expired IDs are accepted if they are less than one year past their expiration date. You must also submit a self portrait to confirm your identity.
If I’m selected for Phase 2, does that mean I’ll receive the relief payment?
Not necessarily. Phase 2 verifies your eligibility. If your documents are approved, your application will be entered into the final lottery. Only those selected in the final lottery will receive the $1,000 relief payment.
What if I need help completing the application?
Please reach out to the support line at support@hrfcookcountyil.aidkit.org or (708) 834-7895.
Assistance is available in English and Spanish. For other languages we will provide support through an interpreter. We strive to accommodate language or accessibility needs.
If you would like in-person application assistance, several community-based organizations and nonprofits are providing in-person application assistance.
Please visit the outreach partner webpage to view locations where you can receive in-person assistance.
Learn how payments are issued and when you can expect them if selected.
How much money will I receive?
If selected, you will receive a one-time $1,000 relief payment. Relief payments are issued after your eligibility documents are approved and final selection takes place. Funds are scheduled to be issued by the end of 2025.
How will I receive the relief payment?
During the Phase 2 application, you will choose how you would like to receive your $1,000 relief payment.
If you are selected after Phase 2, your payment will be sent using the option you selected:
- Direct deposit to your bank account
- Prepaid debit card mailed to your address
- Prepaid virtual debit card
How can I use the money?
However it helps you. There are no restrictions; we trust you to use the funds as you see fit to meet your household financial needs.
Will this affect my public benefits?
Just applying won’t affect your benefits. If selected, your $1,000 relief payment may count as income for some benefits. Inquire with your benefits program agency to understand how this payment may impact you
Will I have to pay taxes on the relief payment?
This relief payment is meant to be treated like a gift, not income. You likely won’t owe federal taxes, but consult a tax expert if you’re unsure.