West Cook News

The Cook County Board of Commissioners has approved the eligibility criteria for the Cook County Homeowner Relief Fund, a $15 million initiative aimed at aiding homeowners impacted by property tax increases. This fund, managed by the Cook County Bureau of Economic Development, will provide one-time $1,000 payments to eligible households. Applications are slated to open this summer.

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle stated, “It is vital that we provide relief to homeowners throughout the County who are experiencing hardship due to their property tax bills increasing.” This immediate relief is part of broader efforts led by the Property Tax Reform Group, focusing on long-term solutions for property tax reform at state and local levels.

Eligibility for the relief fund requires households to have incomes at or below 100% of the Area Median Income for their size, with a four-person household making up to $119,900 as an example. Applicants must have experienced at least a 50% increase in their property tax bill since the 2021 tax year.

AidKit, Inc. has been chosen to administer the program, creating the application platform, supporting applicants, and distributing payments. A lottery system may be employed if application volume necessitates it.

Commissioner Bridget Gainer emphasized the program’s importance, "Property taxes are rising faster than homeowners’ ability to pay," she noted, expressing pride in the Relief Fund's establishment. The initiative follows a public hearing held in September to directly hear from affected homeowners.

The Homeowner Relief Fund was initially approved by the County Board in October 2024 and incorporated into the 2025 budget six months later.